Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE)

Difficulty level: C1 / advanced

Who is it for?
If you can communicate with confidence in English for work or study purposes, this is the exam for you. C1 Advanced is taken by more than 60,000 people each year in more than 60 countries.

C1 Advanced is one of the Cambridge exams.

What is The C1 Advancedtest like?
The test has four sections:

  1. Reading & Use of English - 90 minutes
  2. Writing - 2 tasks , 90 minutes
  3. Listening - 40 minutes, 30 questions
  4. Speaking - interview, normally with another candidate, 15 minutes

Score
A, B, C (pass), D, E or U (fail)
CAE pass is accepted for entry to some universities.

The Reading and Use of English section counts for 40% of the marks.

The Writing, Listening & Speaking sections each count for 20% of the marks.

You will receive a Statement of Results. If your performance ranges between CEFR Levels B2 and C2, you will also receive a certificate.
Pass grades:
Grade A (C2), Grade B (C1), Grade C (C1)

If you do not pass, but still do reasonably well you are issued a B2 certificate.

Level
Advanced. Click here to see a comparison of CAE with other exams.

Paper-based or computer-based exams
You can do The C1 Advancedexam on a computer or on paper.

When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. The C1 Advancedtest can be taken most months in either paper-based or computer-based format. Not all test centres will administer both types of test.

How much does it cost to take CAE?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around €150 euros.