Holmes Language Assessment Equivalency Guidelines Introduction

Holmes Language Assessment (HLA) Equivalency Guidelines Introduction

 

Holmes Language Assessment (HLA) assesses the English language proficiency of candidates applying to university in the United Kingdom, Australia and around the world. HLA has been designed specifically for use in the context of university applications and so corresponds to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels B2 to C1.

Test takers are assessed across the four skills areas of speaking, listening, reading and writing. A specific CEFR grade is given for each of these skills, in addition to an overall CEFR grade. The assessment aids institutions in their assessment of a candidate’s ability to undertake courses requiring entry levels of IELTS 5.5 – 6.5 (CEFR B2 – C1).

HLA Grading Equivalency Table
CEFRHLA GradeIELTS
C1C16.5
B2+B2+6.0
B2B25.5
A1-B1+Fail5.0 or lower

HLA Assessment Form Sample

Production

Speaking
RangeAccuracyDeliveryInteractionOverall
C1C1C1B2+C1
Writing
RangeAccuracyCoherenceOverall
C1B2+B2+B2+

Reception

ListeningReading
B2+C1
SpeakingC1
ListeningB2+
ReadingC1
WritingB2+
OverallC1