Cambridge English Exams
Enrol on a Cambridge Exam preparation course at IH Bristol and take the Cambridge Exam with us.
Cambridge English Qualifications are known and recognised by schools, universities, private and public sector employers all over the English-speaking world.
Success in a Cambridge English Qualification provides you with an internationally recognised certificate showing the level you have attained in English.
Take a Cambridge exam with International House Bristol - we offer paper-based exams throughout the year at our language school in Clifton, Bristol. In addition to the exam itself, you can also prepare for the Cambridge exams with us, too.
Three or four times a year, you can take one or more of the following exams:
If you are not sure about your current level and if you may need some help preparing, contact us for a free assessment
B1 Preliminary (PET)
- The second level of the University of Cambridge exams in general English.
- This exam is set at Level B1 of the CEFR for modern languages.
- Learners with an intermediate level of English
- With wider grasp of vocabulary
- Candidates should be able read simple textbooks & articles, write simple letters and detect opinions, attitudes and moods in spoken and written English.
- B1 Preliminary is helpful for anyone who wishes to take B2 First (FCE) at a later stage.
B1 Preliminary is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes.
B1 Preliminary : exam papers
| Paper title | Length | Content | Percentage of final mark | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reading | 45 minutes | Six parts, 32 questions. Some parts are in a different order and some are shorter. | 25% | To show you can read and understand the main points from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines, and can use vocabulary and structure correctly. |
|
2 |
Writing
|
45 minutes |
Two parts. |
25% | Write an email or write an article or story 100 words each task. |
| 3 | Listening | 30 minutes + six minutes to transfer answers | Four parts/ 25 questions | 25% | Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life. |
| 4 | Speaking | 10-12 minutes per pair of candidates | Four parts | 25% |
Demonstrates your spoken English as you take part in conversation, asking/answering questions, and talking freely, for example, about your likes and dislikes. Your speaking test will be conducted face to face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. |
B2 First (FCE)
B2 First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), is an upper-intermediate B2 CEFR level qualification. It tests your ability to communicate with confidence in English in a range of everyday situations. For more information, please see the FCE page on the Cambridge English website http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/first/.
B2 First (FCE) is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
| Paper title | Length | Content | Percentage of final mark | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reading &Use of English | 75 minutes | There are seven parts in the Reading and Use of English paper. | 40% |
The Reading and Use of English paper tests your reading skills and your knowledge and use of vocabulary and grammar. |
| 2. | Writing | 80 minutes | Two parts | 20% |
Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories. |
| 3. | Listening | 40 minutes | Four parts/30 questions | 20% |
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations. |
| 4. | Speaking | 14 minutes | Four parts | 20% |
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the speaking test with one or two other candidates. |
C1 Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), also known as Certificate in Advanced English is C1 CEFR qualifications. If you need to use English in your work or studies, this is the right exam for you. For more information, please see the CAE page on the Cambridge English websitehttp://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/advanced/.
C1 Advanced is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
| Paper title | Length | Content | Percentage of final mark | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reading and Use of English | 90 minutes |
There are eight parts and 56 questions altogether |
40% |
The Reading and Use of English paper tests your reading skills and your underlying knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. |
| 2. | Writing | 90 minutes | Two parts | 20% |
You create two different pieces of writing, such as articles, essays, letters, proposals, reports and reviews. |
| 3. | Listening | About 40 minutes | Four parts/30 questions | 20% |
Tests your ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials such as interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday conversations. |
| 4. | Speaking |
15 minutes per pair of candidates |
Four parts | 20% | Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the speaking test with another candidate. |
C2 Proficiency (CPE)
C2 Proficiency, also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) C1 level CEFR , is our most advanced qualification. It proves you have achieved an extremely high level in English. For more information, please see the CPE page on the Cambridge English website http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/proficiency/.
C2 Proficiency is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
| Paper title | Length | Content | Percentage of final mark | Purpose | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Reading/use of English | 90 minutes | Seven parts/ 53 questions | 40% |
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and manuals. |
| 2. | Writing | 90 minutes | Two parts | 20% |
Requires you to be able to write a variety of text types, such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews. |
| 3. | Listening | About 40 minutes | Four parts/28 questions | 20% |
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as lectures, speeches and interviews. |
| 4. | Speaking | 16 minutes per pair of candidates | Three parts | 20% | Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. |