Advanced level qualifications in English language proficiency

 

CAE and CPE cover the four main language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – as well as knowledge of vocabulary and grammar, and assess learners’ ability to communicate in English in real situations.

Students who successfully complete CAE demonstrate ability to communicate with confidence in English for study purposes. Those awarded with CPE are able to function effectively in almost any English-speaking context.

 

How do CAE and CPE relate to IELTS band scores?

IELTS, jointly managed by Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and IDP Education Australia, is a test of English for specific purposes. Although it is difficult to make direct comparisons between CAE, CPE and IELTS band scores, Cambridge ESOL would normally expect a candidate with a CAE to gain an approximate band-score of 6.5 or 7.0 overall in IELTS. A candidate who had obtained a CPE would be expected to gain a band score of 7.5 or above in IELTS.

 

Why recognise these exams?

Students possess English skills required for study

Universities and colleges worldwide recognise that a student with a CAE or CPE from Cambridge ESOL has sufficient language ability in the four main language skills to participate fully in their courses.

Students motivated to succeed

Students with a CAE or CPE qualification from Cambridge ESOL are more motivated to succeed at university as they have already experienced studying for and passing high level examinations.

Set at Council of Europe’s Common European Framework levels

CAE is set at level C1 (competent user) and CPE is set at level C2 (good user) of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Cambridge ESOL examinations are the only certificated exams referred to in the framework document as specifically linked to it by a long-term research programme.

Part of ALTE Framework

CAE and CPE are mapped to the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) framework at level 4 and level 5. ALTE defines each level of language ability with a series of can-do statements describing what users can typically do at each level. The table below illustrates archetypal ability in a study context at levels 4 and 5 of each skill area.

Cambridge ESOL	Levels	Listening/Speaking	Reading	Writing
CPE	C2 Level 5	CAN follow a lecture, presentation or demonstration with good understanding.  CAN give coherent explanations of a theoretical nature.	CAN scan texts for relevant information, and grasp main topic of text, reading almost as quickly as a native speaker.	CAN make accurate and complete notes during the course of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
CAE	C1 Level 4	CAN follow up questions by probing for more detail.  CAN reformulate questions if misunderstood.	CAN assess the comparative relevance of two or more textbooks or articles with the same field.	CAN select the most salient and relevant ideas and represent them clearly and briefly.