Types of exams
Cambridge English Language Assessment provides the world’s most valuable range of exams and qualifications for learners and teachers of English.
Cambridge English exams are accepted by over 13,500 universities, employers and governments around the world. For further detailed information about the recognition, please refer to the following page :
Please follow the Exam dates calendar for current exams, dates and prices.
Cambridge English: Young Learners- YLE
Cambridge English Young Learners English Tests (YLE)
is a series of fun, motivating English language tests, aimed at children in primary and lower secondary education.
Cambridge English: Young Learners tests are the first steps of a child’s language learning adventure. They make learning English enjoyable and encourage progress.
The three tests give children a good foundation in learning international English.
The tests:
- include familiar and enjoyable activities, such as drawing, colouring and conversation
- are designed to appeal to children, with attractive designs and colourful pictures
- are quick to take – for example, Cambridge English: Starters can take less than 45 minutes
Cambridge English: YLE
is designed to motivate children and give them lots of confidence to use their English.
The test:
- is based on familiar topics and situations
- develops the skills they need to communicate in English.
There are three activity-based tests that give children a clear path to improve their English:
- Cambridge English: PRE A1 Starters
- Cambridge English: A1 Movers
- Cambridge English: A2 Flyers
What is in the test?
Starters:
- Listening (20 minutes)
- Reading and Writing (20 minutes)
- Speaking (5 minutes)
Movers:
- Listening (25 minutes)
- Reading and Writing (30 minutes)
- Speaking (7 minutes)
Flyers:
- Listening (25 minutes)
- Reading and Writing (40 minutes)
- Speaking (9 minutes)
General English
Cambridge English: A2 Key
is a basic level qualification that shows you can use English to communicate in simple situations. It shows you have made a good start in learning English.
There are two versions of A2 KET available: A2 KET and A2 KET for Schools. Both follow exactly the same format and the level of questions is identical. The only difference is that the topics in KET for Schools targets the interests and experience of school students.
A2 KET is at the A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Who should take A2 KET?
- You have basic English skills
- You can understand simple written English
- You can communicate in familiar situations
- You can understand short notices and simple spoken directions
Exam components:
Reading and Writing: 1 hour 10 minutes
You will need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. Candidates also have to fill gaps in simple sentences and write a short piece of around 25 words.
Listening: 30 minutes
You need to show your ability to understand announcements and other spoken material when spoken reasonably slowly.
Speaking:up to 10 minutes
You will need to demonstrate you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Speaking tests are normally held with two candidates.
Results:
Reading and Writing accounts for 50 % of the total marks for KET, Listening and Speaking each account of 25%.
Pass with Distinction – Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond A2 Level.
If you have achieved a Pass with Distinction, you will receive the Key English Test certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B1.
Pass with Merit or Pass – If you have achieved Pass with Merit or Pass in your exam, you will be awarded the Key English Test certificate at Level A2.
If your performance is below Level A2, but falls within Level A1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at A1 level.
Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary
is an intermediate level qualification. It shows you are able to use your English language skills for work, study and travel. PET is an exam for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level.
There are two types of B1 Preliminary exam. B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools. Both follow the same format and level of question with the only difference is that the content and treatment of topics in PET for Schools has been modified to target the interests and experience of school pupils.
Why should take B1 Preliminary?
B1 Preliminary exam is for you if you can:
- Deal with everyday events
- Read simple textbooks or magazine articles
- Write letters on familiar subjects
B1 Preliminary is at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR
Exam components:
Reading and Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
You need to be able to read texts from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. You will need to show you can use vocabulary and structure by completing tasks such as writing a short message, story or a letter of around 100 words. You will also have to complete and exercise involving changing the meaning of sentences
Listening: 30 minutes:
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of recorded spoken material, including announcements and discussions about everyday life. You need to be able to follow the attitudes and intentions of the speakers.
Speaking: 10-12 minutes
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs. You have to show your spoken English by taking part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about your likes and dislikes.
Results:
Reading and Writing accounts for 50 % of the total marks for KET, Listening and Speaking each account of 25%.
Pass with Distinction – Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B1 Level. If you have achieved a Pass with Distinction, you will receive the Preliminary English Test certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B2.
Pass with Merit or Pass – If you have achieved Pass with Merit or Pass in your exam, you will be awarded the Preliminary English Test certificate at Level B1.
If your performance is below Level B1, but falls within Level A2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at A2 level.
Cambridge English: B2 First
B2 First is an exam for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level. It is an ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes.
Who should take B2 First?
- Understand texts from a wide variety of sources
- Use English to make notes while someone is speaking in English
- Talk to people about a wide variety of topics
- Understand people talking in English on radio or television programmes
B2 First is at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At this level you would expect the user to be able to:
- Understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
- Keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
- Produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
Exam components:
Reading: 1 hour
You will need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
You will have to show you can produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay.
Use of English: 45 minutes:
Your use of English will be tested by tasks, which show how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening: 40 minutes
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements
Speaking: 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking Test with another candidate or in a group of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidates and by yourself.
Results:
Each part of the exam accounts for 20% of the total marks.
Cambridge English: First – Level C1
Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level. If you achieve a grade A in your exam, you will receive the First Certificate in English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.
Cambridge English: First – Level B2
If you achieve grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the First Certificate in English at Level B2.
Level B1 certificate
We believe it is important to recognise your achievement, even if you do not reach Level B2. If your performance is below Level B2, but falls within Level B1, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B1.
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced
is a high-level qualification that is officially recognized by universities, employers and governments around the world.
C1 Advanced is set at C1 level which is the second highest on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. C1 is the level of English required for demanding academic and professional settings. It shows that you are highly proficient in English.
This qualification proves that you have mastered English and you are well placed in dealing with complicated academic and professional tasks in English. C1 Advanced certificate will empower you to:
- Follow any academic course at university level
- Communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
- Participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
- Carry out complex and challenging research
- Stand out and differentiate yourself
Exam components:
Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text.
Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes:
Requires you to be able to write a variety of different items; such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews./
Use of English: 1 hour:
Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms in the right situation, at the right time.
Listening: 40 minutes:
Requires being able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials; such as lectures, speeches and interviews.
Speaking: 15 minutes:
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the test with one or two other candidates.
Results
Cambridge English: Advanced – Level C2
Grade A – Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond C1 level. If you have achieved a grade A in your exam, you will receive the Certificate in Advanced English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2.
Cambridge English: Advanced – Level C1
Grade B or C – If you have achieved grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the Certificate in Advanced English at Level C1.
Level B2 Certificate
If your performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B2 level. On the back of your certificate you will find additional information about your exam and Can Do statements for CEFR Levels C2, C1 and B2.
Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency
is our most advanced qualification. It proves you have achieved an extremely high level in English.
Cambridge English: Proficiency is set at Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching this level means you can:
- study demanding subjects at the highest level, including postgraduate and PhD programmes
- negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings
- understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
- talk about complex or sensitive issues
- write confidently on any subject.
Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
Exam components:
Reading and Use of English- 1 hour 30 minutes
– 7 parts/53 questions – Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and manuals.
Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes
-2 parts- Requires you to be able to write a variety of text types, such as essays, reports and reviews.
Listening – about 40 minutes
– 4 parts – 3 questions – Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as lectures, speeches and interviews.
Speaking – 16 minutes per pair of candidates.
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations.
Results:
Cambridge English: Proficiency – Level C2
Grade A, B or C – If you have achieved grade A, B or C in your exam, you will receive the Certificate of Proficiency in English at Level C2.
Level C1 Certificate
If your performance is below Level C2, but falls within Level C1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at C1 level.
On the back of your certificate you will find additional information about your exam and Can Do statements for CEFR Levels C2 and C1.
Business English
Cambridge English: Business Certificates
also known as Business English Certificates (BEC), are a suite of three English language qualifications for international business.
Cambridge English: B1 Business Preliminary
also known as Business English Certificate (BEC) Preliminary, is the first of the three certificates. It is an intermediate level exam.
Exam components:
Reading and Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes – Reading: 7 parts, Writing: 2 parts
Shows you can read and understand the main points from graphs or charts, messages and emails, and can use vocabulary and structure correctly. You are also required to be able to produce two short pieces of writing: an internal communication, such as a note or a message, and some business correspondence, such as an email or a letter.
Listening – about 40 minutes
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including interviews and discussions about everyday life.
Speaking – 12 minutes
Shows your spoken English as you take part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about your opinions, for example, when discussing business-related topics. Your Speaking test will be face-to-face with one or two other candidates.
Results:
Pass with Distinction
Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B1 Level. If youhave achieved a Pass with Distinction, you will receive the Business English Certificate Preliminary stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B2.
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary – Level B1
Pass with Merit or Pass – If you have achieved a Pass with Merit or Pass in your exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Preliminary at Level B1.
Level A2 Certificate
If your performance is below Level B1, but falls within Level A2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at A2 level.
Cambridge English: B2 Business Vantage
also known as Business English Certificate (BEC) Vantage, is the second of the three certificates. It is an upper-intermediate level exam.
Exam components:
Reading – 1 hour, 5 parts
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as business publications and correspondence.
Writing – 45 minutes, 2 parts
Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, proposals and emails.
Listening – about 40 minutes, 3 parts
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and presentations.
Speaking – 14 minutes, 3 parts
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.
Results:
Cambridge English: Business Vantage – Level C1
Grade A – Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level. If you have achieved a grade A in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Vantage stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.
Cambridge English: Business Vantage – Level B2
Grade B or C – If you have achieved grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Vantage at Level B2.
Level B1 Certificate
If your performance is below B2 level, but falls within Level B1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B1 level.
Cambridge English: C1 Business Higher
also known as Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher, is the third of the three certificates. It is a high level exam.
Exam components:
Reading – 1 hour, 6 parts
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text.
Writing -1 hour 10 minutes, 2 parts
You need to be able to write a variety of different items such as memos, letters, emails, reports and proposals.
Listening – about 40 minutes, 3 parts
You need to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as presentations, interviews and discussions.
Speaking – 16 minutes, 3 parts
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. Your Speaking test will be face-to-face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.
Results:
Cambridge English: Business Higher – Level C2
Grade A – Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond C1 level. If you have achieved a grade A in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Higher stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2.
Cambridge English: Business Higher – Level C1
Grade B or C – If you have achieved grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Higher at Level C1.
Level B2 Certificate
If your performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B2 level.
