This document provides information about Cambridge English language examinations and qualifications. It discusses the history and establishment of Cambridge English exams dating back to 1913. It then provides details about several specific Cambridge English exams, including the CEFR level, format, number and length of papers, and content and purpose of each paper. Exams discussed include A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT). Sample exam questions, tasks, and testimonials are also included to demonstrate the exams. The document is intended to inform readers about Cambridge English exams and qualifications.

1. Speaker: Diana CRETU, (DCRETU@ALFR.MD)
Centre Exams Manager & Centre Exams Officer
CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH
EXAMINATIONS &
QUALIFICATIONS

2. • first established in 1913
• in 1913 it created the first exam for non-native speakers of
English – the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE – now
known as C2 Proficiency); the exam lasted 12 hours 
• Cambridge, along with the British Council and the Australian
International Development Programme (IDP), developed
IELTS in the 1980s
• providing English language qualifications and tests for over
100 years

4. CEFR level: A2
Scale score: 120–139
Test format: Computer-based, paper-based
No. of papers: 3
Exam length: About 2 hours

5. PAPER CONTENT MARKS (% of
total)
PURPOSE
Reading and Writing
(1 hour 10 minutes)
9 parts
56 qs
50% Shows you can understand simple written
information such as signs, brochures,
newspapers and magazines.
Listening
(about 30 minutes)
5 parts
25 qs
25% Requires you to be able to understand
announcements and other spoken material
when people speak reasonably slowly.
Speaking
(8-10 minutes per
pair of candidates)
2 parts 25% Shows you can take part in a conversation by
answering and asking simple questions. The
Speaking test will be conducted face to face with
one or two other candidates and two examiners.
This makes your test more realistic and more
reliable.

6. CEFR level: B1
Scale score: 140–159
Test format: Computer-based, paper-based
No. of papers: 3
Exam length: About 2 hours and 20 mins

7. PAPER CONTENT MARKS (% of
total)
PURPOSE
Reading and Writing
(1 hour 30 minutes)
5 parts
35 qs
50% Shows you can read and understand the main
points from signs, newspapers and magazines,
and can use vocabulary and structure correctly.
Listening
(about 36 minutes)
4 parts
25 qs
25% You have to be able to follow and understand a
range of spoken materials including
announcements and discussions about everyday
life.
Speaking
(10-12 minutes per
pair of candidates)
4 parts 25% Shows how good your spoken English is as you
take part in conversation by asking/answering
questions and talking, for example, about your
likes and dislikes. The Speaking test will be
conducted face to face with one or two other
candidates and two examiners. This makes the
test more realistic and more reliable.

8. CEFR level: B2
Scale score: 160–190
Test format: Computer-based, paper-based
No. of papers: 4
Exam length: About 3.5 hours
• FCE - tests all areas of language ability.
• A Cambridge English: First (FCE) qualification proves the candidate has
the language skills to live and work independently in an English-
speaking country or study on courses taught in English.

11. PAPER CONTENT PURPOSE
Reading and Use of
English (1 hour 15
minutes)
7 parts
52 qs
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction,
newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with tasks that show
how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Writing
(1 hour 20 minutes)
2 parts Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as
letters (formal & informal), reports, articles, reviews, and essays.
Listening
(about 40 minutes)
4 parts
30 qs
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken
materials, such as news programmes, interviews, presentations, and everyday
conversations.
Speaking
(14 minutes per pair of
candidates)
4 parts Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to face situations. You
will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.
The Speaking test is taken face-to-face, with two candidates and two examiners. This
creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to
communicate.

12. FCE Writing
Time: 1hr 20min
Part 1
•essay
Part 2
•formal letter/email
•informal letter/email
•article
•review
•report
•story (for Schools)

13. FCE Writing sample

14. FCE Speaking
Time: 2 candidates = 14min
3 candidates = 21 min

15. 2 or 3 candidates
2 cand. if even number (4,6,8) in a session
3 cand. if odd number (5,7,11) in a session
2 examiners:
Interlocutor – keeps time, asks QS,
gives the Global Mark
Assessor: gives 4 marks (Analytical
mark)

16. FCE Speaking Pt 1 – Introduction
• Purpose: getting to know the candidates better + helping them to
settle in
• Topics covered: everything about the candidate: hobbies, spare
time, daily routine, studies etc.

17. FCE Speaking Pt 2 – Describing pictures + follow-up qs
• Describing pictures: 1 min After Candidate A described the 2 pictures they
were given, Candidate B is asked a follow-up qs based on them
• Procedure is then repeated vice-versa
• Candidates should speculate about the story behind the picture
• Specific vocabulary is essential
• Pictures cover a range of day-by-day topics

19. • Candidates are given a diagram which they need to discuss on
together (2 mins for pair; 3 mins for group)
• It contains a qs + several options/answers/solutions
• Candidates need to cover most of the options by discussing the pros
and cons of each
• Decision making in 1 minute (2 mins for group)
FCE Speaking Pt 3 – Discussion + decision making

21. FCE Speaking Pt 4 – Answering qs on Pt 3
• General questions based on PART 3
• Questions are quite complex and long
• An extensive and complete answer is required
• Candidates must give reasons for their answers
• Candidates will be asked to react to each other’s response
• They might be given a qs to discuss together

22. CEFR level: C1
Scale score: 180–210
Test format: Computer-based, paper-based
No. of papers: 4
Exam length: About 4 hours
• CAE - tests all areas of language ability.
• Preparing for Cambridge English: Advanced helps learners develop the
skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-
speaking countries.

24. PAPER CONTENT PURPOSE
Reading and Use of English
(1 hour 30 minutes)
8 parts/
56 questions
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction,
newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with different types
of exercise that show how well you can control your grammar and
vocabulary.
Writing
(1 hour 30 minutes)
2 parts You create two different pieces of writing, such as essays, letters/emails
(formal & informal), proposals, reports and reviews.
Listening
(about 40 minutes)
4 parts/
30 questions
Tests your ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials,
such as interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday
conversations.
Speaking
(15 minutes per pair of
candidates)
4 parts Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take
the Speaking test with another candidate.
The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners.
This creates a more realistic and reliable measure of your ability to use English to
communicate.

25. Statement of Results

26. CAE Writing
Time: 1hr 30min
Part 1
•essay
Part 2
•formal letter/email
•informal letter/email
•proposal
•review
•report

27. CAE Writing sample

28. Cambridge Exams vs. others
Cambridge IELTS TOEFL
Format both CB & PB only PB only CB
Location available in MD not available in MD available in MD
Validity < 2 years 2 years
Recognition Recognized all around the world
Content universal (articles,
stories, novel excerpts)
academic, technical academic
Speaking live: 2 examiners + 2-3
candidates
live: 1 examiner + 2
candidate
computerised: 1
candidate + PC
Certificate included in price, valid
scanned
included in price, not
always valid scanned
not included in price,
not valid scanned

29. TESTIMONIALS FROM TEST-TAKERS
The CAE Exam was a huge challenge for me, it was the first assessment of this kind and it
was really educational for me. I developed not only my language level, but also skills
significant for me as communication skills, time management skills and I got a good boost
of confidence. Now I’m applying for university in Austria!
I highly believe that taking the CAE exam was a great decision. Firstly, because I found the
exam itself carefully crafted around the needs and requirements of someone who wants to
demonstare a good command of English. Secondly, because it has helped me with my
application process for university since a wide number of institutions abroad accept the CAE
exam.
I took the FCE because it was recognized by the university to which I applied. It is a complex exam
that shows most appropriately my real language skills, so that is why it was a stepping stone to
achieve C1. What’s more, it has no expiry date so it is still actual when I apply for jobs!

31. The tests that show you’re developing as a teacher
TKT is a series of internationally recognised modular
teaching qualifications, which test your knowledge in a
specific area of English language teaching.
You can take TKT whatever your background and
teaching experience, to gain recognition for your
knowledge and skills.

32. CambridgeEnglishTeachingFramework

33. • recognised in over 60 countries as proof of teaching
knowledge
• a highly respected qualification from Cambridge
English, part of the University of Cambridge
• flexible – take as many modules as you want, over any
time period. You receive a Cambridge English certificate
for each module you complete
• accessible – prepare for each module in your own time,
at your own pace

34. The modules are:

35. RESULTS
BAND A CANDIDATE AT THIS LEVEL DEMONSTRATES
4 Extensive knowledge of TKT content areas
3 Breadth and depth of knowledge of TKT content areas
2 Basic, but systematic knowledge of TKT content areas
1 Limited knowledge of TKT content areas

37. Increase your teaching expertise and apply it in
the classroom
Delta deepens your knowledge and understanding
of English language teaching, to help you progress
in your career.
It is suitable if you are an existing teacher working
in any teaching context.

38. • proof of your skills and expertise – at the same level as
Master’s study
• a highly respected qualification from Cambridge
English, part
of the University of Cambridge
• flexible – take each module independently, in any order.

39. The modules are:

40. Would you recommend taking a Cambridge
English exam to a friend or a colleague?

41. RESULTS
GRADE DESCRIPTION
Pass with
Distinction
The candidate demonstrates a comprehensive and accurate knowledge of the Delta
Module One syllabus and a high level of familiarity with the full range of ELT
terminology, concepts, theories and practices tested in the Delta Module One
examination.
Pass with Merit The candidate demonstrates a comprehensive and generally accurate knowledge of
the Delta Module One syllabus and a high level of familiarity with a wide range of ELT
terminology, concepts, theories and practices tested in the Delta Module One
examination.
Pass The candidate demonstrates a generally accurate knowledge of a range of areas in the
Delta Module One syllabus and a sound level of familiarity with a range of ELT
terminology, concepts, theories and practices tested in the Delta Module One
examination.
Fail The candidate fails to demonstrate a generally accurate knowledge in a wide enough
range of areas in the Delta Module One syllabus to reach pass standard.

42. JOIN US!
Cambridge
English
Public
School
Initiative
o Schools = exam centre branches
o Access to students’ online results
o Unlimited access to webinars and exam
related content
o Access to free exam marketing material
o Free pretesting for ALL Cambridge exams
o Official Cambridge logo and certificate
o Teachers = Speaking Examiners
o Ability to deliver paper-based exams onsite

43. Thank you!
Feel free to ask questions.
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