Cambridge - KET / PET / FCE / CAE / CPE

The Cambridge KET, PET, FCE, CAE & CPE - often referred to as the Cambridge 'main suite' of exams - are taken by hundreds of thousands of candidates each year.

As well as being among the most popular ESL/EFL exams, they are regarded by many as being some of the most comprehensive. The exams cover the four main language skills - Speaking, Listening, Reading & Writing - and test the candidate's ability to use a range of functions and structures in real-life situations.

The Key English Test (KET) - Elementary level
Tests the learner's ability to meet basic communication needs in English.
3 papers: Paper 1 - Reading; Paper 2 - Listening; Paper 3 - Speaking
Students are awarded one of the following grades: Pass with Merit, Pass, Narrow Fail, Fail

The Preliminary English Test (PET) - Low-Intermediate level
Tests the learner's ability to survive in common social and work situations in an English-speaking environment.
3 papers: Paper 1 - Reading & Writing; Paper 2 - Listening; Paper 3 - Speaking
Students are awarded one of the following grades: Pass with Merit, Pass, Narrow Fail, Fail

The First Certificate in English (FCE) - High-Intermediate level
By far the most popular of the five. Tests the learner's ability to use authentic written, spoken and grammatical excerpts.
5 papers: Paper 1 - Reading; Paper 2 - Writing; Paper 3 - Use of English; Paper 4 - Listening; Paper 5 - Speaking
Students are awarded one of the following grades: Pass A, Pass B, Pass C, Fail D, Fail E

Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Advanced level
Suitable for learners who need English for professional or study purposes. Places an emphasis on real-world tasks.
5 papers: Paper 1 - Reading; Paper 2 - Writing; Paper 3 - Use of English; Paper 4 - Listening; Paper 5 - Speaking
Students are awarded one of the following grades: Pass A, Pass B, Pass C, Fail D, Fail E

Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Very Advanced level
Generally regarded as the highest level - and most prestigious - exam for non-native speakers of English.
5 papers: Paper 1 - Reading; Paper 2 - Writing; Paper 3 - Use of English; Paper 4 - Listening; Paper 5 - Speaking
Students are awarded one of the following grades: Pass A, Pass B, Pass C, Fail D, Fail E

NB: The Cambridge main suite of exams, unlike equivalents such as IELTS, TOEFL & TOEIC, are Pass/Fail exams.

The Cambridge exams are widely recognized in International Commerce and Industry and are prerequisites for many jobs which involve a knowledge of English.

CAE and CPE are recognized by many Universities and Colleges of Higher Education as entry level qualifications for non-native speakers of English.

The exams require a comprehensive - invariably intensive - program of study. For students, the benefits of such rigorous English study are obvious.

KET, PET, FCE, CAE & CPE are administered by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), in the UK.

Non-native speakers of English from all over the world - particularly Europe, South America and, increasingly, Asia - take the Cambridge EFL exams.

The exams are run at set times each year.

KET - March, May, June, August, November, December
PET - March, May, June, August, November, December
FCE - March, June, December
CAE - June, December
CPE- June, December

The Cambridge exams are administered by the Cambridge local secretary in each country. In many non-English speaking countries, the British Council acts as the local examining centre.