About
C1 Advanced
C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for.
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More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.
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Preparing for C1 Advanced helps learners develop the skills to make the most of studying, working and living in English-speaking countries.
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This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between B2 First and C2 Proficiency.
Exam Format
The exam is made up of four papers developed to test your English language skills. Click to find sample papers. For preparation guidance, click here.
Paper 1: Reading and Use of English
90 MINUTES
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Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with different types of exercise that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Paper 2: Writing
90 MINUTES
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You create two different pieces of writing, such as essays, letters/emails, proposals, reports and reviews.
Paper 3: Listening
ABOUT 40 MINUTES
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Tests your ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations, talks and everyday conversations.
Paper 4: Speaking
15-23 MINUTES
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Shows how good your spoken English is as you take part in conversation by asking/answering questions and discussing topics. Your Speaking test will be face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.