Cambridge English Qualifications are internationally recognised exams that assess a person’s ability to use English in real-life situations. They evaluate four main skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each exam corresponds to a level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from basic to proficient English.
There are four main Cambridge English exams between A2 and C2: A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Each one represents a different stage in a learner’s English language development.
A2 Key (KET)
Level: A2 KEY – Basic English (Adult)
Level: A2 KEY – Basic English (Schools)
A2 Key is designed for learners who can communicate in simple, everyday situations. It demonstrates that a student can understand and use basic English for familiar topics, such as family, shopping, school and daily routines.
The exam assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking. Candidates are expected to understand short texts, write simple messages, follow basic conversations and answer questions about themselves.
Who is it for? It is suitable for students who have developed a basic knowledge of English and want to demonstrate their ability to communicate in everyday situations.
B1 Preliminary (PET)
Level: B1 – Intermediate English (Adult)
Level: B1 – Intermediate English (Schools)
B1 Preliminary shows that a learner can deal with everyday situations independently. At this level, students can understand the main points of clear conversations and texts, describe experiences, express opinions and write simple connected texts.
The exam includes reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks that test practical communication skills. For example, candidates may need to write an email, understand a conversation or discuss familiar topics with another person.
Who is it for? It is ideal for learners who want to become more independent users of English and prepare for more demanding studies or work situations.
B2 First (FCE)
Level: B2 – Upper-Intermediate English (Adults)
Level: B2 – Upper-Intermediate English (Schools)
B2 First demonstrates that a learner can communicate confidently and effectively in a wide range of situations. Candidates should be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts, participate in discussions, express opinions clearly and produce detailed written work.
The exam tests all four language skills and includes tasks such as reading and understanding different types of texts, completing language exercises, writing essays or reports, listening to conversations and giving spoken answers.
This qualification is often useful for students who want to study in English, apply for certain jobs or demonstrate a solid level of language proficiency.
Who is it for? It is suitable for learners who can use English independently and want to develop the skills needed for academic, professional and social communication.
C1 Advanced (CAE)
Level: C1 – Advanced English
C1 Advanced is designed for learners who have a high level of English and can communicate fluently, flexibly and effectively. Candidates must understand demanding texts, recognise subtle differences in meaning, express complex ideas and use a wide range of vocabulary and grammar accurately.
The exam assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking through challenging tasks. These may include writing essays, reports or reviews, understanding extended speech, analysing texts and discussing abstract or complex topics.
C1 Advanced is widely recognised by universities, employers and educational institutions. Many universities accept it as evidence of English proficiency, although specific requirements vary.
Who is it for? It is ideal for students preparing for higher education in English, professionals who need advanced communication skills and learners who want to demonstrate a high level of fluency.
C2 Proficiency (CPE)
Level: C2 – Proficient English
C2 Proficiency is the highest level of the Cambridge English Qualifications range. It demonstrates an exceptional command of English, allowing learners to communicate with a very high degree of accuracy, fluency and sophistication.
Candidates must be able to understand almost everything they read or hear, summarise information from different sources, recognise subtle meanings and express themselves precisely in complex situations. They are also expected to use vocabulary, grammar and style effectively for different audiences and purposes.
The exam includes demanding reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks that require excellent language control and comprehension.
Who is it for? It is suitable for highly proficient English users who need to demonstrate an advanced command of the language for academic, professional or personal goals.
Comparing the Cambridge English Exams
| Exam | CEFR level | General ability |
|---|---|---|
| A2 Key (KET) | A2 | Communicate in simple, everyday situations |
| B1 Preliminary (PET) | B1 | Handle familiar situations independently |
| B2 First (FCE) | B2 | Communicate confidently in a wide range of contexts |
| C1 Advanced (CAE) | C1 | Use English fluently and effectively in demanding situations |
| C2 Proficiency (CPE) | C2 | Demonstrate a highly sophisticated command of English |