Cambridge English Language Assessment
Cambridge Assessment English helps millions of people learn English and prove their skills to the world. They provide the world’s leading range of qualifications and tests for learners and teachers of English. Globally recognized by more than 20,000 leading universities, employers and governments, these research-based assessments are a mark of excellence that open doors.
Cambridge Assessment English delivers qualifications and tests in over 130 countries to over 5.5 million people every year. They offer comprehensive preparation, support materials and resources for learning and teaching English which are based on years of research and in-depth understanding of how people learn languages.
Their work is supported around the world by a network of 2,800 exam centers, over 50,000 schools and tens of thousands of examiners, teachers, education experts and publishers.
Exam Overview:
Click here to find overviews and procedures for each level, and type, of test.
Where is this test recognized?
This test is internationally recognized anywhere a B1, B2, or C1 CEFR score is accepted.
Is it accepted by Global Seal of Biliteracy?
Yes! You can earn a Global Seal by achieving these scores in all sections:
Functional Fluency: B1 (140-159)
Working Fluency: B2 (160-179)
Professional Fluency: C1 and above (180 and above)
In order to earn a Global Seal, candidates must meet the minimum score requirement on all sections of the test. View their score chart to see how their scores match up to the CEFR levels.
Is a proctor required?
All Global Seal tests require proof of a proctor. Reach out to the testing company to find more information.
When and Where does this test take place?
There are more than 2,800 test locations in over 130 countries.
What is the cost?
It ranges from $150-195 depending on exam center. Contact your chosen exam center for exact cost.
This is the CEFR score that each score corresponds to:
| Cambridge Score | CEFR Level | Award Level |
|---|---|---|
| 200+ | C2 | Professional Fluency |
| 180-199 | C1 | Professional Fluency |
| 160-179 | B2 | Working Fluency |
| 140-159 | B1 | Fuctional Fluency |
| 120-139 | A2 | Does Not Qualify |
| 100-119 | A1 | Does Not Qualify |
| 80-99 | Pre A1 | Does Not Qualify |
In order to earn a Global Seal of Biliteracy, candidates must meet the minimum score requirement on all sections of the test. Award levels are determined by the lowest skill score.
For more information on the CEFR scale, click the image above.
Test Format
The Cambridge English test is separated into 4 parts and should take around 5 hours to complete. You will be scored on each skill section and receive an overall score. Here is the breakdown of all 4 parts:
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This section consists of 40 questions and takes 30 minutes. You'll listen to a series of audio clips and answer questions based on them. The audio clips can include conversations, monologues, and discussions on various topics.
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This section also consists of 40 questions and takes 60 minutes. You'll be given several passages to read, and you'll have to answer questions based on these passages. The content can range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical texts.
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In this section, you'll be given two tasks to complete and 60 minutes to finish. These tasks assess your ability to write effectively in English. The tasks can include writing an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem, or writing a letter or explaining a situation.
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This section assesses your spoken English skills. It is divided into three parts and includes tasks such as giving a long turn (where you speak for one to two minutes on a particular topic) and participating in a discussion. Overall, it will take 11-14 minutes to complete.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Click below to learn more from the test company.
The IELTS test has been awarded the ALTE-Q mark for CEFR levels A2-C2 for meeting the standards set by the Association of Language Teachers in Europe. Click the image to learn more about these standards.