FAQs - Cambridge Exams - British Council

	Frequently asked questions

Did not find an answer to your question here? Read through the exams pages or email your query to us.

		Do I need to attend a course if I want to take an English examination?

	No, it is not necessary to take a course. It is up to the candidates where and how they prepare for the exams.

		Where and for how long is my English examination certificate valid?

	The University of Cambridge examinations in English as a foreign language have earned widespread international recognition. The certificates are valid for life.

		What are the pass marks for the Cambridge examinations in English?

	To pass an examination with grade C it is necessary to achieve approximately 60% of the total marks available for FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher and ILEC. With KET, PET and BEC Preliminary the minimum for pass is 70%.

		Is it possible to be transfered from one session of an English exam to a different one?

	No, your entry is obligatory, so it cannot be transfered from one examination sitting to a later one or to a different level of the examination.

		What if I am ill on the day of the English exam?

	50% of the fee will be refunded, provided that a request for the refund is accompanied by a statement from a medical practitioner. This statement should specify the reasons why the candidate was unable to sit the examination. You have to deliver this statement not later than 7 days after the examination.

		Is the use of dictionaries allowed during the English exam?

	No. Any candidate using or attempting to use a dictionary or spell-checker will be disqualified.

		How and when do the candidates get their results of the English exam and their certificates?

The results will be available online from the dates given on the Results page. Candidates will be able to access their results on the Cambridge ESOL website using an identification number and code issued by the relevant exam centre. Candidates who do not have access to the online results can obtain their results by post upon request.

Certificates must be collected in person at the exam centre or patner library, respectively. Please bring your candidate number and ID.

		Is it possible to see what mistakes I made in my English exam?

	No, because all question papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL in the UK. Candidates' answers and other work done by the candidates as part of an examination remain the property of Cambridge ESOL and will not be released to candidates, schools or administering centres.

		Do I have to start with the lowest level of the English examinations?

	No, it is up to you to choose which level of examination suits your needs and knowledge.

		Can I still register for an English examination after the end of the registration period?

	Yes, you can register late, but apart from the price of the examination you will be obliged to pay a late entry fee. Late entry fees are published on the exams pages of this website in time for late registration, so do come back.

		Can I take an English examination if I have hearing or visual difficulties, dyslexia or suffer from other specific learning difficulties?

	We can provide a Special Arrangements service for our candidates, for example those with hearing or visual difficulties. There is also a range of modified materials that can be provided for candidates with special requirements. More information can be found here.

		What happens when I don't achieve a passing grade? Will I still get a certificate?

A candidate who performs particularly well in the exams can get credit at a higher level on the CEFR. For example, candidates who get grade A in 'Cambridge English: Advanced' receive a 'CAE' certificate indicating that they are at C2 level.

Candidates can also receive credit for their English language skills, even if they do not achieve a passing grade. So a candidate who does not get enough marks for a grade C in 'Cambridge English: Advanced' can still be awarded a certificate showing performance at level B2 if they show this level of ability in the exam.

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