CAE stands for "Certificate in Advanced English". It was formerly known as University of Cambridge ESOL. The CAE is an exam run by the University of Cambridge that assesses English language skills. It is designed to measure the skills of people with an advanced (C1) level of English. People usually take the CAE to document their language proficiency for purposes such as business, academic study, or immigration. The exam measures language skills, and it also assesses communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
It includes writing, speaking, listening, and reading sections. Candidates who pass receive a certificate proving their advanced English skills. This certificate is accepted in the entry requirements of most universities in the UK and Europe.
What Kind of Exam Is the CAE?
The CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) is an English language exam made up of four main papers. The overall structure of the exam is as follows:
- Reading and Use of English:
- Total number of questions: 56
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- This paper assesses grammar skills and vocabulary use through texts.
- Writing:
- Total number of questions: 2
- Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- In this paper, students show their skills in writing an essay and writing a report on a set topic.
- Listening:
- Total number of questions: 30
- Time: about 40 minutes
- In this paper, students listen to various recordings and answer the questions given.
- Speaking:
- Total number of parts: 4
- Time: about 15 minutes
- In this paper, students meet the examiner face to face and show their speaking and discussion skills on set topics.
The total exam time is usually around 4 hours. However, whether the whole exam takes place on one day or across different days depends on the exam centre and its arrangements.
Who Can Take the CAE Exam?
The general aim of the exam is to assess advanced English skills and certify them with an internationally valid certificate. For this reason, test takers are usually people who want to prove their English to a wider audience and use it in different fields. The exam appeals to a wide range of candidates and may suit the following people:
- University Students: Students in higher education often take the CAE to prove their English proficiency or to apply to certain academic programs.
- Professionals: People working in business or other professional fields can take the CAE to document their language proficiency or to meet job requirements.
- Those Who Want to Study Abroad: People who want to take part in academic research, or study at master's or doctoral level, can take the CAE to document their language skills.
- Those Seeking International Job Opportunities: People who operate internationally in business, or who are looking for international job opportunities, can take the CAE to prove their language proficiency.
- Immigration Candidates: People applying for immigration to another country can use the CAE to prove their language proficiency.
CAE Exam Dates 2024
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) exam dates are usually spread across the year, but they can change from year to year. You can get the dates from the official website of the exam provider or from authorized exam centres. The University of Cambridge is the organization that runs the CAE, so exam dates usually follow the calendars Cambridge sets. The CAE exam dates set for 2024 are as follows:
CAE C1 Advanced (Paper-based) 2024 Exam Dates:
- Saturday 13 January
- Saturday 3 February
- Wednesday 21 February
- Saturday 9 March
- Saturday 16 March
- Saturday 20 April
- Saturday 4 May
- Tuesday 14 May
- Saturday 18 May
- Saturday 1 June
- Wednesday 5 June
- Saturday 15 June
- Saturday 6 July
- Friday 26 July
- Friday 23 August
- Saturday 7 September
- Saturday 19 October
- Saturday 9 November
- Saturday 16 November
- Wednesday 27 November
- Saturday 7 December
- Saturday 14 December
CAE C1 Advanced (Computer-based/Digital) 2024 Exam Dates:
- Saturday 20 January
- Friday 23 February
- Saturday 24 February
- Friday 8 March
- Friday 15 March
- Saturday 23 March
The Reading, Writing, and Listening papers take place on the same day, while each authorized exam centre schedules the Speaking paper on different dates. Also, when you register for the C1 Advanced exam, you can choose either the computer-based or the paper-based option at your exam centre. However, not every exam centre offers computer-based exams. Fees can differ between paper-based and computer-based exams, and the exam dates also differ, so keep these details in mind before you register.
Why Cambridge Advanced English?
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) is a widely chosen English exam because of the many advantages it offers. Here are some reasons to choose the CAE:
- International Validity: The CAE is a certificate that is recognized and respected internationally. There are 2,700 exam centres in 130 countries around the world, and the CAE is held 33 times each year. This makes the CAE very widespread and well known. For this reason, it can be used to prove language proficiency for work, education, or immigration applications in many countries.
- Advanced-Level Difficulty: The CAE is a demanding exam that requires advanced English skills. This proves that people who pass it have a high level of language proficiency.
- Comprehensive Analysis of Language Skills: The exam has four main papers covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It measures different aspects of the language in a comprehensive way and shows the receiving institution how well you command English.
- Suitability for Work and Academic Purposes: The CAE is a suitable choice for people who want to document their language proficiency in business or academic settings. It is considered and recognized by many countries and institutions.
- An Advantage for National and International Employment: Many employers and educational institutions see the CAE certificate as valuable. Holding this certificate can help you reach wider career opportunities at national and international level.
- International Standards: Cambridge exams generally represent language command at international standards. This means the exam has a high reputation for reliability and impartiality.
CAE Exam Fee
The CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) exam fee can vary depending on the authorized exam centre and the region. Fees are set in the local currency or in an internationally valid currency such as US dollars or euros. The CAE fee usually depends on whether the exam is paper-based or computer-based (digital), the location of the exam centre, local economic conditions, and other factors.
You can contact our authorized education advisors to learn the current CAE exam fee.
