Information about IELTS, FCE, CAE, & CPE Examinations

IELTS

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe.

IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

The examination format is as follows:

  • Listening 30 minutes
  • Reading 60 minutes
  • Writing 60 minutes
  • Speaking 15 minutes

IELTS Scores. There are 9 bands. Typically 6.0 - 7.0 is required for an undergraduate course.

For full information visit the official IELTS website

CAE - Certificate in Advanced English

Advanced level (C1)
There are 5 examination papers as follows:
Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers, magazines, promotional and informational materials.
Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will have to produce two different pieces of writing such as an article, a letter, a review, a report, an essay etc. There are set text options.
Use of English: 1 hour
You will be tested on how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening: 40 minutes
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material such as lectures, speeches, interviews, discussions, anecdotes etc.
Speaking: 15 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates, and you will be required to demonstrate different types of speaking, including by yourself and in discussion with the examiner and other candidates.
For full information, visit the official Cambridge ESOL website

FCE - Cambridge First Certificate in English

Upper Intermediate level (B2)
There are 5 examination papers as follows:
Reading: 1 hour
You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
You will have to produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, etc.
English: 45 minutes
You will be tested on how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening: 40 minutes
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and announcements.
Speaking: 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates, and you will be required to demonstrate different types of speaking.

For full information, visit the official Cambridge ESOL website

CPE - Certificate of Proficiency in English

Advanced level (C2)
There are 5 examination papers as follows:
Reading: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand the meaning of written English at word, sentence, paragraph and whole text level.
Writing: 2 hours
You will have to produce a number of different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay, each of about 300-350 words.
Use of English: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will be tested on how well you control your grammar and vocabulary, and how well you can summarise information.
Listening: 40 minutes (approx)
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, news programmes and public announcements.
Speaking: 19 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates, and you will be required to demonstrate different types of speaking, including by yourself and in discussion with the examiner and other candidates.

For full information, visit the official Cambridge ESOL website