British Council organises APTIS examination in more than 100 countries globally enabling people to actively and easily demonstrate their English skills. In Albania, we have strict and thorough security procedures including verification process with universities to cross-check every candidate who applies with an APTIS certificate.
TOP Channel aired footage of a false certificate. The name on that false certificate did not appear in our database. Furthermore, the date on the false certificate does not match any date on which APTIS examination took place.
While we understand some individuals can try to forge IDs, licences and documents of any kind, an APTIS certificate is verified directly with British Council and no forged certificate can be of any use to those individuals.
British Council has zero tolerance on fraud issues and take these matters very seriously. That is why we would have appreciated if we were approached prior to airing of this programme as we would help provide absolutely accurate and reliable information to Albanian viewership.
As the programme suggested, there was obviously a criminal act behind the story. We believe it should be reported to authorities immediately, especially having in mind there is video evidence of an individual involved deeply into forgery.
British Council is proud our verification procedure is enabling Albanian people to quickly and securely verify their APTIS certificates. They can always do that with British Council directly and not individuals outside our office. All information regarding the APTIS certification can be found on our website.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. Last year we reached over 65 million people directly and 731 million people overall including online, broadcasts and publications. We make a positive contribution to the countries we work with – changing lives by creating opportunities, building connections and engendering trust. Founded in 1934 we are a UK charity governed by Royal Charter and a UK public body. We receive 15 per cent core funding grant from the UK government. www.britishcouncil.org