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Cambridge English Qualifications

Cambridge English Qualifications: A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency

Level-based English qualifications from A2 to C2, taken on paper or computer at authorised centres.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
2h–4h
Delivered through
Approved centres
Results
Digital exams: 5-10 working days. Paper-based exams: normally 4-6 weeks.

Not yet available at GAPICT

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Overview

Cambridge English Qualifications are exams set at specific CEFR levels, from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency. Each is taken at an authorised exam centre, on paper or on computer, with a face-to-face Speaking test. Certificates do not expire.

Who it is for

  • School and university students who want a lifelong certificate at a set level
  • Applicants to universities that accept B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
  • Australian visa applicants using C1 Advanced (paper-based)
  • Professionals who need proof of high-level English

Versions

A2 Key / A2 Key for Schools

CEFR A2. 3 papers, about 2 hours.

B1 Preliminary / for Schools

CEFR B1. 4 papers, about 2 hours 20 minutes.

B2 First / for Schools

CEFR B2. 4 papers, about 3.5 hours.

C1 Advanced

CEFR C1. 4 papers, about 4 hours.

C2 Proficiency

CEFR C2. 4 papers, about 4 hours.

Where it is accepted

  • University admission worldwide (over 18,000 organisations recognise Cambridge English exams)
  • UK degree-level study where the university accepts B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (not a SELT)
  • Australian visas: C1 Advanced paper-based only (digital C1 Advanced taken from 12 Feb 2024 not accepted until further notice)
  • AHPRA health registration in Australia: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, subject to profession rules

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

Cambridge English Qualifications sections
SectionWhat it involves
A2 KeyReading and Writing 1 hr (7 parts, 32 questions); Listening 30 min (5 parts, 25 questions); Speaking 8-10 min per pair.
B1 PreliminaryReading 45 min (6 parts, 32 questions); Writing 45 min (2 parts); Listening 30 min (4 parts, 25 questions); Speaking 10-12 min per pair.
B2 FirstReading and Use of English 1 hr 15 min (7 parts, 52 questions); Writing 1 hr 20 min (2 parts); Listening about 40 min (4 parts, 30 questions); Speaking 14 min per pair.
C1 AdvancedReading and Use of English 1 hr 30 min (8 parts, 56 questions); Writing 1 hr 30 min (2 parts); Listening about 40 min (4 parts, 30 questions); Speaking 15 min per pair.
C2 ProficiencyReading and Use of English 1 hr 30 min (7 parts, 53 questions); Writing 1 hr 30 min (2 parts); Listening about 40 min (4 parts, 30 questions); Speaking 16 min per pair.

Total time: A2 Key about 2 hours; B1 Preliminary about 2 hours 20 minutes; B2 First about 3.5 hours; C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency about 4 hours each

Scores and validity

Scoring
Results are on the Cambridge English Scale, with a score per skill, an overall score, a grade and a CEFR level. Target ranges: A2 Key 120-139, B1 Preliminary 140-159, B2 First 160-179, C1 Advanced 180-199, C2 Proficiency 200-230. Each exam can also certify one level above or below.
Validity
Cambridge English certificates do not expire. Universities, employers and governments decide how recent a result must be.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

We could not confirm a current fee for candidates in Pakistan from an official source. Check the price on the official Cambridge English Qualifications website (opens in a new tab) when you book.

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

Original, unexpired photo ID. Candidates aged 18+ need valid government-issued photo ID; a passport is usually needed when testing outside your home country. A test-day photo is required for B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for Cambridge English Qualifications are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Approved centres.

  1. 1

    Register and pay through an authorised Cambridge English exam centre. Find centres on cambridgeenglish.org.

  2. 2

    Choose an approved test centre from the test owner's centre list.

  3. 3

    Book your date with that centre; it confirms the fee and its policies.

  4. 4

    Keep your confirmation and check the ID rules before test day.

Book on official Cambridge English Qualifications website (opens in a new tab)

Cambridge English exams are booked with an authorised exam centre, which sets local dates and fees.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

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GAPICT's status with these organisations

Cambridge English Qualifications FAQs

Should I choose paper or computer?
Both lead to the same qualification. Computer-based results are faster (5-10 working days) and dates are more flexible. Speaking is face to face in both.
Do Cambridge certificates expire?
No. But the organisation you apply to may only accept recent results, so check its rules.
Can I use C1 Advanced for an Australian visa?
Yes, the paper-based C1 Advanced. Digital C1 Advanced results from 12 February 2024 onwards are not accepted for now. Your centre must photograph you on test day.
Is A2 Key still available on paper?
A2 Key on paper ends after the December 2026 session. It stays available on computer. A2 Key for Schools stays in both formats.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

Cambridge English Qualifications and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

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