Pretests

Before any tasks or questions are included in a live examination, they are pretested on candidates of a suitable level. Only when all the material has been checked and Cambridge Assessment is certain that it meets the correct standard, is it used in actual question papers. Cambridge Assessment works with numerous extensively trained examiners to set, administer, and mark the exam papers.

Examiners

All examiners are accredited by Cambridge English Language Assessment. They work in teams, led and closely supervised by highly experienced examiners who co-ordinate the examining to ensure that standards remain consistent. Speaking Tests are conducted by locally-based examiners who examine candidates face-to-face. All written exam papers are returned to Cambridge for assessment

As examiners mark the scripts, their work is continuously monitored and checked by senior examiners.

Exam Centers

Before any school or other institution can become an approved Cambridge English Language Assessment center, it has to meet rigorous selection criteria. Authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment exam centers to operate according to clearly defined regulations, and Cambridge Assessment carries out regular center inspections to ensure that standards are maintained.
Click here for further information on the Cambridge English Language Assessment exam components, eligibility, fees, registration, the final date for receipt of entries and results.

Marking

All written examination papers are returned to Cambridge English Language Assessment for marking and grading. As trained examiners mark the scripts, their work is continuously monitored and checked by senior examiners.

Grading

There are Pass and Fail grades for the Cambridge Main Suite – KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE. The overall grade is based on the candidate's total score in all the papers.

Results

Five or six weeks after the exam, all candidates will receive an enhanced Statement of Results, showing the relative strengths and Weaknesses of the candidates' performance in each of the papers by means of a graphical profile. The statement will also show a Standardized score out of 100 to give candidates a clearer understanding of their exam performance so that they can determine how Much additional preparation will be needed for their next Cambridge English Language Assessment exam. Certification Successful candidates will receive their Cambridge English Language Assessment certificates approximately 10 weeks after the exam. This certification is valid for life. Candidates who have failed to reach the required standard for the exam do not receive a certificate.

Validity and Recognitio

As a founder member of the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE), the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment Examinations worked closely with other member organizations to develop the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This internationally recognized framework describes language ability on A scale of six levels of proficiency, ranging from A1 (Breakthrough) for beginners to C2 (Mastery) for those who have mastered European language

The Cambridge English Language Assessment Exams are the only certificated exams referred to in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as being specifically aligned to it by a long-term research program. All Cambridge English Language Assessment exams are developed and revised using the framework as a benchmark

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) USES 'Can Do' statements to make it easy for learners to Understand what typical language users can be expected to do in a range of contexts at each level. It also helps to promote the Recognition of certification and the significance of the different qualifications to employers, educational institutions, professional Bodies, and government ministries.

Cambridge English Language Assessment qualifications are officially recognized throughout the world for study, business, and Professional purposes. The certificates are valid for life, and candidates will never have to take the same Cambridge English Language Assessment exams again.

Click here for further information on the Cambridge English Language Assessment exam components, eligibility, fees, Registration, the final date for receipt of entries, and results.
Click here to view the English Language Test Comparison Chart.

Registration

Candidates for the Cambridge English Language Assessment examinations can register with Cambridge Academy of English Headquarters via Overseas Administration offices. The exams can only be administered by authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment exam centers. Entries, which must be accompanied by fees, cannot be sent directly to Cambridge English Language Assessment, UK.

A minimum of 25 candidates is required at each sitting for any one of the Cambridge English Language Assessment exams. Candidates are not allowed to enter for the same exam more than once in the same session. For example, a candidate must not Be entered for both the Tuesday FCE and the Saturday FCE in the same June or December session.

The closing date for registration is at least 10 weeks before the actual exam date. This is to ensure that exam entry Arrangements and Special Arrangements for candidates with a disability or specific learning difficulty can be made in Strict Accordance with the requirements of the Cambridge English Language Assessment examination board. It should be noted that Authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment exam centers may set registration deadlines that are earlier than those published

Payments

Fees for the Cambridge English Language Assessment exams vary according to the exam taken. Candidates must pay the appropriate fees, in cash, Debit Card, or Credit Card, when notified by the authorized Cambridge English Language Assessment exam center and upon registration for the exam (10 weeks in advance).

Click here to contact the Cambridge English Language Assessment Center Exams Manager if you are a walk-in/external candidate or a feeder school representative.

Click here for further information on the Cambridge English Language Assessment exam components, eligibility, fees, registration, the final date for receipt of entries, and results.