Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is a high-level qualification that is officially recognised by universities, employers and governments around the world. 

English for high achievers in the professional and academic world

As a high achiever, you want to stand out from the crowd. Cambridge English: Advancedis the key to showcase your outstanding English ability and help you achieve your dreams and ambitions in life. 

Cambridge English: Advanced at a glance

Cambridge English: Advanced is set at C1 level – the second highest on the CEFR scale. C1 is the level of English required for demanding academic and professional settings. It shows that you are highly proficient in English.

Cambridge English: Advanced:

is developed by Cambridge ESOL - one of three major exam boards which form Cambridge Assessment Group (Cambridge Assessment). Cambridge Assessment, a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge, is Europe's largest assessment agency. More than 8 million Cambridge Assessment exams are taken in over 150 countries around the world every year.gives an in-depth assessment of your ability and fluency at level C1/C2. This is the unparalleled qualification to prove that you have mastered English. You are well-placed in dealing with complicated academic and professional tasks in English.empowers you to:follow any academic course at university levelcommunicate effectively at managerial and professional levelparticipate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminarscarry out complex and challenging researchstand out and differentiate yourself

UCAS now allows students applying to UK universities for 2011 to gain UCAS Tariff points by achieving certain grades in Cambridge English: Advanced. For more informationwww.CambridgeESOL.org/UCAS-points

World-class recognition

The following are only a few of the international institutions which recognise Cambridge English: Advanced:

University of Cambridge, UK
University of Oxford, UK
King's College London (University of London), UK
California Institute of Technology (CALTECH), USA
University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School, USA
McGill University, Canada
University of Toronto, Canada
Monash University, Australia
University of New South Wales, Australia
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong

Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Microsoft
KPMG
IBM
ACNielsen
Sony
Bosch
DHL
Credit Suisse
Nokia

Format of the exam

Cambridge English: Advanced has five papers – each carries 20% of the total marks.

Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text.

Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
Requires you to be able to write a variety of different items; such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews.

Use of English: 1 hour
Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms in the right situation, at the right time.

Listening: 40 minutes
Requires being able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials; such as lectures, speeches and interviews.

Speaking: 15 minutes
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the test with one or two other candidates.

Supporting you

Access a wide range of support and preparation tips.

Cambridge ESOL is here to help you every step of the way.

Download sample papers and get advice online to help your exam preparation.

Top Tips for CAE answers all your last-minute questions.

Many other international publishers have also produced a variety of books and materials to support Cambridge English: Advanced.

Online verification

Your results can be quickly and easily verified by recognising institutions, using our secure online Results Verification Service.

Your results

Cambridge English: Advanced is a high-level exam for those who need to combine their knowledge of the English language with fluency and sophistication. Candidates receive a Statement of Results showing how they performed in each of the 5 papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking.

Exceptional candidates taking Cambridge English: Advanced sometimes display ability beyond the C1 level. To recognise this, candidates achieving Grade A will receive aCambridge English: Advanced certificate at Level C2. Candidates achieving Grades B and C at Cambridge English: Advanced will receive certificates at Level C1. Reaching this level reflects your commitment to high standards and your passion for English.

This qualification is accredited by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.

What to do next

Step 1

Test your level

Take our free online test - Test your current level and see if Cambridge English: Advanced is the right exam for you.

You may be interested in our other Level C1 qualifications:

Business English Certificate Higher (BEC Higher)
International Legal English Certificate (ILEC) International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)

Step 2

Contact your nearest exam centre

Contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL exam centre for information about:

how to registerexam datespractice materialspreparation courses.

Step 3

Take the challenge!

Once you have decided to take Cambridge English: Advanced, you are one step closer to achieving your dreams and ambitions.

Step 4

Pass the exam with flying colours!

Set texts

In the updated CAE exam, questions on two set texts are included on the writing paper with one text specific question on each.

Exam dates

Cambridge English: Advanced can be taken 11 times a year from March to December 2010.