Cambridge English exams
They offer a world-leading range of qualifications and exams:
- Cambridge English Qualifications
- Linguaskill
- IELTS
Its exams and qualifications are accepted by more than 25,000 organizations around the world, and provide the language skills you need to communicate in English and succeed in real life.
Cambridge English Qualifications are exams carefully designed to make learning English effective, rewarding and fun. Its differentiating approach consists of promoting continuous improvement, following a clear process to improve English language skills.
Pre A1 Starters is the first of three Cambridge English qualifications designed for young learners. These tests introduce children to everyday written and spoken English and are a great way for them to gain confidence and improve their English.
The tests are written around familiar themes and focus on the skills needed to communicate effectively in English by listening, speaking, reading and writing.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 20min | 5 parts / 25 Questions 1. Reading short sentences and word recognition. Mark or cross out indicating whether the sentence is true or false (singular and plural words). 2. Read sentences about an image and write yes/no. 3. Use unordered letters to spell the word that corresponds to a picture. 4. Read a text with pictures and choose the missing words. 5. Read questions about a graphic story and write 1-word answers. |
Listening | 20min | 4 parts / 20 Questions 1. Listen to names and descriptions, and draw lines from each name to the person in the drawing. 2. Listen to a recording with numbers and spelling. Write these numbers and words. 3. Listen to specific information of a different nature, and mark the correct box. 4. Listen to a conversation looking for words, colours and prepositions, to then colour the correct object in a picture. |
Speaking | 3-5min | 4 parts (Intro: the candidate is asked the name) 1. Understand and follow spoken instructions. Mark the correct point of an image. Place cards in the drawn scene. 2. Understand and answer questions with short sentences, including a ‘Tell me about…’ question. 3. Understand and answer questions with short sentences, about small images of objects used in the previous part. 4. Understand and answer personal questions, with short answers. |
Cambridge English: A1 Movers is the next step in the child’s learning process, after having done Cambridge English: Pre-A1 Starters. It is an excellent way to help children improve their skills and progress in their level of English.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and Writing | 30min | 6 parts / 35 Questions 1. Read 5 short definitions and match them with words. Write words. 2. Reading a conversation. Choice of the correct answers. 3. Read in order to find specific information and capture the gist (the main idea of a text). Copy words. 4. Reading and understanding a text with images. Choose and copy missing words. 5. Reading a story. Complete sentences writing one, two or three words. 6. Complete sentences, answer questions, write sentences about an image. |
Listening | 25min | 5 parts / 25 Questions 1. Listen to names and descriptions, and draw lines from each name to the person in the drawing. 2. Listen to a recording with words, numbers, and spelling. Write these numbers and words. 3. Listen to a recording with words, names and specific information. Match pictures with words or names. 4. Listen to specific information of a different nature, and mark the correct box. 5. Listen to a conversation looking for words, colours and specific information. Colour and write the word (without drawing). |
Speaking | 3-5min | 4 Parts (Intro: the candidate is asked for name and age) 1. Identify and describe at least 4 differences between two images, with short sentences. 2. Understand the beginning of a story and continue it by following a series of images. Describe each image. 3. The child sees sets of four pictures, where one picture is different from the others. The child has to say which picture is different and explain why. 4. Understand and answer personal questions, with short answers. |
Cambridge English: A2 Flyers is the third step in the child’s learning process, after having done Cambridge English: A1 Movers. It’s the perfect way to show that children can hold their own with everyday English, spoken and written, at a basic level.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and
| 40min | 7 parts / 44 Questions 1. Read 5 short definitions and match them with words. Write words. 2. Reading a conversation. Choice of the correct answers. 3. Read in order to find specific information and capture the gist (the main idea of a text). Copy words. 4. Reading and understanding a text with images. Choose and copy missing words. 5. Reading a story. Complete sentences writing one, two or three words. 6. Complete sentences, answer questions, write sentences about an image. |
Listening | 25min | 5 parts / 25 Questions 1. Listen to names and descriptions, and draw lines from each name to the person in the drawing. 2. Listen to a recording with names, spellings, and other information. Write numbers and words. 3. Listen to a recording with words, names, and detailed information. Match pictures with words or names. 4. Listen to specific information of a different nature, and mark the correct box. 5. Listen to a conversation looking for words, colours and specific information. Colour and write the word (without drawing). |
Speaking | 3-5min | 4 parts Intro: candidate is asked for name and age) 1. Identify and describe at least six differences between two images, based on what the examiner has told you. 2. Answer in a short way. Ask questions to get information. Ask and answer about two people, objects or situations. 3. Understand the beginning of a story and continue it by following the images provided. Describe each image. 4. Understand and answer personal questions, with short answers. |
What level is A2 Key for Schools?
The key exam is located at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The content of this Cambridge exam is aimed at school-age students rather than adults. Reaching this level indicates that the student knows enough English to:
- Understand and use simple phrases and expressions.
- Introduce yourself and answer basic questions about personal details.
- Communicate with English speakers who speak slowly and clearly.
- Write short, simple notes.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and | 1h-10min | 9 parts / 56 Questions Students should be able to read sign text, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. They also need to demonstrate their use of vocabulary and grammar through exercises such as writing a short message or a story or letter of about 100 words. |
Listening | 30 including 8 minutes for writing the answers | 5 parts / 25 Questions The student must demonstrate that she can understand notices and other spoken material when people speak slowly and clearly. Colour and write the word (without drawing). |
Speaking | 8-10 min for each two candidates | 2 parts The student’s ability to participate in a conversation with simple questions and answers is checked. This part of the exam is done with one or two candidates. |
This Cambridge English qualification is at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Passing this Cambridge exam indicates that the student has a sufficient level of English to:
- Read simple textbooks and articles in English.
- Write letters and emails on everyday topics.
- Understand objective or factual information
- Demonstrate understanding of opinions and moods in written and spoken English.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
|
Reading and |
1h-30min |
Reading: 5 parts / 35 Questions Writing:_ 3 parts / 7 questions Students should be able to read sign text, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. They also need to demonstrate their use of vocabulary and grammar through exercises such as writing a short message or a story or letter of about 100 words. |
|
Listening |
36 including 6 minutes to write answers |
4 parts / 25 Questions Students need to demonstrate that they understand the meaning of a variety of spoken materials, including advertisements, interviews, and conversations about daily life. They must also understand the attitudes and intentions of the people speaking. |
|
Speaking |
10-12 minutes for each two candidates |
4 parts Students have to establish a conversation with another candidate or in a group of three, asking and answering questions, and talking about what they like and what they don’t like |
What level is B1 Preliminary?
This degree is located at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching this level indicates that the person who passes the exam has a sufficient level of English to:
- Understand the most important points of instructions or notifications
- Manage in most situations that can be found as a tourist in an English-speaking country.
- Ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations at work.
- Write letters/emails or take notes on topics that are familiar to you.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and | 1h-30min | Reading: 5 parts / 35 Questions Writing:_ 3 parts / 7 questions Demonstrates that the candidate can read and understand the most important points of signs, magazines and newspapers, and that he uses vocabulary and grammatical structures correctly. |
Listening | 36 including 6 minutes to write answers minutos para | 4 partes / 25 Preguntas Se evalúa si el candidato puede seguir y comprender una variedad de materiales hablados, incluyendo avisos y notificaciones y conversaciones sobre temas cotidianos |
Speaking | 10-12 min for each two candidates | 4 parts It analyses how the candidate’s spoken English is when taking part in a conversation asking and answering, and talking about, for example, what she likes and dislikes. The Speaking part takes place in groups of two or three candidates, and with two examiners. |
What level is B2 First for Schools?
This degree is located at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching this level implies that the student can:
- Communicate effectively face to face, giving feedback and presenting arguments.
- Write clear and detailed texts in English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
- Follow the news.
- Write letters, reports, stories, and many other types of text.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
Reading and use of English | 1h-15min | Reading: 7 parts / 52 Questions Students need to be able to understand a variety of texts, including how they are organised and the opinions and attitudes expressed in those texts. The texts come from sources familiar to school-age students, such as magazines, articles, fiction, and advertisements, but focused on the interests of the students. |
Writing | 1h-20min | 2 parts The student must write two texts. The first is compulsory and common to all, and consists of a 140–190 word essay. For the second you can choose between an article, email/letter, essay, review or story of 140–190 words. |
Listening | 40 min prox | 4 parts / 30 Questions This part of the exam evaluates whether the student is able to follow and understand different spoken materials on familiar topics, such as news programs, public announcements and others, always focused on the interests of school-age students. |
Speaking | 14 min for each 2 candidates | 4 parts This part of the exam consists of a face-to-face conversation with one or two candidates and the examiner. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to have a spontaneous conversation, speaking either with the examiner, with the other candidate, or by explaining something themselves. |
What level is B2 First?
This degree is located at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Reaching this level implies that the person:
- Understands the main ideas in complex written texts.
- Can follow a conversation on a wide variety of topics, giving feedback and presenting points of view.
- Is able to write clear and detailed texts, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1h-15min | Reading: 7 parts / 52 Questions The candidate must demonstrate that he can confidently handle different types of written texts, such as fiction, newspapers, and magazines. Your use of English is also assessed with exercises that demonstrate your control of grammar and vocabulary |
Writing | 1h-20min | 2 parts The candidate is asked to write two different types of texts, such as letters, reports, reviews or essays. |
Listening | 40 min prox | 4 parts / 30 Questions This part of the exam requires the candidate to be able to follow and understand different spoken materials such as news programmes, presentations and common conversations. |
Speaking | 14 minutes for each two candidates | 4 parts Here the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively face to face is examined. This part of the exam is done with one or two other candidates. |
| Paper | Time | Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1h-30min | Reading: 8 parts / 56 Questions This part of the exam assesses whether the candidate is comfortable reading different types of texts, such as fiction, newspapers, and magazines. Your use of English is also assessed, with different types of exercises that demonstrate your control of grammar and vocabulary. |
Writing | 1h-30min | 2 parts The candidate must write two different types of texts, such as essays, letters/emails, proposals, reports and reviews. |
Listening | 40 min prox | 4 parts / 30 Questions The candidate’s ability to understand a wide range of spoken material such as interviews, radio shows, presentations, talks and common conversations is assessed. |
Speaking | 15 minutes for each 2 candidates | 4 parts Here the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively face to face is examined. This part of the exam is done with another candidate |
