Cambridge Exams
– Are They Right for You? 

In our last post, we wrote about the different types of IELTS exam. However, many students make a different choice: Cambridge English Qualifications exams. But what are these exams, and how are they different from IELTS? 

Types of Cambridge Exam

The two most popular Cambridge exams are the B2 First (also called FCE, its old name) and C1 Advanced (CAE) papers. If you pass these exams, it proves that you have that level of English. 

Other Cambridge exams include A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET) and C2 Proficiency (CPE). The A2, B1, and B2 exams also have ‘School’ versions, which are designed for students under the age of 18. 

At Southbourne School of English, we offer preparation courses for the FCE and CAE papers, so that is what we will focus on in this article, but if you have questions about the other exams, please contact us! 

What is the test format for the Cambridge Exams? 

All of the Cambridge exams are very similar, and test your skills with reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar. Overall, the exam takes about 4-5 hours, with every part happening on the same day. Below is a quick overview of the B2 First and C1 Advanced exam formats. 

The Reading and Use of English exam is split into 7 or 8 parts. The types of questions you have to answer are always the same. For example, Part 1 is always a multiple-choice gap-fill exercise. It tests your understanding of grammar as well as how good your reading skill is. 

The Writing test is in two parts. Part 1 is an essay about a topic you are given, and Part 2 gives you a choice of three different things to write. These could be, for example, a letter, an email, a report, or a review. 

The Listening test is in four parts. Most of them are multiple choice – where you have to choose the right answer – but there is also a task where you must write words that you can hear. 

The Speaking test is done in pairs or (sometimes) a group of three. There are four parts. Some of the parts, you will do alone – answering questions the examiner asks you – and sometimes you will have a conversation with your partner about a topic. 

Exams are marked by grade according to the Cambridge English Scale. There are three grades for each exam: A, B and C, with A being the highest. In fact, if you get a grade A, this means that your level of English is one level higher than the exam! This means that if you get a grade A in the B2 First exam, for example, your certificate will say that you have a C1 level of English. 

What are the advantages of doing Cambridge exams? 

• The grade you get when you take the exam is permanent. You can use it to prove your level of English for the rest of your life. IELTS, for example, is only valid for two years. 

• The exam results are accepted by universities and companies all over the world. 

• Many students find the Cambridge exams to be more interesting than exams like IELTS. 

Are there any disadvantages of doing Cambridge exams? 

The biggest negative of taking a Cambridge exam is that the certificates cannot be used to for visa reasons. If your plan is to move to the UK or another English-speaking country, you must take IELTS or another similar exam. 

How can Southbourne School of English help you with your Cambridge exams? 

Our teachers are experts at preparing students for their Cambridge exam. Every year, students visit our school for our preparation courses, and we have a very high success rate.  

We use modern and interesting materials to help students to understand the format of the exam, as well as improve their English language skills. 

Even if you choose one of our General or Intensive English courses, our teachers and academic staff will work hard to give you the skills that you need to pass your exam. However, your best option is to take one of our Exam Preparation courses. That way, all of your lessons will be particularly focused on the exam structure and key skills necessary to help you pass. 

How long does it take to prepare for a Cambridge exam? 

We recommend that if you want to book one of our Exam Preparation courses, you study with us for at least four weeks, if you are approximately the correct level for the exam you want to take. However, if you are, for example, a B1 level student who wants to take the FCE, it would be best for you to book a longer General or Intensive English course so that you can learn all the grammar and vocabulary necessary to pass the exam. We recommend that you book a course that ends on the date of the exam. 

Where can I take Cambridge exams? 

The B2 First and C1 Advanced exams can be taken in Bournemouth. Every year, there are four or five different dates when you can take the paper-based exam – please contact us for the current exam timetable. You can also choose to do a computer-based exam, which can be taken every month. The paper-based and computer-based exams are exactly the same and you will get the same result. 

Ready to start your journey? 

Explore our courses today or send us a message via our contact form.