C1 - Advanced (CAE)

More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.

Preparing for C1 Advanced helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries.

C1 Advanced is a thorough test of all areas of language ability.

The exam is made up of four papers developed to test your English language skills. You can see exactly what's in each paper below.

The formats below are the same for both the digital and paper-based exams.

(At IES we conduct only digital exams for C1 - Advanced)
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, 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; 23 minutes per group of three)
4 parts Shows you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Your Speaking test will be conducted usually face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. One of the examiners (who could be online, examining remotely) talks to you and the other examiner listens. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. Examiners may use their mobile phones for entering marks using an app.

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