Cambridge English Qualifications are internationally recognized English language qualifications.
These examinations are administered by Cambridge English, a department of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, and assess the four key language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Each qualification is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the international standard for describing language proficiency.
The qualifications are available at a range of levels from Pre-A1 to C2, allowing learners from beginner to advanced levels to set goals and demonstrate achievement at each stage of their language learning journey.
Cambridge English Qualifications are recognized by thousands of educational institutions, employers, and government organizations worldwide, and may be used for a variety of purposes, including higher education admissions, employment, and immigration applications.
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an internationally recognized standard used to describe and measure language proficiency.
It classifies language ability into six levels:
C2 – Can understand and express themselves fluently and accurately in almost all situations.
C1 – Can use English fluently and effectively on a wide range of complex topics.
B2 – Can communicate independently in both everyday and professional contexts.
B1 – Can communicate appropriately in familiar everyday situations.
A2 – Can use basic expressions and engage in simple communication.
A1 – Can use very basic expressions and engage in simple communication.
The CEFR is widely used around the world as a common framework that helps teachers, learners, and language professionals understand the level and difficulty of language qualifications.
It also provides employers and educational institutions with a convenient way to compare proficiency levels across different English language examinations.
| Level (CEFR) | Exam | Reading / Use of English | Writing | Listening | Speaking | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | A2 Key | 60 min (Reading & Writing combined) | Included | ~30 min | 8–10 min | 1h 40–45m |
| B1 | B1 Preliminary | 45 min | 45 min | ~30 min | 10–17 min | 2h 10–17m |
| B2 | B2 First | 1h 15m | 1h 20m | ~40 min | 14 min | 3h 15–20m |
| C1 | C1 Advanced | 1h 30m | 1h 30m | ~40 min | 15–23 min | 3h 55m–4h 03m |
| C2 | C2 Proficiency | 1h 30m | 1h 30m | ~40 min | 16–24 min | 3h 56m–4h 04m |
We want you to feel as prepared as possible for Cambridge English Qualifications. Watch the video below for 10 top tips from our Cambridge team.
No. All examinations must be taken using equipment provided by the test center.
No. The Speaking Test is conducted directly by an Examiner.
Examination results are provided through the Cambridge English system.