CAE stands for Certificate in Advanced English. It’s an advanced English language test for both written and spoken English administered by Cambridge ESOL. CAE is at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At level C1 candidates will be able to:
talk about a wide range of topics and express themselves clearly and reasonably fluently
understand serious journals and newspapers and the general meaning of academic texts
write clear, well-structured and detailed pieces of writing including reports and articles on more advanced topics
use English comfortably in social, professional or academic situations.
2 What are the benefits of taking CAE?
CAE is ideal for people who want to use English for study or work. Thousands of employers and academic institutions all over the world recognise CAE as a qualification in English at an advanced level. It can be used to gain employment in roles where a high level of English proficiency is required or to secure admission to an English speaking academic institution
CAE exams are a good way to improve your practical English skills. CAE focuses on communication in real-life through reading, writing, listening and speaking helping you to use English in everyday situations more confidently
CAE is also a good start to gaining a qualification in the more advanced CPE exam
Once you have earned your certificate it is valid for life – so there’s no need to take the CAE again.
3 What is the format of the CAE test?
There are five papers for the CAE test:
Reading
You will have one hour and 15 minutes to answer 34 questions on six different texts. You will be required to answer questions on a variety of different text types, such as newspaper articles, magazine articles, journals, books (fiction and non-fiction) and promotional and informational materials such as, brochures and advertisements.
Writing
You will have one hour and 30 minutes to write two pieces of about 180 - 260 words each. You will need to demonstrate the ability to write different text types, such as letters, reports, essays, articles and proposals.
Use of English
You will have one hour to answer 50 questions. You will be required to answer questions to demonstrate your understanding of English grammar and vocabulary.
Listening
You will have 40 minutes to answer 30 questions. You will be required to demonstrate the ability to understand spoken English in a variety of different situations, such as speeches, talks, lectures, interviews, discussions and radio broadcasts.
Speaking
The speaking part of the test lasts for 15 minutes. You will take your speaking test with two other candidates. You will be required to give short answers to some questions and to speak for one minute by yourself. You will also discuss topics or materials such as pictures or a listening text as part of the group and also by yourself.
Each section makes up 20% of the total mark. There are five grades: A, B, C, D and E. Candidates who achieve an A, B or C grade will pass the exam and be awarded a certificate.
4 How do I prepare for the CAE?
In addition to following a CAE course with an English language teacher, it is also useful to take some CAE practice tests so that you will know what to expect in the real exam. If you practise the different parts of the exam individually and check your scores, you can then see the exam parts which you need to practise most. Overall scores on practice exams can also help to give you an idea of how you might perform in the real exam.
Interactive practice tests on iTests follow the same format, questions and timing as the real exam so that you get a realistic exam experience. iTests practice tests are divided into small parts so you can choose which exam parts you need to practise. Your personal score chart shows your performance so you can check your own performance. There are even some writing questions with automatic marking allowing you to practise for the writing part of the exam and receive your grades immediately.
5 How do I sign up for CAE?
Speak to your teacher or language school about how to enrol for the CAE. If you’re not studying English at the moment you can sign up for the CAE exam at your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you visit the Cambridge ESOL website.
6 How much does it cost?
CAE test fees can vary from country to country. To find out more information contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre.
7 Where can I take CAE?
You can take the CAE exam at any authorised Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you visit the Cambridge ESOL website.