| KEY FACTS | |
| CEFR level: | C1 |
| Scale score: | 180–199 |
| Test format: | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers: | 4 |
| Exam length: | About 4 hours |
Are you ready for C1 Advanced (CAE)?
C1 Advanced (CAE) is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for.
Preparation for Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries.
The C1 Advanced certificate shows that you can:
- follow an academic course at university level
- communicate effectively at a managerial and professional level
- participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
- express yourself with a high level of fluency.
- it can be taken in both paper-based and computer-based formats
The key distinctions are in the exam format—whether it’s taken with paper and pencil or on a computer—and the timeframe for receiving results. The paper exam usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for results, whereas the Digital version offers a quicker turnaround of 5 to 10 days.
Additionally, the Digital exams offer:
- headphones with volume control for the listening test; durnig paper-based (PB) exams, the recording is played through a speaker
- the writing test has an automatic word count
- in the reading test, you can make notes, highlight text and review your answers
Prepare for C1 Advanced (CAE)
Sign up to prepare for the exam and obtain your first prestigious language certificate.Timetable/Format:
C1 Advanced (CAE) exam is made up of four sections Reading, Use of English, Listening, Writing and Speaking.
You can see exactly what is in each paper below:
| Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes) | 8 parts 56 questions | This part examines your reading proficiency, such as your capability to read for specifics and comprehend how a text is structured, in addition to your understanding and use of a wide range of vocabulary and grammar. |
| Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) | 2 parts | This paper assesses the content, clarity of communication, organization, and language proficiency in your written English. |
| Listening (about 40 minutes) | 4 parts 30 questions | This paper evaluates practical listening abilities, including the skills to grasp overall meaning, extract information, understand opinions, and identify specific details. |
| Speaking (16 minutes per pair of candidates) | 4 parts | This evaluates how well you engage with other speakers, how you structure your thoughts, your pronunciation, and your command of grammar and vocabulary. |
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Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 8
Number of questions: 56
| Part 1 – Multiple-choice cloze A modified cloze containing eight gaps followed by eight 4-option multiple-choice items. See example |
| Part 2 – Open cloze A modified cloze test containing eight gaps. See example |
| Part 3 – Word formation A text containing eight gaps. Each gap corresponds to a word. The stems of the missing words are given beside the text and must be changed to form the missing word. See example |
| Part 4 – Key word transformations Six separate items, each with a lead-in sentence and a gapped second sentence to be completed in three to six words, one of which is a given ‘key’ word. See example |
| Part 5 – text with multiple-choice questions A text followed by six 4-option multiple-choice questions. See example |
| Part 6 – Cross-text multiple matching Four short texts, followed by multiple matching questions. Candidates must read across texts to match a prompt to elements in the texts. See example |
| Part 7 – text with paragraphs missing A text from which paragraphs have been removed and placed in jumbled order after the text. Candidates must decide from where in the text the paragraphs have been removed. See example |
| Part 8 – Multiple matching A text or several short texts, preceded by multiple-matching questions. Candidates must match a prompt to elements in the text. See example |
It takes 1 hour 30 minutes and it consists of two separate tasks.
Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 2
| Part 1 (Compulsory question) Candidates are required to write an essay, between 220 and 260 words, based on two points given in the input text. They will be asked to explain which of the two points is more important and to give reasons for their opinion. See example |
| Part 2 (Situationally based writing task) Candidates have a choice of task. The tasks provide candidates with a clear context, topic, purpose and target reader for their writing. The output text types are letter/email, proposal, report and review. There is also a word limit between 220–260 words. See example |
Recordings may be from, monologues: radio broadcasts, speeches, talks, lectures, anecdotes, etc.; or interacting speakers: radio broadcasts, interviews, discussions, conversations, etc.
Time allowed: About 40 minutes
Number of parts: 4
| Part 1 (Multiple choice) Three short extracts from exchanges between interacting speakers with two multiple-choice questions on each extract. See example |
| Part 2 (Sentence completion) A monologue lasting approximately 3 minutes. Candidates are required to complete the sentences with information heard on the recording. See example |
| Part 3 (Multiple choice) A conversation between two or more speakers of approximately 4 minutes. There are six multiplechoice questions, each with four options. See example |
| Part 4 (Multiple matching) Five short themed monologues, of approximately 30 seconds each. Each multiple-matching task requires selection of the correct options from a list of eight. See example |
There are two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks you questions, gives you the paper with things to talk about, and so on). The other examiner listens to what you say and takes notes.
Time allowed: 15 minutes per pair of candidates
Number of parts: 4
| Part 1 (Interview) A short conversation between the interlocutor and each candidate (spoken questions). See example |
| Part 2 (Long turn) An individual ‘long turn’ for each candidate with a response from the second candidate. In turn, the candidates are given 3 photographs and asked to talk about any 2 of them See example |
| Part 3 (Collaborative task) A two-way conversation between the candidates. The candidates are given spoken instructions with written stimuli, which are used in a discussion and a decision-making task. The conversation is divided into a discussion phase (2 minutes) and a decision phase (1 minute). Candidates are given approximately 15 seconds to initially read the task before starting to speak. See example |
| Part 4 (Discussion) A discussion on topics related to the collaborative task (spoken questions). See example |
Scoring and results:
Each candidate will receive a score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking and use of English). These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. All candidates receive a Statement of Results, and if you are successful in the exam you will also receive a certificate.
Your score for (Reading + Use of English + Writing + Listening + Speaking) ÷ 5 = your exam result!
| Test Score | Grade | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 200–210 | Grade A | C2 |
| 193–199 | Grade B | C1 |
| 180–182 | Grade C | C1 |
| 160–179 | Level B2 | B2 |
A candidate scoring 200 to 210 will receive a grade A and certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level C2. The maximum achievable score is 210.
Candidates with scores from 193 to 199 will receive a grade B.
Those scoring between 180 and 192 will receive a grade C.
These candidates will receive certificate at Level C1.
Candidates who score between 160 and 179 will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating they demonstrated ability at Level B2.
Candidates scoring between 142 and 159 will not receive a certificate, but score will be shown on the Statement of Results
Statement of Results:
The Statement of Results shows the candidate’s:
- Score on the Cambridge English Scale for their performance
- in each of the four exam papers (Reading and Use of English,Writing, Listening and Speaking).
- Score on the Cambridge English Scale for their overall performance in the exam. This overall score is the average of the separate scores given for each of the four skills and Use of English.
- Grade – this is based on the candidate’s overall score.
- Level on the CEFR – this is also based on the overall score.
See sample Statement of Results in PDF: Statement of Results (Download)
Certificate:
If you are well prepared and successful in the exam you will receive C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge certificate which are normally sent to exam centres within three months of the exam.
It shows the candidate’s:
- Score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four exam papers
- Overall score on the Cambridge English Scale
- Grade – this is based on the candidate’s overall score.
- Level on the CEFR
- Level on the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
See sample C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge certificate in PDF: CAE Certificate (Download)
Exam preparation:
Self-study in CAE exam preparation is very important. Consider these methods to make your learning experience more tailored to you:
Handbook
free learning resources to prepare for C1 Cambridge English Language exam (tips, articles, grammar and exercises)
Visit page
Practice tests
Here you will find lots of practice tests that reflect real C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge exams, as well as useful tips and resources which will help you to prepare.
Visit page
Free online learning activities
provided by Cambridge and categorised by skill, level and time to complete
Visit page
Guide to CAE exam
information and advice on how to prepare before the exam, what to expect in the exam and what will happen after the exam.
Download guide
Prepare for C1 Advanced (CAE) exam
Sign up to prepare for CAE Cambridge exam and obtain a prestigious language certificate.
