The University of Cambridge is at the origin of ten English diplomas : Young Learners , Key English Test , Preliminary English Test , First Certificate , Advanced , Proficiency , BEC (Business English Certificate), etc. These are English certifications that test the 4 linguistic skills (oral and written comprehension as well as oral and written expression), they are certifications which are valid for life while most of its competitors are valid for 2 years.
Cambridge English exams: why are they so special?
The University of Cambridge is known and recognized around the world as one of the 5 most prestigious universities. It is the source of around ten English diplomas : Young Learners, Key English Test, Preliminary English Test, First Certificate, Advanced, Proficiency, BEC (Business English Certificate) , BULATS , etc.
With 5 million English tests taken each year in around 100 countries, Cambridge has established itself as a leader.
Recognized by universities and many companies all over the world, Cambridge certifications can become a real asset to your career.
Cambridge exams: What characteristics?
- The Cambridge exams assess the 4 language skills:
- oral and written comprehension
- oral and written expression
- Types of Cambridge exams : each exam targets a specific audience and level of English : A1 (Young Learners) to C2 (Proficiency) on the CEFR European scale .
- Cambridge exams validity : valid for life
- Duration of Cambridge exams : approximately 1 day as these exams assess 4 skills, they require more preparation than most other English certifications.
- Cost of Cambridge exams : between € 90 and € 260 depending on the exams, the higher the level, the longer and therefore more expensive.
Cambridge exams: Which exam for my level of English?
YLE (Young Learners English)
The YLE is a series of 3 Cambridge exams aimed at children: young learners = young learners. These exams are very popular, especially in bilingual schools.
YLE: Why pass it?
- To accurately and impartially assess the level of children.
- To gradually accustom children to examination situations.
- To encourage learning English and motivate candidates.
YLE: How old is it (s) to spend?
These exams are intended for children from 7 to 12 years old. The YLE exists in three versions (starters, movers, flyers) of increasing level. What do these reviews have in common? The graphics, the questions, are suitable for children! It is generally estimated that starters are aimed at children who have completed 100 hours of English lessons, movers 175 hours and flyers 250 hours.
To arrange an exam session, contact the nearest Cambridge center .
KET (Key English Test)
The KET validates an A2 level on the CECRL level scale .
The KET ( Key English Test ) is the 1st in a series of 5 Cambridge University exams. There are two versions, one for adults and the other for teenagers, called
“KET for Schools”. Like all Cambridge exams , the KET tests the 4 basic language skills: understanding, reading, writing and speaking.
- Duration of the KET : approximately half a day.
- Cost of the KET : around 110 € (depending on the exam centers)
To arrange an exam session, contact the nearest Cambridge center .
PET (Preliminary English Test)
The PET allows you to validate a B1 level on the CECRL level scale .
The PET (preliminary english test) is the 2nd level in the series of 5 Cambridge University exams intended either for adults or adolescents (PET for schools). Like all Cambridge exams , the PET tests the 4 basic language skills: understanding, reading, writing and speaking.
- Duration of the PET : about half a day
- PET cost : 110 €
PET sessions are organized at least 2 months in advance with the nearest Cambridge approved center .
FCE (First Certificate English)
The FCE validates a B2 level on the CECRL level scale .
The First Certificate ( FCE ) is the 3rd in the series of 5 English diplomas from the University of Cambridge, it is the level required by most of the grandes écoles in France (engineering schools, business schools, etc. .).
Successful completion of the FCE (First Certificate in English ) guarantees an “Autonomous” level ideal for those who want to work or study in an English-speaking country and / or be able to communicate with ease. It is the oldest of the Cambridge exams (hence its name “first”), the most frequently taken and the best known internationally.
- Duration of the FCE : about 1 day
- Reading comprehension: 1 hour
- Written expression: 80 minutes
- Oral comprehension: 45 minutes
- Oral expression: 15 minutes in pairs
- Cost of the FCE : 195 €
The FCE sessions are organized at least 2 months in advance with the nearest Cambridge approved center .
CAE (Certificate Advanced English)
The CAE validates a C1 level on the CECRL level scale .
The CAE (certificate advanced english) is the 4th in the series of 5 English diplomas from the University of Cambridge, at this level candidates must be able to use the resources of the English language with flexibility and efficiency in a large number of contexts. personal and professional. They must be able to grasp the meaning of long and demanding texts; express themselves with ease and spontaneity without too much searching for their words.
- Duration of the CAE : approximately one day
- Reading comprehension: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Written expression: 2 hours
- Listening comprehension: 40 minutes
- Oral expression: 20 minutes (in pairs).
- Cost of CAE : 210 €
CAE sessions are organized at least 2 months in advance with the nearest Cambridge approved center .
CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)
The CPE allows to validate a level C2 on the CECRL level scale .
The CPE ( Certificate in Proficiency in English ) is the last of the 5 English diplomas offered by the University of Cambridge, which makes it the most difficult diploma and one of the only ones positioned at this level.
At this skill level, Proficiency candidates (as it is called) are almost bilingual: they understand everything, they know how to talk about everything with perfect fluency, they express themselves spontaneously without error, use more complex sentence structures, comfortable with idioms (expressions), etc.
- Duration of the CPE : about a day
- Reading comprehension: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Written expression: 2 hours
- Listening comprehension: 40 minutes
- Oral expression: 20 minutes (in pairs).
- CPE cost : 250 €
CAE sessions are organized at least 2 months in advance with the nearest Cambridge approved center .
