Is CPE for you?

Can you:

• use English to give advice on, or talk about complex or sensitive issues?
• understand the finer points of documents, correspondence and reports?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then CPE is the right exam for you.
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Why should you take CPE?

Recognition

CPE is recognized by thousands of educational organizations, employers, government agencies and immigration bodies throughout the world.

Real-life applications

The language you learn in preparation for CPE will help you to:

• understand English in the majority of places you encounter it;
• express yourself fluently in a wide variety of contexts, using the English in a similar way to native speaker;
• prepare for study or work abroad.

What does CPE test?

CPE shows a student can use English to almost native-speaker level. It is the fifth and final level Cambridge ESOL exam. It is at level C2 (proficiency) of the Common European Framework.

The exam has four papers:

• Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes): showing students’ ability to deal with different types of text;
• Writing (1 hour 30 minutes): writing two texts from a range of different genres, for example, an essay, a proposal or a report;
• Listening (40 minutes): understanding a range of different texts from different genres, such as lectures, speeches, and interviews;
• Speaking (15 minutes, taken with one or two other students): producing spontaneous spoken language, alone or in conversation with another person.

Read more about Proficiency (CPE) on the Cambridge website (in English).  

Is PET for you?

Can you use English to:

• deal with everyday events?
• read simple textbooks or magazine articles?
• write letters on familiar subjects?
• take notes in a meeting?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then PET is the right exam for you.

Why should you take PET?

Recognition

PET is recognized by thousands of educational organizations, employers, government agencies and immigration bodies throughout the world.

Real-life applications

The language you learn in preparation for PET will help you to:
• understand books, films and music in English;
• speak to and understand native and non-native English speakers at a basic level;
• travel;
• prepare for study or work abroad.

What does PET test?

PET shows a student can use English for everyday social and study purposes. It is the second level Cambridge ESOL exam.
It is at level B1 (intermediate) of the Common European Framework.

The exam has three papers:
• Reading and Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes): understanding information like signs, magazines and newspapers; completing short sentences using correct grammar; writing a short letter or story;
• Listening (30 minutes): understanding announcements, interviews and other spoken language used in everyday life;
• Speaking (10-12 minutes, taken with one or two other students): asking and answering simple questions and talking about their everyday lives.

Read more about Preliminary (PET) on the Cambridge website (in English).

What makes PET for Schools different to PET?

The PET for Schools certificate is the same as the PET certificate awarded to adults. The only difference is the kind of topics included in the exam, which are more appropriate and accessible to school-age students.

Is CAE for you?

Can you:

• use English in an effective way for business or study?
• use English confidently and flexibly?
• produce well-structured, clear pieces of writing on complex issues?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then CAE is the right exam for you. Return to top of page

Why should you take CAE?

Recognition

CAE is recognized by thousands of educational organizations, employers, government agencies and immigration bodies throughout the world.

Real-life applications

The language you learn in preparation for CAE will help you to:
• understand books, films and music in English with confidence;
• speak to and understand native and non-native English speakers with a wide range of accents from around the world;
• travel;
• express yourself fluently in a wide variety of contexts;
• prepare for study or work abroad.

What does CAE test?

CAE shows a student can use English to a high-enough level to study or work in an English-speaking environment. It is the fourth level Cambridge ESOL exam. It is at level C1 (advanced) of the Common European Framework.

The exam has five papers:

• Reading (1 hour 15 minutes): understanding four different types of text;
• Writing (1 hour 30 minutes): writing two texts from a range of different genres, for example an essay, a proposal or a report;
• Use of English (1 hour): testing students’ understanding and use of grammar and vocabulary;
• Listening (40 minutes): understanding a range of different texts from different genres, such as news and everyday conversations;
• Speaking (15 minutes, taken with one or two other students): producing spontaneous spoken language, alone or in conversation with another person.

Read more about Advanced (CAE) on the Cambridge website (in English).

Is FCE for you?

Can you use English to:

• 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?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then FCE is the right exam for you.

Why should you take FCE?

Students will work towards a certificate that is recognized by thousands of educational organizations, employers, government agencies and immigration bodies throughout the world.

Real-life applications

The language students learn in preparation for the exam will help them to:
• understand books, films and music in English;
• speak to and understand native and non-native English speakers from around the world;
• travel;
• prepare for study or work abroad.

What does FCE for Schools test?

FCE for Schools shows a student can use English to a high-enough level to study or work in an English-speaking environment.
It is at level B2 (upper intermediate) of the Common European Framework.
The exam has five papers:
• Reading (1 hour): understanding three different types of text;
• Writing (1 hour 20 minutes): writing two texts: a letter, and another text from a range of possible choices;
• Use of English (45 minutes): testing students’ understanding and use of grammar and vocabulary;
• Listening (45 minutes): understanding a range of different texts, from different genres such as news and everyday conversations;
• Speaking (10-12 minutes, taken with one or two other students): producing spontaneous spoken language, alone or in conversation with another person.

Read more about First (FCE) for Schools on the Cambridge website (in English).

What makes FCE for Schools different to FCE?

The FCE for Schools certificate is the same as the FCE certificate awarded to adults. The only difference is the kind of topics included in the exam, which are more appropriate and accessible to school-age students.