Cambridge C1 Advanced

Overview

C1 Advanced (formerly known as the Certificate in Advanced English, CAE) is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications, run by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It tests high-level general English across reading, use of English, writing, listening and speaking, and is aimed at people who have reached the C1 (advanced) level on the CEFR scale. The qualification is used worldwide for university admission, employment and some immigration purposes, and is recognised by thousands of universities, employers and government bodies.

Who can apply

There is no age limit and no formal entry requirement to sit C1 Advanced; candidates of any nationality can register. It is designed for learners who already have a high level of English (broadly C1) and is commonly taken by people applying to universities, pursuing professional or academic careers that need advanced English, or supporting a visa or immigration application where an English qualification is accepted.

Exam pattern

C1 Advanced has four components, each contributing equally to the overall result.

Reading and Use of English covers around 3,000–3,500 words of text across its eight parts. Writing requires a compulsory essay in Part 1 plus a second piece chosen from options such as a letter/email, proposal, report or review in Part 2. Listening covers a range of spoken material such as interviews, talks, presentations and everyday conversations. Speaking is a face-to-face test with two examiners, taken with another candidate (or occasionally in a group of three), and covers an interview, a long-turn task with visual prompts, a collaborative task, and a discussion.

The exam is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats, depending on the centre.

Marking and results

Each of the five scores — Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English — is reported and then averaged into one overall result on the Cambridge English Scale, which for this exam runs from 180 to 210 for a pass, with 160–179 shown separately.

A score of 180 or above earns the Certificate in Advanced English. A candidate who scores high enough (200–210, grade A) receives a certificate recognising C2-level ability, though C1 Advanced is not built to test the full range of C2 skills, so Cambridge recommends candidates who want full C2 certification take the C2 Proficiency exam instead. A score of 160–179 does not reach C1 Advanced level but is still recognised with a certificate at B2.

Results and certificates do not expire — once issued, they remain valid for life. Individual universities, employers or government bodies can still set their own rules on how recent a result must be, so it is worth checking with the specific institution.

Fees

Fees are set by each exam centre and vary by country and exam format, so there is no single global fee. As an example, in 2026 the computer-based exam was listed at AU$330 in Australia; candidates should confirm the current fee for their chosen format with their local exam centre.

How to apply

Candidates register directly with an authorised Cambridge English exam centre rather than with Cambridge itself. There are more than 2,800 exam centres in over 130 countries. The process is: find a centre using Cambridge English's online centre search, contact that centre to confirm registration steps, the fee and available preparation courses, then choose a convenient exam date and whether to take the paper-based or computer-based version, where both are offered.

Preparation tips

Cambridge English publishes free official sample tests for Reading and Use of English, Listening and Writing on its website, along with self-study practice activities for each skill. Official coursebooks and past-paper practice books are also available through Cambridge University Press and exam centres. Since all four skills plus Use of English are weighted equally, prepare each component rather than focusing only on one.