The Cambridge English scale reports your CAE exam (C1 Advanced) results. Scoring is done separately for each section (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and English proficiency.
You will also receive an average overall score of these five scores to give you a clear understanding of your English language proficiency. You will also receive a grade and CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level.
C1 Advanced Exam's Online Results Service is the fastest and easiest way to access your exam results.
You need to register on this website. Signing up for this service will mean you will get an email about your results as soon as your results are released. You can then check your CAE results.
To register for Online Result Service:
The table below shows the results availability duration:
Type | CAE Result Availability |
Computer-based result | 2-3 weeks |
Paper-based result | 5-6 weeks |
The best thing about the CAE exam is that the Cambridge English certificate does not expire.
But remember that universities and employers can select how long to accept results; it is important always to check their requirements.
The exam assesses knowledge at CFPR Level C1. Here's a table for a better understanding of the CAE scale:
Cambridge English Scale | Grade/CEFR | CEFR level |
200–210 | Grade A | C2 |
193–199 | Grade B | C1 |
180–192 | Grade C | C1 |
160–179 | Level B2 | B2 |
Additionally, you will receive an evaluation at levels C2, higher than C1, and B2, lower than C1.
You will not be given a certificate if your score falls between 142 and 159, but it will be reported for C1 Advanced. However, your Statement of Results will show your Cambridge English Scale.
Understanding its structure is key as you prepare for the C1 Advanced (CAE) exam. With 5 components encompassing various parts and items, here's a breakdown to guide you:
1. Reading and Use of English (Assessed Separately)
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
43 | 200 | C2 |
32 | 180 | C1 |
23 | 160 | B2 |
17 | 142* | - |
*Minimum score reported for C1 Advanced
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
Practice test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
23 | 200 | C2 |
16 | 180 | C1 |
11 | 160 | B2 |
8 | 142* | - |
*minimum score reported for C1 Advanced
2. Writing: 2 questions= 40 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
Practice test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
34 | 200 | C2 |
24 | 180 | C1 |
16 | 160 | B2 |
10 | 142* | - |
*minimum score reported for C1 Advanced
3. Listening: 30 questions= 30 points (1 answer = 1 point)
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
Practice test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
26 | 200 | C2 |
18 | 180 | C1 |
13 | 160 | B2 |
11 | 142* | - |
*minimum score reported for C1 Advanced
4. Speaking: 75 points (not divided into items or parts)
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
Practice test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
66 | 200 | C2 |
45 | 180 | C1 |
30 | 160 | B2 |
17 | 142* | - |
*minimum score reported for C1 Advanced
This breakdown helps you comprehend the structure of the CAE exam's components, providing clarity on the points associated with each section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the age limit for the C1 Advanced exam?
A. There isn't a set age limit for taking the C1 Advanced exam. Generally, students often opt to sit for the CAE exam while in the 10+1 or 10+2 stages of secondary education. This timing aligns with their preparation for applying to undergraduate courses in countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia. The age range's flexibility underscores the exam's inclusivity, accommodating various educational pathways and individual aspirations.
Q. What is C1 grading?
A. By the official Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) guidelines, achieving a C1 level in English signifies advanced proficiency. Individuals at this level possess the ability to comprehend a diverse range of demanding, longer texts and can discern implicit meanings. Furthermore, they can fluently and spontaneously express their ideas without struggling to find suitable expressions. This advanced language command reflects a high level of communication competence.
Q. What is the maximum score for CAE C1?
A. The highest attainable Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam score is 210. Candidates who secure scores ranging from 193 to 199 will be awarded a grade B. Similarly, those who achieve scores from 180 to 192 will earn a grade C. These candidates will be presented with a Cambridge English: Advanced certificate at Level C1, signifying their accomplished language proficiency. The grading system and certificates validate your proficiency and clearly indicate your language skills to educational institutions and employers.
When you receive your Statement of Results for the CAE exam, you're provided with insights conveyed through three key pieces of information tailored to your performance:
Your Cambridge English Scale overall score is an average of the five individual scores encompassing the four skills—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—and the Use of English.
You'll find Cambridge English Scale scores individually assigned to each of the four skills and use of English.
These scores offer a clear picture of your performance in each area, making it easier to identify strengths and areas that might require improvement.
A unique Verification Number lets you share your authentic results through the Results Verification Service.
For those achieving a score between 180 and 210, a Certificate in Advanced English will be awarded, along with your Statement of Results.
If your score falls between 160 and 179, you'll receive a certificate acknowledging your demonstration of ability at CEFR Level B2. This certificate consolidates your overall score, individual skill and Use of English scores, CEFR level, and grade.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) acts as a universal benchmark, characterizing learners' language abilities on a global scale from A1 (lowest) to C2 (highest).
This framework underpins all Cambridge English exams, ensuring that your certificate or Statement of Results becomes a valuable indicator of your English proficiency for potential employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.
This is what your CAE Result looks like:
Q. What is a good score in CAE?
A. A favourable performance on the CAE Exam is indicated by scores ranging from 160 to 210. Attaining a score of 180 or higher signifies a successful achievement, resulting in the awarding of the Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate. This esteemed certificate aligns with a C1 level of English proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), validating your language prowess.
Q. How long is the CAE score valid?
A. Unlike the TOEFL and IELTS exams, which retain their validity for two years, the Cambridge examinations, including FCE and CAE, have no expiration date. This implies that your CAE score remains valid indefinitely, providing a lasting testament to your language skills over time.
Q. Do US universities accept CAE?
A. you undergo English language assessments, and your proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening to the English language is comprehensively evaluated. Among the assessments commonly recognized by universities and colleges in the United States are the Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
The Cambridge C1 Advanced exam is designed to be challenging and rigorous. It effectively evaluates your English language capabilities across various dimensions. The comprehensive nature of the exam ensures that it accurately assesses your proficiency level, making it a demanding yet insightful tool for measuring your language abilities.
The percentage of individuals who either pass or do not succeed in the CAE exam varies from country to country. Globally, statistics show that fewer than 5% of candidates fail the exam in its entirety. Furthermore, approximately 20% of candidates receive a B2 grade, indicating a level of proficiency.
The Australian Department of Home Affairs acknowledges and accepts C1 Advanced, formerly known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), scores for student visa applications and numerous other visa programs. This recognition underscores the suitability of CAE scores as evidence of English language proficiency for individuals seeking to establish their presence in Australia.
Scores on the Cambridge English Scale correlate with specific grades and CEFR levels. A score of 195 on the Cambridge English Scale within the Cambridge English: Advanced exam corresponds to a grade B. Furthermore, this score indicates that the candidate's language proficiency aligns with Level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Yes, C1 Advanced holds recognition and acceptance as proof of English language competence by the majority of universities and colleges across Canada. This validation emphasizes the relevance of C1 Advanced in demonstrating English language proficiency to institutions in Canada.
Scores achieved in the CAE test are evaluated using the Cambridge English Scale, a consistent scaling system employed for all Cambridge English exams. The scoring range for CAE spans from 210 to 142 points, directly aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The pinnacle attainable score for the Cambridge English: Advanced exam is 210. Candidates securing scores ranging from 193 to 199 will be awarded a grade B. Similarly, individuals scoring between 180 and 192 will earn a grade C. These successful candidates will be conferred the prestigious Cambridge English: Advanced certificate at Level C1.
C1 Advanced, previously identified as Cambridge English: Advanced and the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), constitutes an English language assessment administered by Cambridge Assessment English. This examination gauges individuals' language proficiency and is a product of Cambridge Assessment English's commitment to language assessment excellence.
The CAE exam corresponds to the Advanced level, denoted as C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference. If you seek to demonstrate your ability to communicate confidently in English across professional and high-level academic contexts, the CAE exam is tailored to showcase your competence.
For paper-based exams, results are typically released within a window of four to six weeks following the exam day. On the other hand, results for computer-based exams are typically unveiled on a fixed date, usually two weeks after the exam day. Candidates now have direct access to their results through the Cambridge Assessment English Online Results Service, streamlining the results retrieval process.
Examiners evaluate candidates' responses in the Writing paper. These trained examiners employ assessment scales aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference to ensure consistency in marking. Each criterion—Content, Communicative Achievement, Organization, and Language—is allocated marks ranging from 0 to 5, contributing to an all-encompassing evaluation of candidates' performance.
Examiners operate within a tightly regulated marking timeframe, assessing a designated number of candidate scripts. This meticulous marking process upholds the standards of fairness and consistency integral to Cambridge assessments, ensuring accurate and reliable evaluation of candidates' abilities.