Choosing an English course can feel overwhelming. There are self-paced courses, one-to-one lessons and exam preparation programmes – and every one of them sounds useful. The choice becomes simple once you answer two honest questions: what is your English level now, and what do you want to do with your English?
This guide takes you through both, compares the three main formats, and gives you a checklist and FAQs so you can decide with confidence. We use examples from EBC Idiomas’ own courses to show how it works in practice.
Step 1: Know your level before you compare formats
English courses are usually organised by the CEFR scale:
- A1-A2: beginner – everyday basics
- B1-B2: intermediate – independent, everyday and work situations
- C1-C2: advanced – fluent, precise, professional use
If you are not sure where you sit, that is normal. Many learners underestimate or overestimate their level. Look for a course that states its starting level clearly and offers a way to check yours.
EBC Idiomas maps its self-paced courses directly to these levels: Beginner A1-A2, Intermediate B1-B2 and Advanced C1-C2. Each has a set entry point, so you can start where your English actually is.
Step 2: Name your goal in one sentence
Write it down. “I want to pass Cambridge B2 for university.” “I want to speak confidently in meetings.” “I want to chat easily with locals on holiday.” A clear goal tells you which format you need – and, just as importantly, which you do not.
Step 3: Understand the three main formats
Self-paced courses
Self-paced courses give you structured lessons and let you study whenever it suits you, with no fixed class times. They suit learners who are disciplined, prefer to move at their own speed, and want to cover grammar, vocabulary and the four skills in a steady order.
EBC Idiomas’ “Master English” courses are self-paced and teacher-assessed. You work through the lessons online, then take a final exam marked by an EBC teacher and receive a downloadable certificate aligned with your CEFR level. This format suits self-starters and anyone building a foundation.
Teacher-led private lessons
Private lessons pair you with a teacher one-to-one. The content is tailored to your level and goals, and you get immediate feedback on your speaking and writing – the two skills most learners cannot practise alone.
EBC Idiomas offers private lessons from A1 to C2, in blocks of 10, 25 or 50 classes, with flexible scheduling subject to teacher availability. There are also specialist options aimed at real workplace situations, such as professional communication skills for secretaries, receptionists and customer service staff, English for finance and business, presentations in English and interview preparation. This format suits learners with a specific, urgent need and limited time.
Trinity and Cambridge exam preparation
Exam preparation courses target a specific qualification and follow that exam’s format. They suit learners who need a recognised certificate for study, a visa or a job.
EBC Idiomas is a Trinity College London training centre and prepares students for Trinity ISE (Foundation through ISE III), Trinity GESE (grades 1-12) and Cambridge exams such as B1 Preliminary, B2 First and C1 Advanced. The value here is exam familiarity: you practise the actual task types and timing rather than general English alone.
Comparing the three formats
| Self-paced course | Private lessons | Exam preparation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Building a foundation at your own speed | A specific, urgent speaking or writing need | Earning a recognised certificate |
| Teacher contact | Assessed by a teacher at the end | One-to-one in every class | Teacher-led and exam-focused |
| Schedule | Fully flexible | Flexible, subject to teacher availability | Planned around exam dates |
| Pace | You set it | Teacher adapts to you | Driven by the exam syllabus |
| Proof of level | EBC certificate aligned to CEFR | Progress tracked with your teacher | Trinity or Cambridge qualification |
| Example at EBC Idiomas | Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced courses | Private lessons (10, 25 or 50 classes) | Trinity ISE and GESE, Cambridge B1-B2-C1 |
Questions to ask before you enrol
Before you pay for any course, ask:
- What level does this course start at, and how will my level be checked?
- Is there a real teacher, and how much contact do I get with them?
- How is my progress assessed, and do I receive a certificate?
- How flexible is the schedule, and what happens if I fall behind?
- Is the exam fee included, or is it separate?
- What exactly is included in the price, and are there hidden extras?
- What is the refund or transfer policy if the course is not right for me?
A provider that answers these clearly is a provider worth trusting.
Match the course to your goal
Work. If you need English for your job, choose private lessons or a business-focused course. Options like EBC Idiomas’ professional communication, finance, presentation and interview courses target the exact situations you face.
Travel. If you want to feel comfortable abroad, a self-paced course builds the vocabulary and confidence, and private lessons add speaking practice for real conversations.
Study. If you need English for university or an academic milestone, exam preparation is the priority – check which qualification your institution or programme accepts.
Personal goals. If you are learning for enjoyment or confidence, a self-paced course fits around your life, with private lessons added when you want to focus on speaking.
Your decision checklist
- I know my current CEFR level (or the course includes a level check)
- My goal is written down in one sentence
- I have chosen a format that matches that goal
- The course states its teacher support and assessment clearly
- The price is clear, with no hidden extras
- The schedule fits my week realistically
- The certificate or qualification is accepted where I need it
FAQs
Do I need to know my CEFR level before I start?
It helps, but it is not essential. Look for a course with a clear starting level, or ask the provider to help you check.
Can I combine formats?
Yes – and many learners do. A self-paced course builds the foundation while private lessons add speaking practice.
How long does a course take?
Self-paced courses fit your own timeline. Private lessons run for the number of classes you book. Exam preparation is usually planned backwards from your exam date.
What is the difference between Trinity and Cambridge exams?
Both are recognised qualifications. Trinity ISE and GESE focus on speaking and integrated skills, while the Cambridge B1-B2-C1 exams test all four skills together. Choose the one your school, employer or visa requires.
Is a certificate worth it?
A certificate gives you a clear record of your level. Whether it is required depends on your goal – it matters much more for study, work and visas than for everyday practice.
What if I choose the wrong level?
Ask the provider before you buy. A good course will tell you its entry level and help you adjust.
Final thoughts
The right English course is the one that matches your level and your goal – not the one with the longest feature list. Start with your level, name your goal, then choose the format that fits it. If you are comparing options, EBC Idiomas’ courses page lists every course with its level and format so you can see what fits.