C1 Advanced (CAE) is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the high level of the CEFR (C1 level). It is made up of five parts and designed to prove that students have achieved a high level in learning English. C1 Advanced (CAE) is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.
C1 Advanced (CAE), also known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is a high-level qualification in English for demanding academic and professional situations that is officially recognized by universities, employers and governments around the world. Introduced in 1991, the test was revised following extensive research in 1999 and 2008; these changes have allowed the exam to keep pace with developments in language teaching and testing while ensuring that the exam remains reliable, relevant, and candidate-friendly.
C1 Advanced (CAE) is targeted at Level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. Candidates can choose to take C1 Advanced (CAE) as either a paper-based or a computer-based exam.
It is typically taken by high achievers who want to:
- follow an academic course at university level
- communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
- participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
- carry out complex and challenging research
C1 Advanced (CAE) is recognized by the private sector. It is also officially recognized in Greece by the state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:
|
Level of recognition |
Overall score |
|
C2 |
200-210 |
|
C1 |
180-199 |
|
B2 |
160-179 |
C1 Advanced (CAE) is accepted by more than 3,000 organizations, employers and governments around the world as a reliable, accurate and fair test of English.
PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 8 parts
(Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil)
Number of questions: 56 questions in total
Part 1 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text in which there are eight gaps. After the text there are four possible answers for each gap and candidates have to choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text in which there are eight gaps. Candidates have to find the correct word for each gap.
Part 3 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text containing eight gaps. Each gap represents a word. Next to the gap is the stem of the missing word which candidates have to change in some way to complete the sentence correctly.
Part 4 (6 questions - up to 2 marks for each correct answer)
A task asking candidates to read six items consisting of a lead-in sentence and a gapped sentence. Candidates have to complete the gap with three to six words guided by a given ‘key’ word.
Part 5 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)
A text followed by six multiple-choice questions. For each question, there are four options and candidates have to choose A, B, C or D.
Part 6 (4 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)
Candidates are presented with four short texts followed by four multiple-matching questions. They must read across all of them so as to match a given prompt to elements in those texts.
Part 7 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)
A text from which six paragraphs have been removed. After the text, candidates will find the missing paragraphs in jumbled order and will have to decide which paragraph best fits each gap.
Part 8 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Ten multiple matching questions followed by a single text or several shorter texts. Candidates have to match a given prompt to certain elements of the text(s).
PAPER 2: WRITING
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 2 parts
(Candidates write their answers in the answer booklet using pen)
Part 1
Candidates are presented with a text to read and are then asked to write an essay based on two points included in it. They will have to explain which of the two points is more important and give reasons for their opinion.
220-260 words
Part 2
Candidates are presented with a situation and given a choice of contextualized task (choice of three tasks). They are asked to write one of the following: a letter or an email, a proposal, a report or a review.
220-260 words
PAPER 3: LISTENING
Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
(Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil)
Number of questions: 30 questions
Part 1 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Three short extracts from conversations between interacting speakers. Candidates are asked two multiple-choice questions per extract and are given three answer choices (A, B or C) each time.
Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Candidates listen to a monologue (which may be introduced by a presenter) lasting approximately 3 minutes. They are asked to complete the sentences on the question paper with the missing information they hear on the recording.
Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A conversation lasting approximately 4 minutes between two or more speakers. Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices (A, B, C or D).
Part 4 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
(Multiple matching)
A series of five themed monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. On the question paper, there are two tasks and for each task candidates have to match each of the five speakers to one of eight possible answers.
PAPER 4: SPEAKING
Duration: 15 minutes per pair of candidates
Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates
Number of parts: 4 parts
Part 1
A brief conversation between the candidates and the interlocutor (all questions are spoken)
Part 2
An individual long turn for each candidate followed by a brief response from the second candidate. In turn, both candidates are presented with a set of three pictures to talk about (e.g. describe, compare, express opinion about them etc).
Part 3
A two-way conversation between the candidates who are given spoken instructions and written prompts to be used in a discussion. The discussion involves a decision-making task and requires them to exchange ideas, express and justify their opinion, suggest, speculate, evaluate, negotiate etc.
Part 4
A discussion between the candidates on topics related to the above collaborative task. Candidates are asked to express and justify their opinion, speculate etc.
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
C1 Advanced results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Although the parts are 4, candidates will receive 5 scores on their Statement of Results (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking) which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These five scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.
For C1 Advanced, the following scores will be used to report results:
|
Cambridge English Scale Score |
Grade |
CEFR level |
|
200-210 |
Grade A |
C2 |
|
193–199 |
Grade B |
C1 |
|
180–192 |
Grade C |
C1 |
|
160–179 |
Level B2 |
B2 |
Scores between 142 and 159 are also reported for C1 Advanced. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 142 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.
The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
Cambridge English Rescoring Procedure
Candidates who wish to have their exam rescored may do so at a fee, as follows:
Stage 1
1. Candidates submit the appropriate Rescoring Request Form requesting a full clerical re-check of all papers of the examination they participated in.
2. Requests are sent by the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications to Cambridge Assessment English.
3. Candidates receive by e-mail the result upon completion of the clerical re-check procedure.
Stage 2
4. In the case that their results do not change after the full clerical re-check, candidates may submit the appropriate Rescoring Request Form requesting a re-mark of papers.
5. Requests are sent by the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications to Cambridge Assessment English.
6. Candidates receive by e-mail the rescoring result upon completion of the rescoring procedure.
Please note the following:
- Dates of submission of Rescoring Request Forms vary for each examinations administration period. After these dates, no rescore requests are accepted.
- Candidates wishing to request Stage 2 rescoring (re-mark of papers) must have completed and received their results for Stage 1 (clerical re-check), before requesting Stage 2 rescoring.
- Stage 2 rescoring (re-mark of papers) includes a review of the listening paper where available but does not apply to any speaking test component.
- Any scores resulting after rescoring at Stage 2 are final and irrevocable.
- In the case that a rescoring request leads to a change of result, rescore fees will be refunded.
- Download the Rescoring Request Form
Please find information regarding the results of the Cambridge University Press & Assessment exams here.
Additional services:
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