What is the CAE?
CAE is an advanced exam set at level C1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Who is the CAE for?
CAE is suitable for students who can communicate with confidence in English for work or study purposes. CAE is ideal if you want to work or study abroad or to develop a career which requires language skills.
Who administers the test?
Cambridge ESOL
How do I register?
To register for the exam, you need to contact an authorised Cambridge ESOL exam centre - entries cannot be made directly to Cambridge. The centre will give you full information about the fees for taking CAE, the dates of the tests and other arrangements.
When can I take the test?
Three times a year, March, June and December.
How is the test scored?
Each section is worth 20% of the total mark.
There are 3 pass grades (A, B and C).
Certificates are awarded to those who achieve these grades.
D or E grades haven't reached the required standard and therefore do not receive certificates.
Cambridge ESOL mark and grade the tests and the results are sent back to the centres.
How long is my qualification valid for?
Cambridge ESOL CAE certificates are valid for life.
Where can I take the test?
In over 130 countries worldwide - check the website for details.
How is the test structured?
|
Section |
Assessment |
Duration |
Percentage |
|
Reading |
Four parts with 34 questions in total.
Three short texts sharing broad theme. Two multiple choice questions testing comprehension.
One long gapped text, six gaps to fill and seven paragraph length options.
One long text, seven multiple choice questions testing detailed understanding.
Single page of text, 15 questions to match with relevant information from the text. |
1 hour, 15 minutes |
20% |
Writing |
Has two parts:
|
1 hour, 30 minutes |
20% |
Use of English |
5 parts, 50 questions in total
12 gaps to fill, four options given for each gap
15 gaps, choose own words to fill gaps.
10 gaps, form appropriate word from a given stem word to fill each gap.
Five questions, each question made up of three discrete sentences, each with a gap to fill that is appropriate in all three sentences.
Eight questions, each with a complete sentence and a response sentence which you complete using a given key word. |
1 hour |
20% |
Listening |
Four parts, 30 questions
Three short unrelated extracts; exchanges between interacting speakers; two questions per text
A monologue; testing specific information and stated opinion.
A conversation between interacting speakers
Five short themed monologues. Two linked tasks, requiring selection from list of eight options. |
40 minutes (approx.) |
20% |
Speaking |
Four parts:
|
15 minutes (approx.) |
20% |






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