Cambridge English
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) is a Cambridge English Qualification proving advanced (CEFR C1) English, accepted by universities and employers worldwide. It has four papers and a certificate that does not expire.
What it is
C1 Advanced (formerly Certificate in Advanced English, CAE) is a Cambridge English Qualification at CEFR level C1. It proves the advanced English needed for demanding academic and professional settings, and the certificate does not expire. Many universities accept it for admission.
The four papers
- Reading and Use of English - about 1 hour 30 minutes, eight parts (four Use of English, four reading, including cross-text multiple matching).
- Writing - about 1 hour 30 minutes, two parts: a compulsory essay and one from a choice (letter or email, proposal, report, review).
- Listening - about 40 minutes, four parts.
- Speaking - about 15 minutes, four parts, usually with a partner and two examiners.
Scoring
Results are on the Cambridge English Scale. C1 Advanced reports between 142 and 210. A score of 180 or above earns the certificate at C1 (grades C, B or A); 200 and above is reported at C2. Scores of 160 to 179 are reported at B2.
For teachers
C1 Advanced demands precise, flexible grammar and a wide vocabulary, well-structured writing in the right genre, and confident, interactive speaking. Drill the Use of English task types, teach each writing genre (especially the proposal and report), and practise the paired speaking tasks with richer, more abstract language.
Resources for teaching Cambridge C1 Advanced
Browse all →Lesson plans
C1 Advanced Reading & Use of English: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper: the eight parts and strategy.
C1 Advanced Writing: Essay & Genres
A teacher guide to the C1 Advanced Writing paper: the compulsory essay and the Part 2 genres.
C1 Advanced Listening: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the C1 Advanced Listening paper: the four parts and strategy.
C1 Advanced Speaking: The Four Parts
A teacher guide to the paired C1 Advanced Speaking test: the four parts and interaction.
Worksheets
C1 Advanced Use of English: Practice Worksheet
Practice for the Use of English parts at C1: word formation, key word transformations and open cloze.
C1 Advanced Scoring & Grades
How the Cambridge English Scale works for C1 Advanced: the score range, grades and levels.
C1 Advanced Exam-Day & Overview Checklist
A short checklist of the C1 Advanced format and what to do before and on exam day.
Sources