Cambridge English exams by CEFR level
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, each Cambridge English qualification is designed for a specific CEFR level — so the mapping is exact, not approximate:
| CEFR level | Cambridge exam |
|---|---|
| A2 | A2 Key (KET) |
| B1 | B1 Preliminary (PET) |
| B2 | B2 First (FCE) |
| C1 | C1 Advanced (CAE) |
| C2 | C2 Proficiency (CPE) |
Which Cambridge exam should I take?
Take the exam that matches your current level, not one above it — each is CEFR-aligned to certify a specific band. B2 First is by far the most-taken, because B2 is the standard bar for university admission and many jobs. C1 Advanced is the choice for competitive universities in the UK and beyond.
Cambridge results also report a score on the Cambridge English Scale, and a strong pass at one level can certify the level above (for example, a high B2 First result can certify C1). Check what your target institution accepts.
Not sure of your level yet? A free CEFR test places you on the A1–C2 scale in 5 minutes, so you can pick the matching exam before paying the fee.
Compare with IELTS and TOEFL, or take the free English level test to see which Cambridge exam fits you.