All you need to know about CAE exam – C1 Advanced (CAE)
In this article, we have collected answers to all the most popular questions for candidates applying for CAE certification and preparing for the CAE exam. Use the top navigation to get directly to a specific question.
Is there an age limit for the CAE exam?
No. There is no such limit 🙂 – Cambridge accepts candidates of all ages.
Some exams are specifically designed with candidates of a certain age in mind, however, candidates of any age are welcome to take any exam.
Exams with a suggested age range are:
- B1 Preliminary for Schools – secondary school
- B2 First for Schools – secondary school
- International English Testing System (IELTS) – recommended for candidates aged 16+
How much does the CAE exam cost?
Unfortunately, the CAE exam is not free. 🙁 What’s more, prices for C1 Advanced exams can vary as the test centres in each country decide on the final price of the test.
Example prices (2023):
| Country | Exam | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 225.00 EUR |
| Poland | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 650 PLN |
| Netherlands | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 323.00 EUR |
| Czech Republic | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 5000.00 Kc |
| Mexico | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 4,650.00 MXN |
| Bulgaria | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 407.00 лв |
| Portugal | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 203.00 EUR |
| Germany | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 323.00 EUR |
| United Kingdom | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 265 GBP |
| India | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 6,000 Rs. |
In most centres, you can pay by bank transfer or in person with a debit or credit card (VISA / Master Card).
What are the CAE exam dates in 2023?
The following tables contain available dates defined by Cambridge, but please contact your local examination centre to find out about dates in your area.
Find out when you can take your Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam.
| 2022 | 7Jan, 4 Feb, 22 Feb, 11 Mar, 18 Mar, 22 Apr, 6 May, 11 May, 20 May, 3 Jun, 7 Jun, 17 Jun, 8 Jul, 28 Jul, 25 Aug, 9 Sep, 21 Oct, 4 Nov, 29 Nov, 9 Dec, 16 Dec |
| 2023 | 21 Jan, 11 Feb, 10 Mar, 1 Apr, 11 May, 18 May, 27 May, 6 Jun, Sat 10 Jun, 24 Jun, 15 Jul, 29 Jul, 19 Aug, 16 Sep, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 1 Dec, 13 Dec |
| Country | Exam | Exam dates 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Spain |
| Italy | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Italy |
| Poland | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Poland |
| Romania | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Romania |
| Netherlands | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Netherlands |
| Czech Republic | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Czech |
| Mexico | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Mexico |
| Hungary | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Hungary |
| Bulgaria | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Bulgaria |
| Portugal | C1 Advanced (CAE) | Check dates in Portugal |
FCE, CAE, CPE
Practice, Write & Improve
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What are the benefits of the CAE exam?
- More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English
- Once you have taken the Cambridge First Certificate, your result is valid for life! This means you don’t have to take it ever again.
- The exams achieve their primary purpose – helping you gain the confidence you need to communicate effectively in English!
- Opens doors to international travel, work and study.
A certification on your CV will make you stand out from the crowd as it not only shows you have that level of English officially but also speaks volumes about your effort, willpower and determination, values that will not go unnoticed by prospective employers.- It grants exemption from lectures and final English language exams at some universities and allows participation in exchange programmes between universities
- Combined with the appropriate pedagogical training, it gives the right to teach English in primary schools, middle schools and high schools in some countries
How many candidates fail the CAE exam?
Are you afraid of failing the test? Take the CAE exam confidently with the best CAE preparation platform.
The number of people who pass or fail the CAE exam varies from country to country but based on global statistics only less than 5% fail the exam completely. 20% of the candidates get a B2 grade.
The rest, i.e. about 75%, pass the exam with a C1 or C2 grade.
- Grade A – C2 level – 13%
- Grade B-C – C1 level – 64%
- Level B2 – 20%
- Fail – 5%
If you want to see the results in your country click below “See the full list of countries”.
| Location | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Level B2 | Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 12.8% | 23.0% | 45.4% | 17.7% | 1.1% |
| Bulgaria | 18.2% | 27.0% | 37.6% | 15.9% | 1.4% |
| Japan | 3.9% | 10.7% | 32.0% | 44.7% | 8.7% |
| Mexico | 6.8% | 16.4% | 41.8% | 28.9% | 6.2% |
| … | … | … | … | … | … |
| Grand Total | 13% | 21.3% | 42.2% | 20% | 5% |
| Location | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Level B2 | Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | 9.7% | 11.8% | 36.6% | 33.3% | 8.6% |
| Algeria | 12.9% | 3.2% | 41.9% | 29.0% | 12.9% |
| Andorra | 0.0% | 16.7% | 55.6% | 27.8% | 0.0% |
| Angola | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 37.5% | 62.5% |
| Argentina | 12.8% | 23.0% | 45.4% | 17.7% | 1.1% |
| Armenia | 5.2% | 10.3% | 25.9% | 49.1% | 9.5% |
| Australia | 7.1% | 16.4% | 44.7% | 26.3% | 5.5% |
| Austria | 28.1% | 28.6% | 32.4% | 9.9% | 0.9% |
| Azerbaijan | 10.3% | 6.9% | 20.7% | 31.0% | 31.0% |
| Belarus | 19.5% | 20.4% | 38.1% | 20.4% | 1.8% |
| Belgium | 10.7% | 17.1% | 42.5% | 27.5% | 2.1% |
| Bolivia | 5.9% | 12.7% | 44.1% | 28.4% | 8.8% |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | 5.9% | 11.8% | 62.7% | 17.6% | 2.0% |
| Brazil | 9.0% | 17.9% | 42.3% | 26.2% | 4.5% |
| Bulgaria | 18.2% | 27.0% | 37.6% | 15.9% | 1.4% |
| Cambodia | 0.0% | 0.0% | 15.4% | 42.3% | 42.3% |
| Canada | 8.5% | 18.5% | 41.3% | 28.2% | 3.5% |
| Chile | 12.3% | 17.0% | 39.3% | 27.4% | 4.0% |
| China | 4.1% | 7.7% | 38.6% | 41.8% | 7.8% |
| Colombia | 7.3% | 5.5% | 20.9% | 49.1% | 17.3% |
| Costa Rica | 9.8% | 17.2% | 47.5% | 20.5% | 4.9% |
| Cote D’ivoire | 12.5% | 6.3% | 31.3% | 50.0% | 0.0% |
| Croatia | 28.7% | 29.9% | 32.2% | 8.6% | 0.6% |
| Cuba | 0.0% | 44.4% | 33.3% | 22.2% | 0.0% |
| Cyprus | 10.3% | 17.2% | 41.4% | 27.6% | 3.4% |
| Czech Republic | 25.6% | 28.4% | 36.4% | 8.8% | 0.7% |
| Denmark | 27.7% | 29.0% | 29.4% | 11.2% | 2.6% |
| Dominican Republic | 5.9% | 35.3% | 23.5% | 11.8% | 23.5% |
| Ecuador | 7.1% | 14.6% | 39.4% | 33.0% | 5.8% |
| Egypt | 0.0% | 27.6% | 20.7% | 31.0% | 20.7% |
| Estonia | 17.6% | 25.5% | 39.7% | 16.6% | 0.6% |
| Fiji | 1.5% | 1.5% | 37.9% | 39.4% | 19.7% |
| Finland | 17.9% | 35.7% | 33.9% | 7.1% | 5.4% |
| France | 13.0% | 19.0% | 44.2% | 21.3% | 2.5% |
| Georgia | 8.4% | 21.7% | 26.5% | 41.0% | 2.4% |
| Germany | 20.5% | 25.6% | 37.6% | 14.6% | 1.6% |
| Greece | 8.3% | 20.2% | 45.4% | 22.5% | 3.7% |
| Guadeloupe | 12.5% | 7.8% | 37.5% | 32.8% | 9.4% |
| Guatemala | 6.3% | 43.8% | 43.8% | 6.3% | 0.0% |
| Hong Kong | 25.0% | 18.3% | 31.7% | 23.3% | 1.7% |
| Hungary | 23.3% | 26.8% | 36.7% | 11.4% | 1.7% |
| India | 16.1% | 9.8% | 17.8% | 19.4% | 36.9% |
| Indonesia | 6.0% | 20.0% | 36.0% | 30.0% | 8.0% |
| Ireland | 7.3% | 13.6% | 39.6% | 32.7% | 6.8% |
| Italy | 12.0% | 22.5% | 43.9% | 19.8% | 1.8% |
| Japan | 3.9% | 10.7% | 32.0% | 44.7% | 8.7% |
| Kazakhstan | 0.0% | 16.7% | 33.3% | 0.0% | 50.0% |
| Kenya | 17.4% | 43.5% | 30.4% | 8.7% | 0.0% |
| Korea (Republic of ) | 6.1% | 18.4% | 42.9% | 30.6% | 2.0% |
| Kyrgyzstan | 10.5% | 10.5% | 36.8% | 26.3% | 15.8% |
| Laos | 18.2% | 27.3% | 18.2% | 36.4% | 0.0% |
| Latvia | 26.8% | 32.1% | 25.0% | 12.5% | 3.6% |
| Lebanon | 2.0% | 5.6% | 18.1% | 32.2% | 42.1% |
| Lithuania | 25.9% | 29.6% | 28.7% | 13.9% | 1.9% |
| Luxembourg | 18.0% | 16.9% | 38.2% | 18.0% | 9.0% |
| Macedonia | 23.8% | 27.7% | 32.7% | 12.9% | 3.0% |
| Malaysia | 16.0% | 14.3% | 29.7% | 23.6% | 16.5% |
| Maldives | 9.8% | 20.3% | 43.2% | 23.5% | 3.2% |
| Malta | 9.7% | 12.6% | 32.0% | 35.9% | 9.7% |
| Mauritius | 7.7% | 15.4% | 69.2% | 7.7% | 0.0% |
| Mexico | 6.8% | 16.4% | 41.8% | 28.9% | 6.2% |
| Moldova (Republic of) | 12.6% | 16.6% | 44.3% | 23.3% | 3.2% |
| Montenegro | 7.7% | 30.8% | 46.2% | 7.7% | 7.7% |
| Morocco | 4.3% | 8.7% | 27.5% | 30.4% | 29.0% |
| Myanmar | 0.0% | 0.0% | 55.6% | 33.3% | 11.1% |
| Nepal | 25.0% | 50.0% | 25.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Netherlands | 18.3% | 33.2% | 40.7% | 7.4% | 0.3% |
| New Caledonia | 5.0% | 5.0% | 45.0% | 25.0% | 20.0% |
| New Zealand | 7.6% | 21.0% | 48.5% | 22.1% | 0.8% |
| Norway | 100.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Pakistan | 5.1% | 12.8% | 30.8% | 41.0% | 10.3% |
| Panama | 22.2% | 19.4% | 27.8% | 27.8% | 2.8% |
| Paraguay | 10.2% | 24.5% | 40.8% | 20.4% | 4.1% |
| Peru | 7.8% | 13.6% | 41.7% | 32.2% | 4.6% |
| Philippines | 14.0% | 12.0% | 44.0% | 22.0% | 8.0% |
| Poland | 23.5% | 27.7% | 35.3% | 12.1% | 1.4% |
| Portugal | 18.8% | 28.8% | 40.6% | 11.0% | 0.8% |
| Reunion | 12.5% | 12.5% | 31.3% | 37.5% | 6.3% |
| Romania | 23.5% | 28.6% | 36.1% | 10.6% | 1.1% |
| Russia | 14.2% | 21.9% | 40.4% | 20.9% | 2.6% |
| Saudi Arabia | 63.8% | 16.6% | 12.4% | 3.6% | 3.6% |
| Serbia | 23.6% | 28.1% | 35.1% | 11.6% | 1.6% |
| Singapore | 0.0% | 0.0% | 60.0% | 40.0% | 0.0% |
| Slovak Republic | 24.8% | 28.2% | 36.1% | 9.5% | 1.4% |
| Slovenia | 32.0% | 29.0% | 33.0% | 5.0% | 1.0% |
| South Africa | 28.7% | 12.3% | 26.3% | 18.6% | 14.0% |
| Spain | 6.7% | 17.1% | 50.4% | 24.3% | 1.5% |
| Sri Lanka | 6.5% | 9.9% | 25.5% | 28.1% | 30.0% |
| Sweden | 29.2% | 28.1% | 32.1% | 9.7% | 0.8% |
| Switzerland | 13.3% | 21.2% | 43.5% | 20.7% | 1.4% |
| Taiwan | 7.8% | 9.8% | 39.2% | 37.3% | 5.9% |
| Thailand | 12.5% | 21.9% | 46.9% | 17.2% | 1.6% |
| Tunisia | 2.9% | 13.2% | 35.3% | 38.2% | 10.3% |
| Turkey | 25.0% | 9.3% | 21.1% | 26.5% | 18.1% |
| Ukraine | 12.0% | 17.5% | 33.5% | 31.9% | 5.1% |
| United Arab Emirates | 28.1% | 16.1% | 18.4% | 15.0% | 22.4% |
| United Kingdom | 10.5% | 20.0% | 43.0% | 23.9% | 2.6% |
| United States of America | 5.8% | 14.1% | 47.8% | 28.2% | 4.0% |
| Uruguay | 5.7% | 18.0% | 48.8% | 26.2% | 1.4% |
| Uzbekistan | 3.0% | 9.1% | 27.3% | 39.40% | 21.2% |
| Vietnam | 6.8% | 13.0% | 27.7% | 23.2% | 29.4% |
| Grand Total | 13% | 21.3% | 42.2% | 20% | 5% |
Would you pass C1 Advanced (CAE)?
Sign up, resolve the tests and see what results you get.What is the CAE exam duration?
Usually, the exam takes two days. On the first day you will struggle with Reading, Use of English, Writing and Listening, on the second day with Speaking
- Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening – 3 hours and 40 minutes.
- Speaking – 15 minutes
The entire C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, i.e. Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking last a total of 4 hours and 5 minutes!
| Paper | Time/Duration |
|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Writing | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Listening | about 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 15 minutes per pair of candidates |
| Total: 4 hours and 5 minutes |
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Does the validity of the certificate (CAE) expire?
Your Cambridge English exam result/certificate does not have an expiry date. 🙂 Unlike the TOEFL and IELTS exams which are only valid for 2 years, the Cambridge exams (FCE, CAE, CPE) are valid FOR LIFE!
NOTICE: Some institutions will only accept certificates taken within the last 2 or 3 years, although many will accept evidence that you have taken action to maintain or improve your level of English since taking your exam.
When will my CAE exam results be available?
When you entered for your exam, your exam centre should have provided you with a Confirmation of Entry document, telling you the final date by which your results will be available. If you have not received your results by this date, please contact your centre who will be able to assist you.
- paper-based exams – around six to nine weeks after the exam date.
- computer-based exams – about two weeks after the exam.
Results for CAE exams are released as quickly as possible. All results are released as soon as they are ready, which is why some candidates may receive their results before others.
Where are the exam centres?
To register for your Cambridge English C1 CAE exam, you will need to find an authorised exam centre. Once you have found your local exam centre they will tell you how to book your exam, exam dates and preparation courses.
| Country | Exam centres by country |
|---|---|
| Spain | Find centres in Spain |
| Italy | Find centres in Italy |
| Poland | Find centres in Poland |
| Romania | Find centres in Romania |
| Netherlands | Find centres in the Netherlands |
| Czech Republic | Find centres in Czech Republic |
| Mexico | Find centres in Mexico |
| Hungary | Find centres in Hungary |
| Bulgaria | Find centres in Bulgaria |
| Portugal | Find centres in Portugal |
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What is the equivalent of the CAE exam?
IELTS
A passing grade in C1 Advanced (CAE) would be the equivalent of about 7.0 in IELTS.
TOEFL
A passing grade in C1 Advanced (CAE) would be the equivalent of about 10-11/95-110 in TOEFL.
What are the CEFR Levels?
TOEIC
A passing grade in C1 Advanced (CAE) would be the equivalent of about 945-990 in TOEIC.
PTE
A passing grade in C1 Advanced (CAE) would be the equivalent of about 76-85 in PTE
FCE, CAE, CPE
Practice Tests Online
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How is the CAE exam grade calculated?
(Grade A) – Students scoring 200 or above will receive a Cambridge English certificate for level C2 - (Grade B-C) – A score of 180 or above is considered a “pass” and students with that score will receive a certificate, which corresponds to a level C1
- (No Grade) – Students scoring between 160 and 179 will receive a B2-level English certificate.
- Students scoring under 160 will not receive a certificate.
| Reading There are 50 possible marks in the Reading section. |  |
| Use of English There are 28 possible marks in the Use of English section. |  |
| Writing There are 40 possible marks for the whole paper. |  |
| Listening There are 30 possible marks on the Listening paper |  |
| Speaking There are 75 marks available in the Speaking test |  |
Is C1 Advanced exam hard?
Definitely yes.
It is proof of language skills similar to those of native speakers. Although it is not the highest language level, (higher is C2) it represents the understanding of the language at the academic level and the ability to talk about virtually any topic freely.
The Cambridge Certificate C1 Advanced (CAE) is difficult to pass without proper preparation. Even if you think you have decent language skills it will test your grammar thoroughly and you may have difficulties on many levels.
If you would like to see a sample CAE exam test and check if you would be able to handle it, visit our platform that reflects a C1 Advanced level exams
What does (CAE) stand for?
Certificate in Advanced English
It is simply an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of Certificate in Advanced English = CAE. It is a prestigious certificate of English language skills signed by Cambridge English, proving language qualifications at an advanced level similar to those of native speakers and enabling one to study and work abroad.
FCE, CAE, CPE
Practice Tests Online
Get your writing checked, track your progress online.Sample papers, online practice tests & tips.
Is IELTS easier than CAE?
In general, the CAE is a more demanding exam.
If you have studied the traditional way and used textbooks we recommend it, as it has a stronger emphasis on grammar. On the other hand, if you didn’t learn English at school but rather as a result of living or working in a certain country, it should be easier for you to pass IELTS.
Another clear difference is in the speaking part, C1 Advanced (CAE) is carried out with you and one partner with whom you answer various questions, while in IELTS is performed only with the examiner.
However, it is best to find out which of the certificates is required by the institution you are applying to (for work or study abroad) because this should really determine which exam you want to take.
Are you wondering if you could pass the CAE exam?– try our app
Is IELTS same as CAE?
No, they are not two different exams.
Although both exams are developed by the University of Cambridge and certificates are given after both exams, they have quite a few differences.
| CAE | IELTS |
|---|---|
| Less academic – broader topics. | More academic. |
| If you have studied the traditional way and used textbooks we recommend it, as it has a stronger emphasis on grammar. | if you didn’t learn English at school but rather as a result of living or working in a certain country, it should be easier for you to pass it. |
| The exam is about 4 hours long. | The exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes long. |
| No expiration date | Valid for 2 years. |
| Used for employment overseas and university entrance. | Is used for immigration purposes and for entrance to higher education. |
| Speaking: Discussion with a partner and examiner. | Speaking: Discussion only with an examiner |
| Writing: 90 min | Writing: 60 min |
| See how it looks |
Do universities accept CAE?
Yes, the vast majority of them
C1 Advanced is a truly international certificate. Exams are recognised by over 25,000 universities in more than 150 countries around the world and accepted by nearly all UK universities and colleges for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
FCE, CAE, CPE
More than Practice Tests
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What is the minimum score to pass CAE?
Exactly 180 points, but if you get less you still can get B2 level certificate.
Cambridge exams have the advantage that by passing the exam at the C1 Advanced level you can get also a higher or lower grade – C2 or B2. Sounds great right?
| C1 Advanced (CAE) Score Table |
|---|
| If you get 200–210 points – will receive a Cambridge English certificate at Level C2 |
| If you get 80–199 points – will receive a Cambridge English certificate at Level C1 |
| If you get 160–179 points – will receive a Cambridge English certificate at Level B2. |
| If you get less than 160 points – you will not receive a certificate |
Is CAE C1 or C2?
It is, of course, level C1 – advanced level.
CAE is short for the full expression for Cambridge English: Advanced while the C2 exam is named CPE – Cambridge English: Proficiency.
Would like to see the difference between CAE and CPE exams?
How many times can you take the CAE exam?
There are no limits and you can take an unlimited number of times.
For some exams, there may be more than one exam session in the same month. There are no restrictions and you can take it multiple times.
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Practice Tests Online
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How long does CAE exam take?
The exam is about 4 hours long.
Yes, it is a lot of time and although the Speaking part can be done on another day, it only takes 15 minutes so you will still spend at least 3 hours and 40 minutes in the exam room.
| Part | Time |
|---|---|
| Speaking | 15 minutes per pair of candidates |
| Reading and Use of English | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Writing | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Listening | About 40 minutes |
Want to see what a sample test looks like? Check our app.
Can you get C2 with CAE?
Yes, definitely.
Although the aim of the CAE exam is to obtain a C1 certificate, when you get more points, you have a chance to get a C2 grade.
| If you get 200–210 points – will receive a Cambridge English certificate at Level C2 |
Can you get B2 with CAE?
Yes, definitely.
Although the aim of the CAE exam is to obtain a C1 certificate, when you get fewer points, you still have a chance to get a B2 grade.
| If you get 160–179 points – will receive a Cambridge English certificate at Level B2. |
FCE, CAE, CPE
Practice Tests Online
Get your writing checked, track your progress online.Sample papers, online practice tests & tips.
Can I take CAE online?
Unfortunately not.
Although you can choose the computer version of the test, you cannot take it online, it must be taken at an authorized examination centre.
But the positive news is that you can prepare for the exam online, see our app