Certificate in Advanced English

The Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is the advanced general English examination provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations in England.

Overview

The examination comprises five parts:^[1]

1. Reading (1 hour and 15 minutes)
2. Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
3. Use of English (1 hour)
4. Listening (40 minutes)
5. Speaking (15 minutes)

Each component carries 20% of the total marks. There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for CAE.

In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, CAE is ranked at C1 and C2 levels.^[2] Candidates who have obtain an A grade are awarded a C2 certificate, those obtaining grade B or C, are awarded a certificate at C1. Like all the other Cambridge exams, once the exam is passed the qualification never expires. CAE is considered to be very valuable, and is a required qualification for international students applying to many British universities.

Grading scale

As of March 2010, the following grading scale applies:^[3]

Passing Grades

Grade A: 80% and above

Grade B: 75% to 79%

Grade C: 60% to 74%

See also

• First Certificate in English
• Certificate of Proficiency in English

References

1. ^ FCECAE Review, Cambridge ESOL.
2. ^ CAE: Your results, Cambridge ESOL.
3. ^ CAE HB Introduction, Cambridge ESOL.

External links

• CAE on the Cambridge ESOL website
• CAE microsite by Cambridge ESOL