Frequently Asked Questions.

ASPIRE is an international academic competition designed to assess and promote English language proficiency among students worldwide, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Students enrolled in primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary education, aged 6 to 18, are eligible. Participants are grouped into five age categories (A–E), not by school grade.

No. ASPIRE follows internationally recognised standards comparable to Cambridge-style English assessments, but it is an independent examination, not affiliated with Cambridge or any other exam board.

Registration is done exclusively through your school's ASPIRE Local Coordinator or an accredited local examination centre, since the Local Stage takes place in person at a physical venue.

No. Because the competition is held in person, all participants must register through a partner school or an accredited local examination centre. If your school is not yet a partner, contact us and we can help identify the nearest accredited centre or guide your school through becoming a Local Coordinator.

Contact us directly. We can help you locate the nearest available venue or support your school in becoming an official ASPIRE Local Coordinator.

Fees apply for the Local Stage and vary by country or region. Participation in the National and International Stages is included for qualified participants. Check with your Local Coordinator or contact us for exact pricing in your area.

Yes. Registration deadlines are announced annually and vary by country. We recommend registering as early as possible, as late registrations may not be accepted. See the Competition Calendar for current dates.

The Local and National Stages each consist of three written components: Reading Comprehension, Use of English, and Writing. The International Stage adds Listening and Speaking, for a total of five components.

The Local and National Stages are scored out of 100 points (35 Reading Comprehension, 35 Use of English, 30 Writing). The International Stage is also scored out of 100 points, distributed across all five components.

The highest-ranking participants in each age category qualify for the National Stage, based on criteria set annually by the ASPIRE Organising Committee.

No. The use of mobile phones, smart devices, dictionaries, notes, artificial intelligence tools, or any unauthorised materials is strictly prohibited during the competition and may result in disqualification.

Rankings are established separately for each age category, at every stage of the competition.

Participants may receive Certificates of Participation, Certificates of Achievement, Honourable Mentions, or Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. Special Awards are also given for Best Essay, Best Speaking Performance, Outstanding Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Exceptional Achievement.

Yes. Appeals can be submitted within the period announced by the Organising Committee and are reviewed by an independent Appeals Committee. The Committee's decision is final.