Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is a high-level qualification that is officially recognised by universities, employers and governments around the world.
English for high achievers in the professional and academic world
As a high achiever, you want to stand out from the crowd. Cambridge English: Advanced is the key to showcase your outstanding English ability and help you achieve your dreams and ambitions in life.
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Cambridge English: Advanced at a glance
Cambridge English: Advanced is set at C1 level – the second highest on the CEFR scale. C1 is the level of English required for demanding academic and professional settings. It shows that you are highly proficient in English.
Cambridge English: Advanced:
- is developed by Cambridge ESOL - one of three major exam boards which form Cambridge Assessment Group (Cambridge Assessment). Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge, is Europe’s largest assessment agency. More than 8 million Cambridge Assessment exams are taken in over 150 countries around the world every year.
- gives an in-depth assessment of your ability and fluency at level C1/C2. This is the unparalleled qualification to prove that you have mastered English. You are well-placed in dealing with complicated academic and professional tasks in English.
- empowers you to:
- follow any academic course at university level
- communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
- participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
- carry out complex and challenging research
- stand out and differentiate yourself
UCAS now allows students applying to UK universities for 2011 to gain UCAS Tariff points by achieving certain grades in Cambridge English: Advanced. For more information www.CambridgeESOL.org/UCAS-points
World-class recognition
The following are only a few of the international institutions which recognise Cambridge English: Advanced:
University of Cambridge, UK |
Hewlett-Packard (HP) |
View the full recognition list.
Format of the exam
Cambridge English: Advanced has five papers – each carries 20% of the total marks.
Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text.
Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
Requires you to be able to write a variety of different items; such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews.
Use of English: 1 hour
Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms in the right situation, at the right time.
Listening: 40 minutes
Requires being able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials; such as lectures, speeches and interviews.
Speaking: 15 minutes
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the test with one or two other candidates.
Supporting you
Access a wide range of support and preparation tips.
Cambridge ESOL is here to help you every step of the way.
Download sample papers and get advice online to help your exam preparation.
Top Tips for CAE answers all your last-minute questions.
Many other international publishers have also produced a variety of books and materials to support Cambridge English: Advanced.
Online verification
Your results can be quickly and easily verified by recognising institutions, using our secure online Results Verification Service.
Your results
Cambridge English: Advanced is a high-level exam for those who need to combine their knowledge of the English language with fluency and sophistication. Candidates receive a Statement of Results showing how they performed in each of the 5 papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking.
Exceptional candidates taking Cambridge English: Advanced sometimes display ability beyond the C1 level. To recognise this, candidates achieving Grade A will receive a Cambridge English: Advanced certificate at Level C2. Candidates achieving Grades B and C at Cambridge English: Advanced will receive certificates at Level C1. Reaching this level reflects your commitment to high standards and your passion for English.
This qualification is accredited by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
What to do next
Step 1
Test your level
Take our free online test - Test your current level and see if Cambridge English: Advanced is the right exam for you.
You may be interested in our other Level C1 qualifications:
- Business English Certificate Higher (BEC Higher)
- International Legal English Certificate (ILEC)
- International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)
Step 2
Contact your nearest exam centre
Contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL exam centre for information about:
- how to register
- exam dates
- practice materials
- preparation courses.
Step 3
Take the challenge!
Once you have decided to take Cambridge English: Advanced, you are one step closer to achieving your dreams and ambitions.
Step 4
Pass the exam with flying colours!
Resources for teachers
- Past Paper Pack for Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Specially designed to provide teachers with everything they need to give students authentic practice for the Certificate in Advanced English examination - Top Tips for CAE, a new revision guide which is available for candidates to buy from centres, bookshops and the Cambridge ESOL eShop.
- Speaking Test Preparation Pack for CAE – Preparation pack for teacher/classroom
use containing teachers' notes, photocopiable worksheets, candidate visuals and a DVD of students taking the Speaking test - Computer-based CAE Practice Tests
- CAE Information for Candidates (PDF 964Kb)
- Order past papers
- Books for study
- Summary regulations for candidates (PDF 59Kb)
- Information on changes to the CAE Statement of Results (PDF 329Kb)
- Exam FAQs
- CAE Teaching Resources and CAE teacher downloads (including exam handbook and exam reports)
Download the CAE Handbook for Teachers (PDF 3Mb) for the updated CAE.
Download sample papers – www.candidates.cambridgeesol.org
Latest exam information for teachers
Bulletin 5, (PDF 134Kb) contains a summary of the updated FCE and CAE specifications together with an overview of the review process.
Bulletin 6, (PDF 117Kb) provides a more detailed description of the Reading papers, along with a rationale for the changes and advice on preparing students for the exams.
Bulletin 7, (PDF 121Kb) provides a more detailed description of the Writing papers, along with a rationale for the changes and advice on preparing students for the exams.
Bulletin 8, (PDF 121Kb) provides a more detailed description of the English in Use papers, along with a rationale for the changes, and advice on preparing students for the exams.
Bulletin 9, (PDF 934Kb) provides a more detailed description of the Listening papers, along with a rationale for the changes and advice on preparing students for the exams.
Bulletin 10, (PDF 938Kb) provides a more detailed description of the Speaking papers, along with a rationale for the changes and advice on preparing students for the exams.
Set texts
In the updated CAE exam, questions on two set texts are included on the writing paper with one text specific question on each.
Exam dates
Cambridge English: Advanced can be taken 11 times a year from March to December 2010.
