Cambridge English Qualifications Digital
Steve Keating
Cambridge are now offering a digital alternative to paper-based exams. It’s available for levels A2 – C2. There are many advantages:
Results are available more quickly – in 5-10 working days.
Exams are available up to 365 days a year. Check with your testing centre as to when they are conducting tests. In the past, there were few exam dates. Now there are many more options at most test centres.
Listening: The test centre provides you with headphones. You can control the volume. Previously, the listening exam was conducted in a big hall and test takers couldn’t alter the volume. This made it hard to hear for many people.
Reading: You can highlight text. This can be used, for example, to draw your attention to parts of the test you want to return to.
Writing: There is a word count on the screen. You no longer have to count or estimate the number of words you have written. You can concentrate on answering the question.
Speaking: The speaking test is still done face-to-face. This replicates real world speaking experiences.
There are sample tests on the official Cambridge page:
You can do these tests up to three times. You can also check your level, as after your first attempt, feedback is provided in terms of your level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). This is the framework that rates your level on the A1-C2 scale.
There are also prep materials available to buy on the Cambridge site. They can be used on your phone or computer:
In general, you can use the same prep material people have been using for the paper-based exams, as the test content has not changed.
Useful information for you
Visit our FAQs to find answers to any questions you may have about preparing for a Cambridge exam with nativespeakers.ch.
Overview of all Cambridge English Qualifications (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, Linguaskill etc.)
Exam dates and online registration for Cambridge English exams.
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