General English

A2 Key is the lowest level General English exam in the Cambridge English range. It shows that you can communicate in basic English in everyday situations.

A2 Key for Schools is at the same level as A2 Key and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the exam content is targeted at the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

Level of qualification: Elementary = A2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should take the A2 Key if you have done about 250 hours of study or practice and can speak, write and understand basic English. This exam is the first step in building your English language skills for work or study in the future. To take the exam you should be able to:

• ask and answer questions about yourself and others
• understand announcements and instructions when people speak slowly and clearly
• tell people what you think about something you read or hear.

What is the exam format?

There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

B1 Preliminary exam shows that you can communicate in English in practical, everyday situations. There is a version for schools as well: B1 Preliminary for Schools. B1 Preliminary will give you a good foundation if you want to study for a professional English qualification.

Level of qualification: Intermediate = B1 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

Studying for the B1 Preliminary exam will improve your English so that you can communicate when travelling or dealing with English speakers for work.

To take the exam you should be able to:

• express your likes and dislikes, and discuss them with others 
• understand spoken and written announcements and instructions 
• write a personal letter or take notes from a meeting or discussion.  

How does the exam process work?

There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

B2 First qualification proves that you can speak and write English well enough to work or study in an English-speaking environment. There is a version for schools as well: B2 for Schools. 

Level of qualification: Upper intermediate = B2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should study for the B2 First if you want to work in an English-speaking business, live in an English-speaking country or study a foundation-level or pre-university course taught in English.

To take the exam you should be able to:

• write short reports and emails
• explain an idea or have a detailed discussion in English
• understand general English on TV and in newspapers.

How does the exam process work?

There are four parts to the B2 First exam. You will complete papers Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the speaking with two examiners and one other candidate.

C1 Advanced qualification shows that your English is of a standard expected of a professional business person or an undergraduate university student.

Level of qualification: Advanced = C1 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should take C1 Advanced if you want to prove to employers or universities that you can communicate confidently in English in professional and high-level academic situations. To take the exam you should be able to:

• write complex reports and emails, and take notes in meetings or lectures
• give presentations on complicated ideas in English
• understand a variety of texts, from fiction to newspaper opinion pieces.

How does the exam process work?

There are four parts to the C1 Advanced exam. You will complete papers Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the speaking with two examiners and one other candidate.

C2 Proficiency qualification shows that you have mastered English and can use it fluently in demanding research, academic and professional situations. This is the highest Cambridge English qualification.

Level of qualification: Proficient = C2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam? 

You should take the C2 Proficiency if you want to prove to employers that you can use English at a senior management level, or if you want to study at postgraduate or PhD level at an English-speaking university.

To take the exam you should be able to:

• understand almost everything you hear or read in English
• use and understand formal, academic and colloquial language
• negotiate, argue and discuss the subtle issues of complex subjects.

How does the exam process work?

There are four parts to the C2 Proficiency exam. You will complete papers Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the speaking with two examiners and one other candidate