Cambridge English: Key for Schools (KETfS)
The Cambridge English: Key for Schools – also known as the Key English Test for Schools (KETfS) – qualification shows that you can communicate in basic English in everyday situations. It is the first exam in the series of Cambridge English exams for adults.
Level of qualification: Elementary = A2
Who should take this exam?
You should take the KETfS if you have done about 250 hours of study or practice and can speak, write and understand basic English. This exam is the first step in building your English language skills for work or study in the future. To take the exam you should be able to:
- ask and answer questions about yourself and others
- understand announcements and instructions when people speak slowly and clearly
- tell people what you think about something you read or hear.
What is the exam format?
There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing, and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
KETfS Reading and Writing Listening Speaking
Time 1 hr 10 mins 30 mins 8–10 mins per pair of candidates
Marks 50% 25% 25%
(% of total)
Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools (PETfS)
The Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools – also known as the Preliminary English Test for Schools (PETfS) – qualification shows that you can communicate in English in practical, everyday situations. It will give you a good foundation if you want to study for a professional English qualification.
Level of qualification: Intermediate = B1
Who should take this exam?
Studying for the PETfS exam will improve your English so that you can communicate when travelling or dealing with English speakers for work. To take the exam you should be able to:
- express your likes and dislikes, and discuss them with others
- understand spoken and written announcements and instructions
- write a personal letter or take notes from a meeting or discussion
How does the exam process work?
There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing, and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
PETfS Reading and Writing Listening Speaking
Time 1 hr 30 mins 30 mins 10–12 mins per pair of candidates
Marks 50% 25% 25%
(% of total)
Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCEfS)
Cambridge English: First for Schools – also known as the First Certificate in English for Schools (FCEfS) – is a general English qualification that proves you can speak and write English well enough to work or study in an English-speaking environment.
Level of qualification: Upper intermediate = B2
Who should take this exam?
You should study for the FCEfS if you want to work in an English-speaking business, live in an English-speaking country or study a foundation-level or pre-university course taught in English. To take the exam you should be able to:
- write short reports and emails
- explain an idea or have a detailed discussion in English
- understand general English on TV and in newspapers.
How does the exam process work?
There are four parts to the FCEfS exam. You will complete the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
FCEfs Reading and Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time 1hr 15 mins 1 hr 20 mins 40 mins 14 mins per pair of candidates
Marks 40% 20% 20% 20%
(% of total)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge English: Advanced is also known as the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE). This general English qualification shows that your English is of a standard expected of a professional business person or an undergraduate university student.
Level of qualification: Advanced = C1
Who should take this exam?
You should take CAE if you want to prove to employers or universities that you can communicate confidently in English in professional and high-level academic situations. To take the exam you should be able to:
- write complex reports and emails, and take notes in meetings or lectures
- give presentations on complicated ideas in English
- understand a variety of texts, from fiction to newspaper opinion pieces.
How does the exam process work?
There are four parts to the CAE exam. You will complete the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
CAE Reading and Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time 1hr 30 mins 1 hr 30 mins 40 mins 15 mins per pair of candidates
Marks 40% 20% 20% 20%
(% of total)
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English: Proficiency is also known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). This qualification shows that you have mastered English and can use it fluently in demanding research, academic and professional situations. This is the highest Cambridge English qualification.
Level of qualification: Proficient = C2
Who should take this exam?
You should take the CPE if you want to prove to employers that you can use English at a senior management level, or if you want to study at postgraduate or PhD level at an English-speaking university. To take the exam you should be able to:
- understand almost everything you hear or read in English
- use and understand formal, academic and colloquial language
- negotiate, argue and discuss the subtle issues of complex subjects.
How does the exam process work?
There are four parts to the CPE exam. You will complete the Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.
CPE Reading and Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time 1hr 30 mins 1hr 30 mins 40 mins 16 mins per pair of candidates
Marks 40% 20% 20% 20%
(% of total)
Source: https://www.britishcouncil.gr
