Cambridge English qualification

Cambridge C1 Advanced

formerly CAE

A high-level qualification for demanding academic, professional and social communication. Candidates must process complex texts, write for varied purposes and discuss abstract issues flexibly.

Explore format and tasks Official Cambridge overview ↗

Exam format

Format and part-by-part tasks

Four papers and about four hours. Paper and digital versions use the same task structure. There is no separate for Schools qualification.

Reading and Use of English

Lexico-grammar tasks lead into long-text reading, cross-text comparison, cohesion and multiple matching.

90 minutes · 8 parts · 56 questions · 40%

Task map

  1. Parts 1–3: multiple-choice cloze, open cloze and word formation.
  2. Part 4: six key word transformations using three to six words.
  3. Part 5: multiple-choice reading for detail, tone, purpose and implication.
  4. Part 6: compare opinions and attitudes across four short texts.
  5. Part 7: restore missing paragraphs to a gapped text.
  6. Part 8: multiple-match ten prompts to one or more texts.

Writing

Both responses are 220–260 words and require developed argument, clear organisation and precise register.

90 minutes · 2 parts · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: compulsory essay based on supplied points; evaluate which two are most important and justify a position.
  2. Part 2: choose one letter/email, proposal, report or review for a defined context, purpose and reader.

Listening

Candidates interpret attitude, purpose and implication across conversations, monologue and themed speakers.

About 40 minutes · 4 parts · 30 questions · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: six questions on three short conversational extracts.
  2. Part 2: complete eight sentences from a roughly three-minute monologue.
  3. Part 3: six four-option questions on a longer multi-speaker conversation.
  4. Part 4: two parallel matching tasks across five themed monologues.

Speaking

Candidates move from interview to analytical photograph comparison, negotiated decision and abstract discussion.

15 minutes per pair · 4 parts · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: interview about interests, studies, work and opinions.
  2. Part 2: compare two of three pictures for one minute; partner comments for 30 seconds.
  3. Part 3: discuss prompts, then negotiate a joint decision.
  4. Part 4: sustain a deeper discussion of issues raised in Part 3.

Results and scoring

How the result is reported

Cambridge reports separate skill scores on the Cambridge English Scale and averages them for the overall result. The target level is not the only possible outcome: performance in the adjacent reported level is also shown on the Statement of Results or certificate.

Scale scoreGrade/resultCEFR
200–210AC2
193–199BC1
180–192CC1
160–179Level B2B2

Candidate experience

What happens on the day and afterwards

Paper and digital exams use the same four-paper format; the Speaking test remains face-to-face.
Speaking normally involves two candidates and two examiners; groups of three take longer.
Digital results are normally available in 5–10 working days; paper results normally take 4–6 weeks.
The centre may schedule Speaking on a different day from the written papers.

Preparation guidance

Prepare for the tasks candidates actually complete

  1. 1Treat Reading Part 6 as comparison across viewpoints, not four independent mini-texts.
  2. 2For Writing, plan the reader, purpose and register before selecting language; both tasks need full development.
  3. 3Track attitude, stance and function in Listening, not only factual detail.
  4. 4Use the full Speaking timing: analytical long turn, active partner response, negotiated decision and justified discussion.

Official resources

Format, samples, preparation and results

Understand the qualification

Cambridge’s current qualification overview and part-by-part format.

Official preparation material

Sample tests, audio, Speaking videos, wordlists and teacher/candidate support.

Results and delivery

How results work, expected release windows, and paper/digital delivery.

Format and results information checked 12 August 2026 against current official Cambridge English pages. Confirm dates, local format availability, identification and access arrangements with an authorised centre. EduZMS is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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