The first step for students wishing to progress towards the higher levels. KET is an early learning objective, which enables people to acquire a general basic ability in English. It can be achieved after approximately 180-200 hours of study.

Exam content: 1. Reading & Writing (1 hour and 10 minutes), 2. Listening (approximately 30 minutes), 3. Speaking (8 to 10 minutes per pair of candidates)

Tests communicative competence in each of the four language skills at a level approximately two thirds of the way to the FCE. At this level, a learner should be able to cope linguistically in a range of everyday situations, which require use of English in their own or foreign country in contact with native and non-native speakers of the language. About 380 hours of study are required to reach this level.

Exam content: 1. Reading & Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes), 2. Listening (approximately 40 minutes), 3. Speaking (10 to 12 minutes per pair of candidates)

The most widely taken of all the Cambridge ESOL exams. It is an upper-intermediate level examination requiring knowledge of all the language skills. FCE has widespread recognition in commerce and industry, e. g. for public contact or secretarial work in banking, airlines, catering, etc., and in individual university faculties, polytechnics and other institutions. This exam is often taken after approx. 500 to 600 hours of study.

Examination content: 1. Reading (1 hour and 15 minutes), 2. Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes), 3. Use of English (1 hour and 15 minutes), 4. Listening (approximately 40 minutes), 5. Speaking (approximately 14 minutes)

Indicates a high level of competence in English for learners who are reaching a standard of English that is adequate for most purposes, including business and study. It is recognised by the majority of British universities as proof of adequate language skills for courses taught and assessed in English.

Examination content: 1. Reading (1 hour and 15 minutes), 2. Writing (2 hours), 3. English in Use (1 hour and 30 minutes), 4. Listening (approx. 45 minutes), 5. Speaking (15 minutes)

The longest established and highest language qualification in this series. It indicates a level of competence and is recognised by institutions of higher education in many countries, including almost all universities in the United Kingdom. Employers throughout the world also recognise CPE.

Examination content: 1. Reading Comprehension (1 hour 30 minutes), 2. Composition (2 hours), 3. Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes), 4. Listening Comprehension approximately 40 minutes), 5. Interview (average 19 minutes)