Cambridge English Qualifications for Adults

Cambridge English Qualifications are a series of English-language exams for non-native English speakers produced by a department of the University of Cambridge in England. The exams cover a range of needs and levels, and are internationally recognised by many schools, companies and universities.

This page lists Cambridge English qualifications for adults, which test all four English language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. They can be paper-based or digital (but note that the Speaking test is always face-to-face).

All of the Cambridge English exams are done on a pass/fail basis. Those who pass receive a certificate that does not expire (unlike the popular IELTS certificate, which is valid for two years).

Each exam is aligned with a specific level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). You can use the handy online Cambridge placement test to help you decide which Cambridge exam is the right level for you.

Cambridge English qualifications for adults are shown below.

Although Cambridge English also offer many of the same or similar qualifications for schools, the school versions are not covered on these pages.

Cambridge English general and higher education qualifications

There are five levels:

  • A2 Key—for candidates with an elementary level of English
  • B1 Preliminary—for candidates with an intermediate level of English
  • B2 First—for candidates with an upper-intermediate level of English
  • C1 Advanced—for candidates with an advanced level of English
  • C2 Proficiency—for candidates with a near-native level of English

A2 Key – CEFR level A2

The Cambridge English A2 Key exam is designed for students at an elementary level of English.

CEFR level: A2

Number of papers: 3

Exam length: About 2 hours

Exam format: digital or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English KET (Key English Test)

B1 Preliminary – CEFR level B1

The Cambridge English B1 Preliminary exam is designed for students with intermediate English.

CEFR level: B1

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Exam format: digital or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English PET (Preliminary English Test)

B2 First – CEFR level B2

The Cambridge English B2 First exam is designed for students with upper-intermediate English skills.

CEFR level: B2

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 3.5 hours

Exam format: digital or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English FCE (First Certificate in English)

C1 Advanced – CEFR level C1

The Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam is designed for students with advanced-level English skills. It is usually accepted by universities in the UK for advanced study programs.

CEFR level: C1

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 4 hours

Exam format: digital or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)

C2 Proficiency – CEFR level C2

The Cambridge English C2 Proficiency exam is designed for students with near-native level English skills. As the highest-level exam in the Cambridge English exam suite, it proves that a student can study or work in any English-language setting.

CEFR level: C2

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 4 hours

Exam format: digital or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English CPE (Certificate of Proficience in English)

Cambridge English business qualifications

Formerly known as Cambridge English BEC (Business English Certificate)

The Cambridge English business qualifications are designed for professionals who wish to develop their English language skills to communicate effectively in an international workplace.

There are three levels:

  • B1 Business Preliminary—for candidates with an intermediate level of English
  • B2 Business Vantage—for candidates with an upper-intermediate level of English
  • C1 Business Higher—for candidates with an advanced level of English

B1 Business Preliminary

The B1 Business Preliminary certificate demonstrates to employers that you have mastered the basics of everyday business English.

CEFR level: B1

Number of papers: 3

Exam length: About 2 hours 20 minutes

Exam format: computer or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English BEC Preliminary

B2 Business Vantage

The B2 Business Vantage qualification demonstrates to employers that you will be able to work successfully in international business.

CEFR level: B2

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 2 hours 40 minutes

Exam format: computer or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English BEC Vantage

C1 Business Higher

The C1 Business Higher qualification demonstrates to employers that you have an advanced level of Business English and are ready to operate confidently at senior levels.

CEFR level: C1

Number of papers: 4

Exam length: About 3 hours

Exam format: computer or paper-based

Formerly known as: Cambridge English BEC Higher

Reference and further reading: