Cambridge ESOL exams

The Cambridge ESOL exams are amongst the world's best-known qualifications for learners of English. The exams cover all four language skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing – and assess the candidates' ability to use a variety of structures and functions in authentic situations. The Cambridge general English exams are available at five levels.

How do Cambridge General English exams compare with the Common European Framework levels?

Key English Test (KET – level 1)

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.

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

Key English Test for Schools (KET – level 1)

The first step for pupils aged 11 to 14 years old wishing to progress towards the higher levels. KET is an early learning objective, which enables pupils to acquire a general basic ability in English. It can be achieved after approximately 180-200 hours of study. The difference between KET and KET for School exam is in the content and treatment of topics that have been particularly targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils.

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

Preliminary English Test (PET – level 2)

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.

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

Preliminary English Test for Schools (PET – level 2)

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 pupil 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. The difference between PET and PET for School exam is in the content and treatment of topics that have been particularly targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils (age group 11 to 14).

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

First Certificate in English (FCE – Level 3)

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), 2. Writing (1 hour and 20 minutes), 3. Use of English (45 minutes), 4. Listening (approximately 40 minutes), 5. Speaking (approximately 14 minutes)

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE – Level 4)

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 (1 hour and 30 minutes), 3. Use of English (1 hour ), 4. Listening (40 minutes), 5. Speaking (15 minutes)

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE – Level 5)

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 (1 hour 30 minutes), 2. Writing (2 hours), 3. Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes), 4. Listening (approximately 40 minutes), 5. Interview (average 19 minutes)