Examination Board of the University of Cambridge. Cambridge exams: passing score in foreign universities. Cambridge exams for schoolchildren: PET for School, KET for school, FCE for school
Language: British English
Purpose of surrender: studying at colleges and universities, working in companies in English-speaking countries
Validity: perpetual
Where is recognized: UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, EEC.
Age: from 14 years old
Cambridge exams (Cambridge ESOL): general information
Cambridge exams or Cambridge ESOL is a system of tests developed and administered by a division of the University of Cambridge, the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate or UCLES. This division does not conduct educational work and is not a commercial organization. UCLES (and its trademark Cambridge Assessment) is designed to provide international certification of English proficiency for those whose first language is not English.
Cambridge Assessment (UCLES) is the largest language agency in Europe and is responsible for the methodology and administration of a large number of examinations both in the UK and abroad. Cambridge Assessment not related to the internal English exams of the University of Cambridge itself.
Cambridge Assessment (UCLES) has 3 examination boards:
- OCR(Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations), which evaluates GCSE, A-level exams and a whole range of professional exams in 13,000 educational institutions;
- CIE(Cambridge International Examinations), which organizes international qualification exams (International GCSE, A and AS levels, as well as business English qualifications exams in more than 160 countries);
- Cambridge English Language Assessment(or University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations), which organizes international English language exams held in 135 countries.
UCLES was created in 1858 to administer examinations for persons who were not students of the University of Cambridge and the schools it inspects, with the aim of unifying standards in education. In 1888 UCLES was authorized to administer examinations for commercial certificates. The English Language Examination, the first examination in the field of English as a foreign language, was introduced in 1913. Every year, more than 4 million people around the world take one of the Cambridge exams.
Today, a whole series of Cambridge exams has been developed:
Skills for life
Discontinued exam
| Exams for children | starters(7 years) Movers(8 - 11 years old) flyers(9 - 12 years old) |
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| Exams for schoolchildren | Key for Schools ( KET for Schools)
Preliminary for Schools ( PET for Schools) First for Schools ( FCE for Schools) |
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| General English | General English Exams |
Preliminary ( PET ) First ( FCE ) Advanced ( CAE ) Proficiency ( CPE ) |
| English for teachers | English teacher exams | TKT(Teaching Knowledge Test) |
| Delta(Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) | ||
| CELTA(Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) | ||
| Business English | Business English exams |
Business Certificates ( BEC): Preliminary, Vantage, Higher |
| BULATS(Business Language Testing Service): English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese | ||
| Professional English | Professional English exams | Legal English (International Legal English Certificate, ILEC) |
| Financial English ( International Certificate in Financial English, ICFE) |
Cambridge Exams for Children: Young Learners" English
Young Learners "English is a test for children from 7 years old who have begun to learn English. The exam is aimed at an objective assessment of their level of knowledge of English. This is an assessment of the effectiveness of the teaching methodology and the competence of the teacher. For the children themselves, passing such an exam stimulates interest in learning the language and a positive experience of passing exams.test tasks and questions are given in a playful way that is interesting for children.Test results do not divide the guys into those who passed a certain level and those who could not do it.In any case, everyone will receive a certificate, but the one who scored 10 and more points, ready to go to the next level, and those who scored less need to work out more.
| Part of the test | Content | Time to run | Grade |
| Young Learners" English: starters | 43 - 45 minutes | 0 - 15 points | |
| listening | 4 parts / 20 questions | 20 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Reading & Writing | 5 parts / 25 questions | 20 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Speaking | 5 parts | 3 - 5 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Young Learners" English: Movers | 60 - 62 minutes | 0 - 15 points | |
| listening | 5 parts / 25 questions | 25 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Reading & Writing | 6 parts / 40 questions | 30 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 5 - 7 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| More than 10 points - move to the next level | |||
| Young Learners" English:Flyers | 72 - 74 minutes | 0 - 15 points | |
| listening | 5 parts / 25 questions | 25 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Reading & Writing | 7 parts / 50 questions | 40 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 7 - 9 minutes | 0 - 5 points |
| More than 10 points - move to the next level | |||
Cambridge exams for schoolchildren: PET for School, KET for school, FCE for school
English for School- Cambridge exams for teenagers from 11 to 14 years old. These exams are designed for 2 purposes:
- to provide an opportunity for an objective assessment of the level of proficiency among schoolchildren, and therefore, an assessment of the effectiveness of the methodology of his teaching.
- increase the child's interest in learning the language, stimulate his desire to move to the next level, as well as make the process of passing the exam habitual and stress-free
The structure of the exams allows you to reflect real skills in all aspects of study: reading, listening, speaking, grammar and writing. The format and organization of KET for Schools and PET for Schools is no different from standard KET and PET, with the exception of the selection of topics designed specifically for ages 11-14.
| Part of the test | Content | Time to run | Part weight in total score | Grade |
| Key for Schools (KET for Schools) | 108 - 110 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading and Writing | 9 parts / 56 questions | 50% | 70 minutes | |
| listening | 5 parts / 25 questions | 25% | 30 minutes | |
| Speaking | 2 parts | 25% | 8 - 10 minutes | |
| Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) | 130 - 132 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading and Writing | | 50% | 90 minutes |
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| Writing: 3 parts / 7 questions |
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| listening | 4 parts / 25 questions | 25% | 30 minutes | |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 25% | 10 - 12 minutes | |
| First for Schools (FCE for Schools) | 239 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading | 3 parts / 30 questions | 20% | 60 minutes | |
| Writing | 2 parts | 20% | 80 minutes | |
| Use of English | 4 parts / 42 questions | 20% | 45 minutes | |
| listening | 4 parts / 30 questions | 20% | 40 minutes | |
| Speaking | 4 parts | 20% | 14 minutes | |
Each teenager participating in the exam will receive a written detailed report of their progress in each part of the test. However, only those who scored more than 44 points will receive a certificate of passing the exam. Such certificates do not differ from the corresponding exams for adults - KET, PET, FCE (General English) and correspond to the Scale of the Council of Europe.
Correspondence of the Cambridge examinations for schoolchildren with the Scale of the Council of Europe
| did not pass | A1 | A2 | A2+ | B1 | B1+ | IN 2 | B2+ | |
| KET for School | 0 - 44 | 45-69 | 70-89 | 90-100 | ||||
| P.E.T. for School | 0 - 44 | 45 - 69 | 70 - 89 | 90-100 | ||||
| FCE for School | 0 - 44 | 40-59 | 60-79 | 80-100 | ||||
The guys who passed KET for School and PET for School at a level of 90 points and above are ready to take exams to a higher level. For FCE for School, this level is achieved by obtaining 80 points or more.
Other tests for children and schoolchildren: Children's international exams in English
Cambridge exams: General English - KET, PET, FCE
KET - Cambridge English: Key, a basic level of English proficiency, confirming the ability to use the language in simple situations, knowledge of basic grammar and understanding of simple written speech.
PET - Cambridge English: Preliminary (Preliminary English Test), the average level of proficiency in English. It shows that its owner is able to use English at work, while studying or traveling.
FCE - Cambridge English: First (First Certificate in English), above average. It is a confirmation of the presence of skills in everyday use of English for work or study purposes.
| Part of the test | Content | Time to run | Part weight in total score | Grade |
| KET | 108 - 110 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading and Writing | 9 parts / 56 questions Tasks for understanding simple written information (advertisements, inscriptions, brochures, newspapers and magazines) and compiling a short message or note. | 50% | 70 minutes | |
| listening | 5 parts / 25 questions Listening comprehension tasks for announcements and other statements spoken clearly and slowly | 25% | 30 minutes | |
| Speaking | 2 parts Tasks that reveal the ability to take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. It takes the form of an interview with a teacher. | 25% | 8 - 10 minutes | |
| PET | 130 - 132 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading and Writing | Reading: 5 parts / 35 questions Tasks for understanding advertisements, texts of newspapers and magazines. | 50% | 90 minutes |
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| Writing: 3 parts / 7 questions Compose a message or write a story using about 100 words |
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| listening | 4 parts / 25 questions Listening to the text and performing tasks for its understanding | 25% | 30 minutes | |
| Speaking | 4 parts Participation in the conversation, the ability to ask and answer questions, is carried out in the form of an interview with a teacher | 25% | 10 - 12 minutes | |
| FCE | 239 minutes | 0 - 100 points | ||
| Reading | 3 parts / 30 questions Understanding texts from magazines, newspapers, advertising booklets and analyzing their content. The texts are focused on the interests of schoolchildren. | 20% | 60 minutes | |
| Writing | 2 parts Writing a letter (120-150 words) and an essay (120-180 words). | 20% | 80 minutes | |
| Use of English | 4 parts / 42 questions Tasks for grammar and vocabulary. | 20% | 45 minutes | |
| listening | 4 parts / 30 questions Listening to news programs, public statements, and other sources focused on the interests of school-age students and completing comprehension tasks. | 20% | 40 minutes | |
| Speaking | 4 parts Interview with the teacher to identify the skills of maintaining a conversation on spontaneous topics. | 20% | 14 minutes | |
Cambridge exams: General English - CAE
CAE Cambridge English Advanced- evidence of a guilty level of language proficiency. More than 3,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept CAE as proof of achieving a level of English proficiency sufficient to work or study in universities.
CAE shows that the student has the ability to conduct complex scientific research, communicate effectively at a professional level. The demand for the exam is growing every year. Last year, the exam was administered 37 times a year by 1,300 examination centers in 113 countries.
For British universities, the CAE certificate is an analogue of IELTS: almost all UK universities willingly accept both certificates. In Australia, many universities also count CAE along with IELTS. But Canada and the USA prefer TOEFL or IELTS.
| Part of the test | Content | Weight in the overall score | Execution time |
| Reading | 4 parts / 34 questions work with various types of texts: scientific, fantasy | 20% | 75 minutes |
| Writing | 2 parts writing 2 types of texts: article, essay, letter, report, review | 20% | 90 minutes |
| Use of English | 5 parts/50 questions grammar and vocabulary assignments | 20% | 60 minutes |
| listening | 4 parts / 30 questions identifying the ability to listen to interviews, radio programs, presentations, negotiations and everyday conversations | 20% | 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 parts the ability to communicate effectively one-on-one with a native speaker. Conducted in the form of an interview. | 20% | 15 minutes |
| 280 minutes |
CPE - Cambridge English: Proficiency (Certificate of Proficiency in English)- Advanced level of English proficiency. It gives access to training in master's, postgraduate and doctoral programs, confirms the possibility of participating in research projects, conferences, scientific seminars. CPE certifies the ability of its holder to conduct effective negotiations at the highest level. The holder of the CPE certificate is able to communicate freely on any, even the narrowest topic, work with the most complex texts, and write any work. This level is as close as possible to the level of native language proficiency, this is perfect knowledge of the English language.
| Part of the test | Content | Weight in the overall score | Time to run |
| Reading & Use of English | 7 parts / 53 questions work with various types of text - fiction and science fiction literature, textbooks. | 40% | 90 minutes |
| Writing | 2 parts writing various types of text - essays, reports and reviews. | 20% | 90 minutes |
| listening | 4 parts / 30 questions listening comprehension of lectures, speeches and interviews. | 20% | 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts the ability to effectively communicate one-on-one with a native speaker in a variety of situations. | 20% | 16 minutes |
Cambridge exams: assessment of results
Everyone who participated in the exam, regardless of the type of exam and its results, will receive a written detailed report on their achievements for each part of the test. The score is given in the range of 0 to 100 points. However, only those who scored more than 44 points will receive a certificate of passing the exam. Such certificates are in accordance with the Council of Europe Scale.
Compliance of Cambridge exams with the scale of the Council of Europe
| did not pass | A1 | A2 | IN 1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | C2+ | |
| KET | 0 - 44 | 45-69 | 70-89 | 90-100 | ||||
| PET | 0 - 44 | 45-69 | 70-89 | 90-100 | ||||
| FCE | 0 - 44 | 45-59 | 60-79 | 80-100 | ||||
| CAE | 0 - 44 | 45-59 | 60-79 | 80-100 | ||||
| CPE | 0 - 44 | 45-59 | 60-79 | 80-100 | ||||
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The sum of the points scored from 0 to 44 indicates an insufficient level of language proficiency and the need to undergo serious preparation in order to pass the exam. 45-69 points on KET or PET confirms English proficiency at A1 and A2 levels, respectively. 45-59 points in the FCE, CAE, CPE certificate certifies the presence of B1 (FCE), B2 (CAE), C1 (CPE) levels, and 60-79 points raise their owners one step up. Those who scored more than 80 points can safely take the next exam for a higher level of language proficiency.
| KET | 70+ | good basic level, ability to use spoken English in simple situations, knowledge of basic grammar and understanding of simple written language | A2 |
| PET | 70+ | intermediate level (intermediate), the ability to use written and spoken English in everyday life | IN 1 |
| FCE | 60+ | above average (upper-intermediate), English proficiency sufficient for work or study | IN 2 |
| CAE | 60+ | advanced level sufficient to work or study at most universities | C1 |
| CPE | 60+ | the level of a professional user, fluency and perfect command of the language at the level of a native | C2 |
| IELTS | CAE |
| 4,0 | 32 |
| 4,5 | 36 |
| 5,0 | 41 |
| 5,5 | 47 |
| 6,0 | 52 |
| 6,5 | 58 |
| 7,0 | 67 |
| 7,5 | 74 |
| 8,0 | 80 |
| 8,5 | 87 |
| 9,0 | 93 |
Cambridge exams: passing score to foreign universities
Great Britain: Most UK universities accept CAE and CPE results as official proof of English language proficiency when enrolling applicants. The passing score in most universities for undergraduate programs is FCE from 80 points and above, CAE from 60 points and above, CPE from 45 points and above. For master's, graduate and doctoral programs, you will need to get 80 points in CAE or 60 in CPE.
Australia and New Zealand: universities require from foreign applicants either 5-6 points in IELTS or TOEFL at the level of 70-90 points. Many also accept Cambridge certificates. The passing score in most universities for undergraduate programs is FCE from 80 points and above, CAE from 60 points and above, CPE from 45 points and above. For master's, graduate and doctoral programs, you will need to get 80 points in CAE or 60 in CPE.
USA and Canada: many American universities do not accept any other certificates other than TOEFL, although most consider it to be analogous to IELTS. Some Canadian universities take on a par with TOEFL and IELTS and Cambridge exams. Each university sets its own requirements for each level of study and for individual programs. In general, it is not recommended to take the Cambridge exams for admission to North American universities.
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To take the exam, you must register at least 2 weeks before the exam date (if exams are taken regularly at the center of your choice), receive an identification number and the date and time of testing from the coordinating center. If the center does not conduct exams often, then you will have to wait a month, or even more. Unlike TOEFL, the exam is taken on the spot, by the teachers of the center: who have undergone special training and have the necessary qualifications.
The decision on where and how to take the test, everyone makes their own. At first glance, it is more expedient to take the exam in your city, it is undoubtedly cheaper than the cost of studying along with living abroad. However, if it comes to entering a university, then it is better to go abroad to prepare and pass the exam:
- firstly, you will completely immerse yourself in the language environment
- secondly, all teachers abroad are native speakers
- thirdly, the percentage of successfully passing the exam in English-speaking countries is higher
- fourthly, this way you can quickly and easily decide on the choice of the university where you will study: while in Russia, choosing a university and an academic program abroad, it is more difficult to solve the issue of accommodation. And the waiting time for the decision of the university on enrollment is longer.
Whichever way you choose to prepare and pass the Cambridge exams, first of all, check whether the center you have chosen is certified to take such exams. Alas, butfar from every course offering a training program and passing a certain test is certified by its organizers.
Any test - an exam is simple, but often confusing. If you are not familiar with its structure, then even with a good knowledge of English, you can pass it with a low score, so to prepare for the exam: practice answering test questions, repeat those sections that you do not know well. The best way to do this is to take relevant courses. They include not only working through different test options, but also a complete grammar review and exercises that develop the skills you need to take the exam, as well as a test strategy that will help you succeed in the exam.
Moreover, many foreign linguistic centers offer a combination of preparation for passing a specific exam with classes that develop language skills in an academic environment, that is, they acquaint you with how the educational process is built abroad, how to write CVs and scientific papers, how to use sources and historiography, etc. Such courses will not only help you score the maximum number of points on the exam, but will also facilitate the learning process in the future!
Some useful tips:
- Do not ignore the process of preparing for exams. Attention! there are courses that offer only preparation, and there are those that organize both preparation and examinations! If you are not 103% confident in your own abilities, then it is better to get trained. It can be offered both by preparatory courses in your city and by foreign language schools. Today there are many all kinds of tutorials, which also will not become superfluous.
- If you are traveling abroad to prepare for the exam, you must register in advance for the courses in order to have time to get a visa, and adjust the trip to the dates of the exams.
Cambridge is a small city located 70 kilometers north of the British capital. The unique architecture of the city, founded in the 1st century, museums, libraries, cultural and sports events, a significant part of which is connected with the life of the famous Cambridge University, attracts numerous tourists at any time of the year.
The University of Cambridge, the second oldest university in the UK, is not only an architectural gem of the city, but also one of the main intellectual centers of the country. Linguists at the University of Cambridge have developed a well-known test of English as a foreign language - Cambridge ESOL. The highest level Cambridge certificate, CPE, is in many cases considered sufficient for admission and study in universities in English, as well as for work requiring excellent knowledge of English.
Cambridge deserves the closest attention of those who plan to study in English courses in England. Many English language schools in Cambridge are housed in historic buildings; schools in more modern buildings are located on picturesque cobbled streets - some overlooking the university. All this makes it possible to fully feel the unique intellectual and cultural atmosphere of the ancient city.
Directions of preparation for English courses in Cambridge
- General English course - all levels;
- Certificates for applicants to universities confirming knowledge of English as a foreign language - IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge certificate of English;
- Business English, Business English.
In addition, students planning to study English at Cambridge language schools can select age groups. You need to check the availability of such groups on the website of the language school.
Summer English courses in Cambridge for adults do not differ in content from programs that run throughout the rest of the year.
Study in Cambridge with accommodation
English language courses in Cambridge with accommodation usually include one of the following options to choose from:
- Accommodation in a British family - breakfast, breakfast / dinner, less often - without meals (the most economical option);
- Hostel - breakfast;
- Dormitory (Student's house);
- Apartments - no meals;
- Hotel - breakfast (the most expensive option).
In most cases, language schools offer accommodation options for students, and you do not need to look for them yourself.
One of the most popular options for the duration of study is English courses in Cambridge for 2 weeks. According to students, this time is optimal in terms of the money spent and the result achieved. Two weeks of study at the Cambridge language school allow you to make significant progress in learning the language, to feel the unique atmosphere of the old university city, the peculiarities of the cultural and linguistic environment of Britain.
The cost of English courses in Cambridge
Approximate cost of English courses in Cambridge for 2 weeks with homestay:
- general English, group, 20 lessons - from £600;
- general English, intensive, according to the Study & Live in your Teacher "s Home programs - from £ 2062;
- general English, individually, 20 lessons - from £1932;
- academic English - preparation for IELTS language exams, group, 20 lessons, from £1249;
- business English, group, intensive 25 lessons - from £797.
You also need to include in the budget the cost of food from £ 210 per week, air tickets and a visa. In addition, do not forget to check with the chosen Cambridge language school what paid and free activities it organizes for students. Cambridge periodically hosts university team competitions, art festivals, etc. We advise you to learn more about the calendar of city events and time your trip to one of these events. Unforgettable impressions and emotions will be provided to you!
Embassy Cambridge is housed in a building that is over 100 years old and immediately immerses you in a family atmosphere. In addition to its rich history, Cambridge is also famous for its nightclubs and entertainment centers, shops, restaurants, and from here you can quickly get to London by train!
COURSES:
English for beginners
General English - Standard and Intensive programs
Preparing for the Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE)
OPTIONAL COURSES:
Communication skills
Preparation for the IELTS exam
the address:
Grange Road
Cambridge, CB3 9DU
Phone: +44 1223 345650
HOW TO FIND OUR SCHOOL FROM THE STATION:
Our training center is 10 minutes by car or taxi from Cambridge railway station on Grange Road.
ACCOMMODATION:
For students studying English in Cambridge, we offer accommodation in a modern student hostel Study Inn just a ten minute bike ride from the school. Please note that the Study Inn only accepts students aged 18 or over.
- Study Inn
HOME STAY:
Living in a natural English-speaking environment while preparing for the Cambridge exams. Depending on the type of accommodation booked, you may choose to stay in a separate bedroom or share a room with another international student. You have breakfast and if you have half board booked you can also have dinner with your hosts. This is a great chance to get to know the locals and their way of life while studying English in Cambridge. Living with English speakers also means that your process of learning and improving your English is ongoing.
To the nearest supermarket: 5 minutes walk
Nearest cafe/restaurant: 5 minutes walk
To the nearest newsstand: 5 minutes walk
To the nearest church: 2 minutes walk
To the nearest mosque: 15 minutes by bike
To the nearest Post Office: 5 minutes walk
To the nearest bank: 20 minutes walk
To the nearest shopping center: 20 minutes walk
Nearest bus stop: 2 minutes walk
To the nearest park: 5 minutes walk
TRIPS IN THE CITY:
On foot or by bike
Cambridge is one of the most cycling cities in the UK! The city is very easy to get around on foot or by bike, and we will help you to rent a bike.
By bus
Take advantage of Stagecoach, a reliable and frequent bus network, to get you anywhere in Cambridge quickly.
By train
There are frequent trains to and from London, as well as to other major cities in the UK (up to 3 trains per hour at peak times of the day).
COST OF LIVING:
We currently recommend that students start with a budget of approximately £60 per week. This will be enough to cover all basic expenses for transportation, food and entertainment.
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