Cambridge CAE - Certificate in Advanced English

What is CAE?

Cambridge English: Advanced (known as Certificate in Advanced English - CAE)is a high-level language qualification in English for demanding professional and academic situations.

Who is CAE for?

It provides an in-depth assessment of your ability and fluency at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which tells employers, colleges and universities that you can

Why choose CAE?

More than 12,000 employers, universities and colleges, government departments and other organisations around the world rely on Cambridge English language exams.

Employers count on Cambridge English: Advanced for recruitment because the exam features real-life language skills for use in the professional world.

Universities and colleges rely on it for admitting students because they know candidates with a Cambridge English: Advanced certificate already have the academic language skills they need for studying at degree level.

Candidates choose Cambridge English: Advanced because it is globally recognised and will help them with their ambitions for work and study.

Teachers recommend Cambridge English: Advanced to their students because of its high-quality assessment and free online support available for both candidates and teachers.

The exam

CAE covers all four language skills

plus a use of English component which tests knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with two examiners and you will take your test with one or to other candidates, making the test more realistic and reliable.

Each of the five papers carries 20% of the total mark.

1. Reading - 1 hour 15 minutes

Shows you can deal confidently with different types of texts.

2. Writing - 1 hour 30 minutes

Requires you to be able to write a variety of different items such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews.

3. Use of English - 1 hour

Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms in the right situation, at the right time.

4. Listening - 40 minutes

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials such as lectures, speeches and interviews.

5. Speaking - 15 minutes

Tests you ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations.

When you contact ILSF you will be given sound advice. Our expert team can also give you information about dates and locations of future tests.

Most participants take preparation courses, before they apply for the test, but this is not mandatory.