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.

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?
No it is not possible to register after the end of the registration period.

Can I take an English examination if I have hearing or visual difficulties, dyslexia or suffer from other specific learning difficulties?
Yes, we are able to administrate the examination for you. Please contact us at the same time as registration with medical evidence which we will forward to Cambridge. You will later be told what arrangements we have made.

Is it possible to be transferred from one session of an English exam to a different one?
No, your entry is obligatory, so it cannot be transferred 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?
If candidates are unable to sit their exams due to medical reasons, or special family circumstances they may receive an exam voucher to be used for the same exam within a year. Written requests must be made to the British Council’s examinations department. The letter should be accompanied by a doctor’s note or other official evidence. Requests should be sent within two weeks after the exam. Refunds are not given.

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.

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.

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. Do not lose this code because it will not be issued again.

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%.

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.