Exam English: Cambridge Exams

The world’s most recognised exams and tests.
The Cambridge exams are internationally recognized and widely used for academic and professional purposes. They cover a range of language proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced users, providing a comprehensive framework for language learners to demonstrate their abilities. Each exam is designed to assess specific language skills and is a valuable qualification in its respective proficiency level.
Trusted results for important decisions
More than 25,000 organisations in 130 countries around the world rely on Cambridge’s secure exams and tests as proof of English language ability.
By accepting Cambridge exams and tests, you can gain access to millions of applicants worldwide with the English language skills to succeed in demanding academic and professional environments.
Internationally recognised exams and tests for educational institutions
Cambridge offers the world’s leading exams and tests for college and university admissions. The Cambridge exams can connect you to millions of students around the world.
Globally accepted exams and tests for employers
The ability to communicate well in English is essential for many businesses. Cambridge exams and tests can help you ensure you have the English language skills to perform effectively.
Which leading organisations accept Cambridge English exams and tests?
Colleges and employers that already accept Cambridge exams include, among many, Stanford University, the University of Sydney, King’s College London, Microsoft, Adidas and American Express.
Details showing the format, content and timings for each section of the Cambridge exams.
Cambridge Course Outlines
- Candidate Age Group: Typically for children aged 6–7.
- Skills Assessed: Listening, speaking, reading, and writing at a basic level.
- Purpose: Introduction to English proficiency testing for young learners. It provides a fun and interactive way for children to start engaging with the English language.
- Candidate Age Group: Aimed at children aged 8–10.
- Skills Assessed: Builds on basic skills with more complexity, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Purpose: A continuation from Starters, assessing a wider range of language skills and providing a stepping stone for further language development.
- Candidate Age Group: Taken by children around 9–11.
- Skills Assessed: The highest level among the three, assessing a broader and more advanced range of language skills.
- Purpose: The final step in the series, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of language proficiency. It prepares children for more advanced English language studies.
- Target Candidate: Generally for teenagers and adults.
- Skills Assessed: Listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It tests basic communication skills in everyday situations.
- Purpose: Tests basic communication skills in everyday situations. It’s a beginner-level qualification, indicating the ability to use English in simple contexts.
- Target Candidate: Typically for teenagers and adults.
- Skills Assessed: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It assesses intermediate-level English skills, emphasizing practical communication abilities.
- Purpose: Assesses intermediate-level English skills. It signifies the ability to handle a wide range of straightforward communication tasks.
- Target Candidate: Generally for older teenagers and adults.
- Skills Assessed: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. FCE tests upper-intermediate English skills and is widely recognized for academic and professional purposes.
- Purpose: Tests upper-intermediate English skills. Successful candidates can use English effectively for work or study purposes.
- Target Candidate: Typically for adults.
- Skills Assessed: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. CAE evaluates advanced English skills suitable for academic and professional contexts.
- Purpose: Evaluates advanced English skills. Successful candidates can use English in complex and demanding academic and professional contexts.
- Target Candidate: Typically for adults.
- Skills Assessed: Reading, writing, listening, and speaking. CPE is the highest level of the Cambridge English exams, indicating a high level of English proficiency.
- Purpose: The highest level of the Cambridge English exams, assessing proficiency in English. It indicates a high level of competence and is suitable for academic and professional purposes.