Do I need to attend a course if I want to take a Cambridge examination?

No, it is not necessary to take a course. It is up to the candidates where and how they prepare for the exams.

DOES THE BRITISH COUNCIL NETHERLANDS OFFER LANGUAGE COURSES?

No, the British Council Netherlands does not offer language courses. For English language courses in the Netherlands please use the Gouden Gids. For accredited English language courses in the UK please go to Education UK.

Do I have to start with the lowest level of the Cambridge examinations?

No, it is up to you to choose which level of examination suits your needs and knowledge.

HOW CAN I PREPARE MYSELF?

Familiarising yourself with the Cambridge exams is an important part of your exam preparation. You can improve your performance by learning exam techniques and getting used to the times for each of the papers. You can do this by practicing with past papers and using the Top Tips books.

You can order paper copies of the past papers and Top Tips from the British Council and from Cambridge ESOL.

For (free) online practice tests please go the Cambridge ESOL resources pages.

A number publishers have indicated to Cambridge ESOL that they offer materials related to the Cambridge exams. Please find the list on the books for study page.

HOW MUCH DOES MY EXAM COST?

The fees vary from one exam to another. Please look at the choose your level page for an overview.

HOW CAN I APPLY FOR THE EXAM?

Please choose your level and preferred exam location. You can download the registration form on the page of your preferred Regional Exam Centre. Please make sure you include a copy of your passport and send your application to your Regional Exam Centre before the registration closing date.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS FOR EXAM REGISTRATIONS BY SCHOOLS?

We can group registrations for secondary schools, language schools and other educational institutions. Please use the block registration form for group registrations. The school will receive an invoice for all candidates registered with the block registration form. All correspondence relating to the examinations will be between the British Council and the school’s administrator only.

WE ARE A SCHOOL / INSTITUTION, CAN WE ORGANISE THE EXAMS ON OUR PREMISES?

Yes. There is a minimum number of 70 candidates in order to organise an exam on your premises. Please contact your Regional Exam Centre at least 3 months before the exam to make arrangements.

Can I still register for a Cambridge examination after the registration period?

No, it is not possible to register after the registration period.

CAN ARRANGEMENTS BE MADE FOR CANDIDATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

Yes, it is possible to make arrangements with Cambridge ESOL for extra time, large print, or Braille. Poor spelling, due to dyslexia, is not taken into consideration. Please have a look at the Cambridge ESOL special circumstances pages to see what types of modified materials are available. Should you wish to apply for special arrangements, please send your medical evidence (not older than 2 years) with your registration form to your Regional Exam Centre.

WHEN DO I GET INFORMATION ABOUT MY EXAM?

You will receive a confirmation email no later than 1 week after the registration closing date. Your timetable with further information about the exam location and start times will be sent by email 4 weeks before your exam.

If you have not received the confirmation email 1 week after our closing date, please contact your Regional Exam Centre.

Is it possible to be transferred from one session of a Cambridge exam to a different one?

No, your entry is obligatory, so it cannot be transferred from one examination sitting to a later one or to a different examination.

WHERE WILL MY EXAM TAKE PLACE?

The timetable with address details of the exam venue will be sent to candidates 4 weeks prior to the exam. Route descriptions to the exam locations will also be published on our website 4 weeks before the exam. Please note that all British Council exam venues are easily accessible by public transport.

I HAVE MISSED ONE PART OF MY EXAM, WILL I RECEIVE A GRADE?

According to the Cambridge ESOL regulations, individual paper performance is not given to those candidates with grade X (absent from part of the examination), or grade Z (absent from all of the examination).

What if I am ill on the day of the Cambridge exam?

If candidates are unable to sit their exams due to medical reasons, or special family circumstances they may receive an exam voucher to be used for the same exam within a year. Written requests must be made to your Regional Exam Centre using the voucher request form. The form should be accompanied by a doctor’s note or other official evidence. Requests should be sent within two weeks after the exam. Refunds are not given.

Is the use of dictionaries allowed during Cambridge exams?

No. Any candidate using or attempting to use a dictionary or spell-checker will be disqualified.

Is it possible to see what mistakes I made in my Cambridge 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.

How and when do I get my results of my Cambridge exam and my certificate?

The results will be available online from the dates given on the Results page. Candidates will be able to access their results on the Cambridge ESOL website using an identification number and secret code issued by the Regional Exam Centre. The codes can be found on the timetable. Do not lose your codes because they will not be issued again.

Certificates are sent to candidates approximately four weeks after the results by registered post.

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, BEC Higher and ILEC. With KET, PET and BEC Preliminary the minimum for pass is 70%.

I HAVE FAILED MY EXAM, CAN I APPLY FOR IT AGAIN?

Yes, you can. You can register for an exam as many times as you wish. You will have to send us a complete application and pay the full fee again.

Where and for how long is my Cambridge 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.

I LOST MY CERTIFICATE, WHAT CAN I DO?

Certificates are unique; therefore Cambridge ESOL cannot issue a duplicate however you can request a Certifying Statement.

How can I make a suggestion or lodge a complaint?

In the event a candidate wishes to make a complaint or suggestion regarding the administration service provided before and/or after the date of the exam, this should be sent to the British Council using the comments and complaints form. The British Council aims to respond to complaints within ten working days of receipt.

If any candidate is adversely affected by any incident during the exam which they consider may have a negative impact on their exam performance or the final exam result, they should present a detailed written description of the incident to their Regional Exam Centre. The British Council will immediately submit details of the incident reported to Cambridge ESOL.