What LanguageCert does

LanguageCert is a UK-based language testing and certification brand operated by PeopleCert Qualifications Ltd (UK company number 09620926), ultimately owned by PeopleCert Holdings UK Ltd and headquartered at 192 Sloane Street, London. The company delivers internationally recognised English language proficiency exams across a portfolio of products including LanguageCert Academic (higher education admission and visa), LanguageCert General, International ESOL, ESOL for Schools, ESOL Young Learners (Fox/Owl levels for ages 7-12), the Secure English Language Test (SELT) for UKVI, the LanguageCert Test of English (LTE, CEFR A1-C2), LanguageCert for Transport for London (B1), the LanguageCert Test of Classical Greek (LTCG), and LanguageCert USAL esPro (Spanish, co-developed with Universidad de Salamanca). Examinations are regulated by Ofqual and Qualification Wales and approved by UK Visas & Immigration, the Australian Department of Home Affairs, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and Irish immigration authorities; the LTE was recognised by France Compétences in June 2024 for CPF government funding eligibility (RS code RS7106). Exams are accepted by 2,500+ institutions worldwide and delivered in 200+ countries and territories.

The underlying technology stack centres on PeopleCert's proprietary exam delivery platform and ExamShield, a remote live invigilation system using a desktop client paired with a mobile app that performs AI-assisted passport ID checks and microchip scanning, system-integrity verification, and continuous live monitoring. Computer-based exams use adaptive testing that adjusts question difficulty in real time, and results are issued as digital badges the same day alongside a secure online verification service for employers and institutions. Products are delivered through two complementary channels: a global Test Centre network and a 24/7 direct-to-consumer online booking path with registration permitted up to four hours before test time.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time candidate exam fees (for example, US$252 for the LTE 4 Skills assessment), wholesale voucher sales to partner Test Centres and language schools, referral fees paid to channel partners under promo-code and voucher schemes, and royalties or licensing revenue linked to the French CPF funding scheme (managed in conjunction with Procertif and the Caisse des Dépôts). Ancillary revenue is earned on official practice materials and preparation books. The go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer online bookings, channel partner programmes (Test Centre, Voucher Scheme, Referral Scheme), and enterprise relationships with universities, governments, and language schools; secondary reach is established through membership in ALTE, English UK, BALEAP, and NAFSA. The broader PeopleCert Group reports approximately 950 employees as of the end of 2025 and, in 2025, completed the acquisition of City & Guilds Limited.

Name

LanguageCert

Legal name

PeopleCert Qualifications Ltd

Website

https://languagecert.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

LanguageCert, a brand of PeopleCert Qualifications Ltd (UK), delivers internationally recognised English language proficiency exams aligned to CEFR A1-C2 for university admission, visa applications (UKVI, Australian DHA), and professional certification. Exams are accepted by 2,500+ institutions, delivered through test centres in 200+ countries and online via the ExamShield remote-proctoring platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Exam Fees: Direct revenue from candidates taking LanguageCert exams (Academic, General, SELT, ESOL, LTE, Young Learners, Classical Greek) through online booking or test centres. Fees vary by exam type and delivery method (paper, computer-based, online with proctoring).
2. Voucher Sales to Partners: Wholesale voucher sales to Test Centre partners who resell to candidates, generating revenue through volume pricing differentials.
3. CPF Funding Partnership (France): Partnership with Procertif for data reconciliation between LANGUAGECERT, approved training partners, and Caisse des Dépôts for French government CPF funding scheme eligibility.
4. Book and Preparation Materials: Sale of official practice materials, qualification handbooks, and preparation books for exam candidates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LanguageCert develops, sells, and administers internationally recognised English language proficiency exams — including LanguageCert Academic, General, International ESOL, ESOL for Schools, ESOL Young Learners, SELT (UKVI-approved), LTE (A1-C2), and a Test of Classical Greek — delivered through a global Test Centre Network in 200+ countries and via its proprietary ExamShield online remote-proctoring platform. Exams are designed for university admission, immigration/visa compliance, professional certification, and school-aged learners, with results aligned to the CEFR scale.

Product overview

LanguageCert is an internationally recognized language certification business operating under PeopleCert Qualifications Ltd. The portfolio comprises multiple distinct exam products: LanguageCert Academic (university admission), LanguageCert General (work/general purposes), LanguageCert International ESOL (study/general purposes), LanguageCert ESOL for Schools (ages 12-16), LanguageCert ESOL Young Learners (Fox and Owl levels for ages 7-12), LanguageCert SELT (UKVI-approved visa testing), LanguageCert Test of English LTE (A1-C2 professional English with CPF recognition in France), LanguageCert for TfL (B1 transport sector), LanguageCert Test of Classical Greek LTCG (A1-B1 classical Greek), and LanguageCert USAL esPro (Spanish with Universidad de Salamanca). Exams are delivered via two platforms: the global Test Centre Network (paper/computer-based in 200+ countries) and LanguageCert Online Exams (remote live invigilation using proprietary ExamShield technology). Results are recognized by UKVI, Australian Department of Home Affairs, NZQA, and Ireland for visa purposes, and LTE is eligible for French CPF funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LanguageCert Academic High-stakes, multi-level English test designed for university entrance and higher education admission. Approved by UK Home Office (UKVI) and Australian Department of Home Affairs for visa purposes.
• LanguageCert General English language test for general purposes and work, assessing proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills aligned to CEFR levels.
• LanguageCert International ESOL ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualification for study and general purposes, internationally recognised for academic and immigration purposes.
• LanguageCert ESOL for Schools English language qualification designed for school-age learners aged 12–16, aligned to CEFR levels for secondary school students.
• LanguageCert ESOL Young Learners English language qualification for young learners aged 7–12, available in Fox (pre-A1) and Owl (A1) levels with specially designed age-appropriate content.
• LanguageCert SELT (Secure English Language Test) UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test for UK visa and immigration purposes, accepted by the Home Office for all visa categories requiring proof of English proficiency.
• LanguageCert Test of English (LTE) English language test for professional purposes covering all four language skills (listening, reading, writing, speaking) across CEFR levels A1 to C2. Recognised by France Compétences for CPF funding eligibility (RS code RS7106).
• LanguageCert for TfL English language test at B1 level specifically designed for Transport for London (TfL) requirements.
• LanguageCert Test of Classical Greek (LTCG) Three-level (A1, A2, B1) classical Greek language test assessing reading comprehension and language use. Designed for students, universities, and those interested in classical Greek language and culture.
• LanguageCert USAL esPro Spanish language qualification developed in partnership with Universidad de Salamanca (Cursos Internacionales) for general and professional development purposes.
• LanguageCert LTE Writing (A1-C2) Standalone writing component of the LTE test, assessing candidates' ability to produce extended text in formats such as reports, articles, or reviews at any CEFR level from A1 to C2.

Quantifiable outcome

• Results available in 2-5 business days depending on exam format
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

AI capability4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ProcertifcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024Partnership with Procertif in France for data reconciliation between LANGUAGECERT, approved training partners, and Caisse des Dépôts. Ensures smooth and transparent certification process for candidates and partners under the French CPF government funding scheme.
• Language Schools and Training OrganisationscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal network of language schools and training organisations delivering LANGUAGECERT exams as approved Test Centres. Partners can organise paper/computer-based tests, resell vouchers, or earn referral fees.
• ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)minorOthersProud member of ALTE, an association of language testers in Europe committed to maintaining and promoting quality standards in language testing and assessment.
• English UKminorOthersProud member of English UK, the national association for English language teaching organisations.
• BALEAPminorOthersProud member of BALEAP, the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes.
• NAFSA: Association of International EducatorsminorOthersProud member of NAFSA, the world's largest non-profit association dedicated to international education.
• Universidad de SalamancacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCursos Internacionales de la Universidad de Salamanca is a single shareholder company of Universidad de Salamanca, providing Spanish language exams (LanguageCert USAL esPro) through this partnership.
• Ankara Üniversitesi (TÖMER)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTÖMER is a registered brand of Ankara Üniversitesi, providing Turkish language testing services through this partnership.
• UK Visas & ImmigrationcoreOthersApproved provider of Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for UKVI, enabling visa, settlement, and British citizenship applicants to meet Home Office English language requirements.
• Australian Department of Home AffairscoreOthersLANGUAGECERT Academic approved by Australian DHA for use as part of all visa categories requiring proof of English proficiency.
• New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)coreOthersAccepted by NZQA for admission into all programme levels for international students studying in New Zealand.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Oxford Test of English (Oxford University Press): Oxford University Press's online adaptive English test for academic and professional certification. Direct competitor in the computer-adaptive, fast-result English testing segment targeting higher education institutions.
• Cambridge English (Cambridge Assessment English): Provider of C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, B2 First, and Linguaskill assessments. Direct competitor in CEFR-aligned English certification, particularly for academic admission and high-stakes professional certification, and notably the former employer of much of LanguageCert's senior leadership.
• Aptis (British Council): British Council's flexible English assessment for organisations, educators, and governments. Direct competitor in computer-delivered English testing for institutional and workforce certification use cases.
• Trinity College London (ISE / GESE): British awarding body offering Integrated Skills in English (ISE) and Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE). Direct competitor in the ESOL/English certification space, with overlap in school-age and academic admission use cases.
• IELTS (British Council / IDP Education / Cambridge Assessment): The dominant global English proficiency test for study, work, and migration, jointly owned by British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment. Direct competitor in the same SELT/immigration and academic-admission use cases that LanguageCert serves.
• TOEFL (Educational Testing Service / ETS): Long-established US-based English proficiency test, widely accepted by universities and previously by UKVI. Direct competitor for high-stakes academic and immigration English certification, with overlapping institutional acceptance footprint.
• Pearson PTE Academic: Pearson's computer-based English test accepted by UKVI, Australian DHA, and major universities. Direct competitor in the same computer-delivered, fast-result, AI-scored high-stakes English testing segment.

Emerging players

• Duolingo English Test: Lower-cost, AI-proctored online English test priced around $59 with rapid results. An emerging disruptive peer offering on-demand remote delivery that competes with LanguageCert's online/LTE products on price and convenience.

Regional players

• CELPIP (Paragon Testing Enterprises): Canadian English proficiency test used for Canadian immigration (IRCC) and professional designation. Regional competitor serving the same immigration English-testing use case but limited geographically to Canadian pathways.

Broad incumbents

• TOEIC (Educational Testing Service / ETS): ETS's workplace English proficiency test used globally by employers for staffing decisions. Broad incumbent offering overlapping corporate/workforce English assessment use cases that LanguageCert's LTE product targets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LanguageCert