Gerry Rylance graduated from Lancaster University in the UK with a degree in English Language and Literature before arriving in Spain in 1979 to teach English as a Foreign Language, preparing candidates to sit the Cambridge First Certificate and Proficiency examinations. He began collaborating as Speaking Examiner with the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate in the late 1980’s, going on to occupy the position of Local Secretary for the province of Cádiz.

He is currently Director of Exams Cádiz and Centre Examinations Manager of the Cambridge English Platinum Examinations and Teaching Qualifications Centre ES391. Over the past ten years he has been involved in the trialing and rolling out of computer-based examinations and more recently the introduction of the new multi-level web-based Linguaskill test, both in its face-to-face format and using remote proctoring.

“I am a firm believer that language teaching and assessment go hand in hand to produce a practical learning path. Together they provide students with clear objectives, encouragement and reward for the time and effort invested as they progress towards their next goal. On the other hand, when it comes to any selection process the Common European Framework can now provide academic institutions and future employers with a standard pan-European certification that accredits practical ability in each of the four language skills in each of the languages of the UE”.