Cambridge English exams — which one?
Cambridge English offers exams at every CEFR level: A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE). B2 First is the most-taken — it's the standard "I speak business English" credential. C1 Advanced is required by most UK universities + many global employers.
Pick the level that matches your current ability, plus 6–12 weeks of focused prep. Cambridge tests are notorious for catching weak speakers — strong on paper, breaks down in the interview. Our test tells you whether your speaking is keeping up.
How Nivelo's Cambridge-aligned test works
Our 5-minute test gives you a CEFR range. The 30-minute paid test mirrors the Cambridge format: reading (multiple-choice cloze, gapped text, multiple matching), use of English (word formation, key word transformation), listening (multi-task audio), writing (essay + email), and speaking (monologue + interactive).
The detailed feedback report after the paid test breaks down your performance per skill, cites your specific responses, and gives you 3–5 prioritized next steps — exactly what you'd want before sitting the real Cambridge exam.
Cambridge English vs IELTS for university admission
Cambridge certificates are lifetime-valid. IELTS scores expire after 2 years. UK universities accept both — but Cambridge often counts as more credible because it's harder to game. If you have time, Cambridge. If you need a score in 2 months, IELTS.
Either way, both report against CEFR. Our test gives you your CEFR level once; you can use it to pick the right Cambridge exam OR predict your IELTS band.
See how Cambridge exams map to the CEFR scale in the Cambridge English levels guide, or compare with IELTS. To place yourself first, take the free English level test.