CET-4 vs CET-6
A structured comparison of structure, scoring, and key differences between College English Test Band 4 and Band 6.
On this page
Comparison table
| Aspect | CET-4 | CET-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 125 min | 130 min |
| Score scale | 0–710 | 0–710 |
| Listening | 35% | 35% |
| Reading | 35% | 35% |
| Writing & translation | 20% | 20% |
| Cloze | 10% | 10% |
| Format | Same component structure | Same component structure; higher difficulty |
| Administration | NEEA, typically June & Dec | NEEA, typically June & Dec |
Structure
CET-4 and CET-6 share the same component structure: Listening, Reading, Writing and Translation, and Cloze (language use). Weightings are identical. The main difference is difficulty: CET-6 uses longer passages, denser vocabulary, and more complex tasks. Both are administered by NEEA under the Ministry of Education; the written exam is typically held twice per year (June and December). A separate spoken test (CET-SET) may be taken independently for either level.
Scoring
Both exams use a 710-point scale. No official pass mark is formally published; many institutions use 425 as a benchmark for progression. Score reports include four subscores (listening, reading, writing and translation, cloze) plus the total. Raw scores are converted using a standardisation procedure. Institutions and employers may set different minimum scores for CET-4 and CET-6.
Difficulty differences
CET-6 reading passages are typically longer and more academic; listening content is faster and denser. Cloze items involve more complex collocations and discourse. Writing and translation tasks require a broader lexical and grammatical range. Candidates who have passed CET-4 often prepare for CET-6 by focusing on vocabulary expansion, faster processing, and extended reading and listening practice. See the individual module pages for structure details and common weakness patterns.
Official examination websites
For registration, dates, and authoritative information, refer to the official source.
CET is administered by NEEA under the Ministry of Education. EduZMS is not affiliated with examination bodies. This content is for informational purposes only.