The Cambridge Exam
We’ll help you prepare for the Cambridge exam
Cambridge University specializes in assessing and qualifying non-native English language proficiency. For this, it has developed five types of Cambridge exams, each one corresponding to a different certification.
At ABA English, we’re 100% aware of the content and methodology used in the Cambridge exams and have been developing materials that meet the needs of our students when it comes to learning the different skills that are evaluated in these tests. Below, we’ll share some information and tips to help you prepare efficiently for your Cambridge exam.
The best way to prepare for the Cambridge exams
First of all, you may already know this, but Cambridge has five different certifications, each one representing a different level of complexity. The names of the Cambridge English exams were recently changed to align with the names of the levels in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Here are the five Cambridge exams, with their former names in parentheses:
- A2 Key (KET): Assesses the ability to communicate in simple situations.
- B1 Preliminary (PET): Assesses mastery of the basics and everyday skills.
- B2 First (FCE): Assesses functional communication in an English-speaking environment.
- C1 Advanced (CAE): Assesses a superior level of language for professional or academic life.
- C2 Proficiency (CPE): Assesses English proficiency at an exceptional level.
How will ABA English help you prepare? We offer you many resources to learn and practice with. However, if you’d prefer to take a course, our complete course has 144 units designed to strengthen your communication skills and reach the C1/Business level.
Tips for preparing for the Cambridge exam
The following tips will be very useful as you prepare for any of the Cambridge examinations
Do your research
The Cambridge exams may have changed their names, but they’re not new. You’ll find enormous amounts of information online that can give you a very precise idea of what you’ll face on each test.
Ask the professionals
A prep course can give you better exam results. Take advantage of the ABA English experience and try our revolutionary Smart Learning® method, which helps you learn while enjoying the things you like.
Strengthen your weak points
All Cambridge exams include four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Some of these may be more difficult for you than others, so make sure you strengthen them with a lot of practice.
Fill your days with English
You should start immersing yourself in the language now. Listen to music in English, watch movies in English, and read in English. Do you have someone to speak with in English? ABA English has Speaking Sessions for you, where you can debate and talk about any topic with teachers and other students.
It’s time to prepare for the Cambridge exam
Still have questions? Here are the answers
Where can I take the exam?
Cambridge has over 2800 authorized examination centers in over 130 countries. You can find the nearest location on the official Cambridge English website.
How much does the Cambridge exam cost?
The price will vary based on the level and the test center. On the official Cambridge website, you can find the center that’s best for you and check out their prices.
Is the exam given on paper or on a computer?
Most test centers give you the option of choosing one or the other.
How long does the exam take?
The most basic ones, A2 and B1, take about 2.5 hours while the advanced ones take 3.5 hours.
How are they graded?
Cambridge has a general scale, ranging from 80 to 230 points, that it uses for all of its tests. In the case of A2, for example, you have to get more than 120 points to pass while you’ll need more than 200 points to pass the C2.
When will I receive my test results?
This depends on the test center. On average, it takes two weeks to publish the results for the computer-based tests and four weeks for the paper-based tests.
You can prepare for the Cambridge exams with ABA English
What do we offer you that classic programs don’t?
Your pace, your way
We don’t have a rigid curriculum like at traditional schools. Our Smart Learning® method offers you a learning experience that is totally personalized according to your interests, without neglecting the skills you’ll need to pass the Cambridge exams. You can also access our app from anywhere, at any time, for continuous learning.
Live English
We’re constantly updating and adding new content so you have a lot of resources at your fingertips, such as video classes, microlessons, Speaking Sessions, podcasts, ABA Films, and many other elements to make English a part of your daily life, without falling into monotony.
We’re experts
Contrary to popular belief, Lorem Ipsum is not simply random text. It has roots in a piece of classical Latin literature from 45 BC, making it over 2000 years old. Richard McClintock, a Latin professor at Hampden-Sydney College
Do you want to prepare for the Cambridge examinations with ABA English?
At ABA English, we understand your needs. We know how important it is to pass your Cambridge exam and get the certificate you want. That’s why we’ll help you reach your goals through our Smart Learning® method, which perfectly combines education with entertainment so that you don’t lose interest and apply what you’ve learned in your daily life. If more than 30 million students have adopted our method, that’s because it works. What are you waiting for? Try it now.
