Reading (1 hour, 15 minutes) comprises 4 parts with 34 questions in total:

Part 1 – 3 texts on one theme with 2 multiple choice questions on each text;
Part 2 – gapped text;
Part 3 – multiple choice;
Part 4 – multiple matching.

There are 6 texts in this paper. For Parts 1, 2 and 3 two marks are given for each correct answer. For Part 4 one mark is given for each correct answer. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) comprise 2 writing tasks:

Part 1 – compulsory task such as newspaper/magazine article, report, proposal letter (180-220 words);
Part 2 – one task selected from a choice of five. In Part 2 candidates choose to write an article, a letter (including letters of reference and application), a report, a proposal, a review, an information sheet, a competition entry, a contribution to a longer piece or an essay (220-260 words) or they can choose a task on a prescribed background reading text. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

In 2009 session one or more of the following texts may be read as preparation for the two optional set text tasks: essay, review, article, report.

• Kingsley Amis Lucky Jim
• John Grisham The Pelican Brief

English in Use (1 hour) comprises 5 parts with 50 questions in total:

Paper 1 – multiple choice cloze;
Paper 2 – open cloze;
Paper 3 – word formation;
Part 4 – gapped sentences;
Part 5 – key word transformations.

For Parts 1, 2 and 3 one mark is given for each correct answer. For Part 4 two marks are given for each correct answer and for Part 5 up to 2 marks are given for each correct answer. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper  click here.

Listening (ca 40 minutes) comprises 4 parts with 30 questions in total:

Part 1 – short extracts;
Part 2 – sentence completion;
Part 3 – multiple choice;
Part 4 – multiple matching.

Each text is heard twice. One mark is given for each correct answer. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

Speaking (15 minutes) comprises 4 parts:

Part 1 – interview;
Part 2 – individual long turns;
Part 3 – collaborative task;
Part 4 – discussion.

The speaking test format is two candidates and two examiners. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper click here.

The oral part of CAE is marked in Poland by experienced and highly trained examiners.

Passing grades - A, B, C

Failing grades - D, E

A - 80 % and above

B - 75% - 79 %

C - 60% - 74%

D - 55 % - 59%

E - 54 % and below

A preparation course is not a requirement for those wanting to register for CAE, although candidates may find it beneficial to prepare for the examination under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You can register for a course in our Teaching Centre in Warsaw and Krakow or other language schools which run preparation courses.

A wide range of books on preparing for CAE is available at most language bookshops in Poland. Preparation materials are also available in the British Council Library.