What you need to know about the Cambridge exams
The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) exams at the University of Cambridge are tests that assess the knowledge of non-native speakers of English. These English language certificates are known worldwide, they are recognized by a multitude of Universities, Institutions and companies and have great international recognition and prestige. So much so that the University of Cambridge has been evaluating and examining English language skills around the world for more than 150 years and every year more than 3 million people from 135 countries take the Official Cambridge Exams.
Cambridge exam What are they?
The Cambridge English tests are a set of English certification exams, each of which awards a specific certificate with indefinite validity. Each of the Cambridge exams assesses a specific level of English, so you have to take the Cambridge online placement test to be able to choose which exam is right for you.
What are the different exams that Cambridge offers?
They are mainly divided according to the interested public and adapt to their age and interests, therefore there are 3 versions.
- Cambridge English Qualifications Schools - Exam for Children and Adolescents
- Cambridge English Qualifications General and higher education - General English Exam
- Cambridge English Qualifications Business - Business Exams
Cambridge English Qualifications Schools
These tests are specially designed for children and young people between 7 and 12 years old, the Cambridge Assessment English - Young Learners (YLE) exams are available in three levels (Starters, Movers and Flyers) that motivate children to work while their progress is monitored. Each exam is carefully designed to consolidate the skills developed at the previous level and lay the foundation for future success.
- Pre A1 Starters, previously known as Cambridge English: Starters (YLE Starters), is the first of the three Cambridge exams aimed at children, the main intention is to motivate them to learn English from an early age and to assume a positive attitude towards the exams. The child at this level enjoys basic English content on the Internet as well as books, songs, television and movies in English
- A1 Movers, formerly known as Cambridge English: Movers (YLE Movers), is the second of the three Cambridge Assessment English - Young Learners (YLE) exams. These tests introduce children to written and spoken English every day and are a great way to gain confidence and improve their English. It certifies level A1 (Beginner) within the Common European Framework.
- A2 Flyers, formerly known as Cambridge English: Flyers (YLE Flyers), is one of our Cambridge English qualifications. It is the third activity-based English tests for children. The student is already able to understand simple sentences as well as to communicate in familiar situations. You can interact with English speakers who speak slowly and clearly. It certifies level A2 (Elementary) within the Common European Framework.
After the 3 tests for children there are evaluations for older or younger children, raised with vocabulary according to age. These are:
- A2 Key for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge Key English Test for Schools (KETFS), is one of our Cambridge English scores. It is an exam for students of school age and the student is already able to understand or use basic phrases and expressions, talk about himself and interact easily with others. Certifies level A2 of CEFR.
- B1 Preliminary for Schools, formerly known as Preliminary English Test for Schools (PETFS), is one of our Cambridge English scores. This test shows that students have mastered the basics. Read simple texts and articles, as well as being able to write letters or emails on everyday topics. Certifies level B1
- B2 First for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge First Certificate for Schools, (FCEFS). It shows that a student has the language skills they need to communicate in an English-speaking environment. You can communicate effectively, expressing opinions. He is able to write reports, stories and texts according to convenience. Certifies level B2 of
- C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), this is a test of high-level achievement in English and the ideal qualification for students preparing for university or professional life. Certifies level C1 of
- C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is the highest Cambridge English qualification, proof that you are a highly competent English speaker. It shows that you can communicate fluently and efficiently. It certifies the C2 level of CEFR.
Cambridge English Qualifications General and higher education
- A2 Key, formerly known as Cambridge Key English Test (KET), This entry-level qualification tests the ability to use English to communicate in simple situations. Understand and use basic phases in oral or written language. Interact with a basic level. Certifies level A2 of CEFR.
- B1 Preliminary, formerly known as the Preliminary English Test (PET), demonstrates that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. At this level you can already read simple books and articles, as well as write letters and reports on everyday topics. Give your opinion in meetings or entertainments effectively. Certifies level B1
- B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), is designed for students with an upper intermediate level of English. It is the most popular of the Cambridge exams, because it is usually the minimum level required by university programs in English-speaking countries. A B2 First qualification demonstrates that you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study in courses taught in English. You will be able to communicate effectively, write and write well. Certifies level B2
- C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge Advanced Certificate (CAE), is the penultimate of the Cambridge exam suite. This exam is commonly accepted by UK universities for advanced study programs. At this level, you can express yourself fluently, participate in meetings, seminars, or academic tutorials with confidence, and express yourself more effectively. Certifies the C1 (Advanced) level of CEFR.
- C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge Proficiency exam (CPE), is the highest level exam in the Cambridge English exam suite. Obtaining this certification shows that a student masters English at a near native level and can study or work in any type of circumstance in English. It certifies the C2 level of CEFR.
Cambridge English Qualifications Business
There are three Cambridge English qualifications for business. Each is targeted at a different level. The content of each exam is based on daily work and business tasks and is designed to develop your business English skills.
- B1 Business Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary), can demonstrate that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional or business context. You are able to talk about business topics, understand graphics, write emails and have phone conversations. Certifies level B1
- B2 Business Vantage, formerly known as Cambridge Business Vantage (BEC Vantage). It shows employers that the level of English is adequate for doing business internationally. Intervene in meetings, as well as write commercial messages and reports among other things. Certifies level B2
- C1 Business Higher, formerly known as Cambridge Business Higher (BEC Higher), is the highest of Cambridge English qualifications. Show that you have the language skills to communicate effectively at the managerial and professional level and express yourself with a high level of fluency. Certifies level C1
What is the duration of each test?
Pre A1 Starters: about 45 minutes. A1 Movers: approximately 1 hour. A2 Flyers: approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. A2 Key: about 2 hours. B1 Preliminary: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. B2 First: about 3.5 hours. C1 Advanced: about 4 hours. C2 Proficiency: about 4 hours.
Do you know the advantages of the Cambridge Exams?
Cambridge exams have the particularity that there is a specific exam for each level of English, which if successfully passed certifies that level of English. Each of the qualifications targets a particular level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and is used around the world to assess the linguistic ability of assessed individuals.
Cambridge English qualifications are a mark of excellence, trusted by thousands of universities, employers and governments around the world. Your students will be able to use them to travel, apply for jobs, or get a place at an international university. Exam content is constantly reviewed to make sure it is appropriate for your students, based on the latest research.
The Cambridge exam is one of the most recognized worldwide. These exams are not only among the best and most reputable English certifications, but they have also become a prerequisite for entering a university or finding a job.
There are several calls per year; You can show up when it suits you best and the most prepared you feel. There are many official exam centers in Spain and around the world. This exam certifies your level of English in the four main language skills. That is, reading, writing, speaking and writing. The results are available in approximately 14 days. They are presented as a clear report showing the level in each of the four competencies.
Cambridge degrees are tests based on a specific level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and do not have an expiration date. If you want more information about the Cambridge exams you can contact us or visit our Blog where we have information about this and other certifications in English and other languages.