How do I enrol for a Cambridge ESOL exam?

Cambridge ESOL exams can only be taken at authorised Cambridge ESOL examination centres. There are currently centres in more than 130 countries.

How many types of Cambridge ESOL exam are there?

Cambridge ESOL offers English language qualifications for learners at all levels and in all contexts (e.g. English for Young Learners, Business English, General English) and a suite of internationally recognised English Language Teaching Awards.

Do I need to follow a course to take the exams?

No. Although most candidates do follow a course before taking the exam, it is not a requirement. Contact your local centre to find out about registering for the exam as an individual.

How much does an examination cost?

At each centre there is a Centre Exams Manager, who is responsible for running the exams. He or she will be able to tell you when the exams will take place and how much they cost, and can give you all of the information you need in order to register for the exams. The cost of entering for a Cambridge ESOL exam depends on which exam you take and where you take it.

Can I still register for an English examination after the end of the registration period?

You can register late for Cambridge ESOL exams and Cambridge International Exams, but apart from the price of the examination you will be obliged to pay a late entry fee. Late entry fees are published on the exams pages of this website in time for late registration, so do come back. There are no late entries for IELTS.

What happens if I unavoidably miss part of an exam?

If something which you can't prevent happens and it stops you from taking one or more part(s) of an exam, contact your Centre Exams Manager as soon as you can. If you miss the Speaking test (and for some exams, the Listening test), it may be possible for you to take the test at another time. If you miss one part of an exam and it is not possible for you to take it later, it may be possible for Cambridge ESOL to award a grade. If you miss more than one part, it may be possible for Cambridge ESOL to return some of your fee.

If I cannot take the exam, do I get my money back?

If you have to withdraw from the exam on medical grounds or if you miss the exam because of illness, you will have to contact your centre to check if a refund can be made.

If I was unable to take the exam, can I re-take it?

No. Candidates cannot re-take any part. Unfortunately it is not possible to transfer the exam fee to a later session as all preparations have been made for the candidate to sit the exam at that session. You must contact your local centre to arrange to sit the exam in the next session.

What materials can I use to study for my Cambridge ESOL exam?

If you are looking for books and materials to help you prepare for Cambridge ESOL exams, there is a huge range available.

View a list of publishers that offer materials related to the Cambridge ESOL exams listed. For more details, please contact the publisher directly.

You can also download sample papers or purchase some of the past papers used in Cambridge ESOL exams.

Can I take a Cambridge ESOL exam if I have any specific physical or learning difficulty?

Yes, Cambridge ESOL is happy to make provisions to help candidates with special needs. You should ask your centre to apply to Cambridge ESOL Special Circumstances Unit.

What if something happened during the exam which might influence my performance?

If you feel that you were affected by intolerable circumstances immediately before or during your examination, your centre can apply for you to be given special consideration. Contact your centre for more information.

I've taken a Cambridge ESOL exam. Can you tell me my results?

Cambridge ESOL cannot advise individual candidates of their result. Please contact the exam centre where you took your exam, or use our online results service.

Where and for how long is my English examination certificate valid?

The University of Cambridge examinations in English as a foreign language have earned widespread international recognition. The certificates are valid for life.

IELTS is valid for 2 years.

What are the pass marks for the Cambridge examinations in English?

To pass an examination with grade C it is necessary to achieve approximately 60% of the total marks available for FCE, CAE, CPE, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher. With KET, PET and BEC Preliminary the minimum for pass is 70%.

Is it possible to see what mistakes I made in my English exam?

No, because all question papers are sent to Cambridge ESOL in the UK. Candidates' answers and other work done by the candidates as part of an examination remain the property of Cambridge ESOL and will not be released to candidates, schools or administering centres.