Cambridge English exams: from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency
Cambridge English is not one exam but a ladder of qualifications, from A2 Key up to C2 Proficiency. Choosing the right rung matters more than anything else. This guide explains how the ladder works and how to pick your level. See also our Cambridge English preparation path.
Updated · 5 min read
A ladder of qualifications
Cambridge University Press & Assessment publishes qualifications at different levels, starting at A2 Key and ending at C2 Proficiency. Each one is a separate exam aimed at one level. That makes it different from tests like IELTS, which report your result across a range.
How results are reported
Results are given on a scale from 120 to 230. All four skills are assessed: reading, listening, writing and speaking.
Paper or computer
Cambridge English exams are offered on paper and on a computer. Pick the one you practise in. If you usually write by hand, a sudden switch to typing on the day adds pressure you do not need. Find a centre to see what is available near you.
Choosing your level
Because the exams are aimed at specific levels, booking too high is a common and expensive mistake. Work from evidence instead:
- Take a free English level test, which places you between A1 and B2.
- Try the official Cambridge English test for a second opinion.
- If you need the certificate for a university or employer, ask which qualification they accept.
- Choose the exam matching your current level or the next one up, depending on how much time you have.
Building the language underneath
Whichever level you choose, the words come first. Learning 16 a day with active recall builds a stock you can actually use under pressure. Then move to sentences and dialogues to see the grammar working. English learners on 16Word can also practise phrasal verbs, which trip up many people at B1 and B2.
A path built around your goal
Choose "certificate" as your goal and 16Word sets out the words, sentences and dialogues for your level.
Our paths cover A1 to B2. For the higher Cambridge qualifications, use them for the foundations and rely on official material for the rest.
For a side-by-side view, read IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge. If study abroad is your reason, see language exams for studying abroad.
Keep exploring
Every exam below has its own preparation page on 16Word.
The other language exams
- Sproochentest (Luxembourgish)
- Inburgeringsexamen (Dutch)
- Staatsexamen NT2 (Dutch)
- TOEFL iBT (English)
- IELTS (English)
- PTE Academic (English)
- DELF (French)
- DALF (French)
- TCF (French)
- TEF (French)
- Goethe-Zertifikat (German)
- TestDaF (German)
- telc Deutsch (German)
- DELE (Spanish)
- CILS (Italian)
- CAPLE (Portuguese)
- HSK (Chinese)
- JLPT (Japanese)
- TOPIK (Korean)
- YKI (Finnish)
- Ellinomatheia (Greek)
- Certyfikat polski (Polish)
More guides on language exams
- IELTS explained: the 0–9 band, test options and how to prepare
- TOEFL iBT explained: the 1–6 score scale and how to prepare
- PTE Academic explained: the 10–90 score and how to prepare
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge: which English exam should you take?
- DELF explained: levels A1 to B2, pass mark and preparation
- DALF C1 and C2: what the advanced French diplomas require
- The TCF French test: five skills, levels and validity
- The TEF French test: the 0–699 score, uses and preparation
- DELF, TCF or TEF: which French exam do you need?
- Goethe-Zertifikat explained: levels A1 to C2 and how to prepare
- TestDaF explained: TDN 3 to 5 and studying in Germany
- telc Deutsch explained: exams, skills and how to prepare
- Goethe, TestDaF or telc: which German exam should you take?
- The DELE Spanish diplomas: levels and how to get ready
- CILS Italian certificate: levels, skills and how to pass
- CAPLE Portuguese exams: levels A1 to C2 and who needs them
- HSK explained: levels 1 to 9 and the five skills tested
- How to prepare for the JLPT: a plan from N5 to N1
- How to prepare for TOPIK: a study plan for levels 1 to 6
- The YKI Finnish test: levels 1 to 6 and how to prepare
- How to prepare for the Greek Certificate of Attainment
- How to pass the Polish language certificate exam
- Staatsexamen NT2: how scoring works and how to prepare
- Language exams for studying abroad: which certificate to take
- Language exams for work and visas: which certificate you need
- Language exams for citizenship: which certificates are used
- Do language certificates expire? Validity of the main exams
- Language exams you can take at home: what to check first
- Free official sample papers for 17 language exams
Related guides and free level tests
- The Dutch inburgering exam in 2026: routes, parts, fees and FAQ
- Sproochentest speaking (A2): topics, picture description and how to prepare
- Sproochentest listening (B1): the three recordings and how to practise
- A 60-day Sproochentest preparation plan, week by week
- Luxembourgish levels A1 to B2: what each CEFR level means in practice
- What level of Luxembourgish do you need for citizenship?
- The inburgering reading exam (A2 and B1): format, question types and tips
- The inburgering listening exam (A2 and B1): what to expect and how to train
- The inburgering writing exam (A2 and B1): tasks, model messages and mistakes
- The inburgering speaking exam (A2 and B1): format and model answers
- The KNM exam (Knowledge of Dutch Society): format, themes and how to prepare
- Staatsexamen NT2: programme I (B1) or programme II (B2)?
- A2 or B1 Dutch: which level do you need for inburgering, nationality or study?
- Inburgering exemptions and dispensation: when you take fewer or no exams
- What inburgering costs: exam fees, free attempts and the DUO loan
- The 3-year inburgering deadline: letters, fines and extra time
- How to register for the inburgering exams and the Staatsexamen NT2
- Dutch citizenship: the A2 language requirement and the naturalisation test
- Belgian nationality: the A2 language requirement and the Flemish Dutch test
- Inburgering in Flanders: the integration pathway and A2 Dutch
- The three inburgering routes: B1, education and Z route explained
- A 12-week plan to prepare for the inburgering exams
- Spanish nationality: the DELE A2 and CCSE requirement explained
- Italian citizenship: the B1 Italian language requirement
- Portuguese nationality: the A2 requirement and the CIPLE exam
- Finnish citizenship: the language requirement and the YKI test
- The Czech A2 exam for permanent residence: format, points and fee
- JLPT levels N5 to N1: sections, times and pass marks
- Polish citizenship: the B1 Polish certificate and how to get it
- The Greek Certificate of Attainment: levels, dates and fees
Cambridge English: frequently asked questions
What is the lowest Cambridge English qualification on this ladder?
The ladder described here begins at A2 Key and ends at C2 Proficiency.
What scale do the results use?
A scale from 120 to 230.
Are Cambridge English exams on paper or on a computer?
Both formats exist. A centre near you can tell you what it offers.
Which Cambridge exam should I take?
The one matching your level and accepted by the organisation you are applying to. Test your level first, then check its requirements.
What are Cambridge English exams used for?
Mainly for study and work.
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Official sources
Keep going
- /certifications/cambridge
- PTE Academic explained: the 10–90 score and how to prepare
- IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge: which English exam should you take?
- IELTS explained: the 0–9 band, test options and how to prepare
- TOEFL iBT explained: the 1–6 score scale and how to prepare
- DELF explained: levels A1 to B2, pass mark and preparation
- DALF C1 and C2: what the advanced French diplomas require
- The TCF French test: five skills, levels and validity
- The TEF French test: the 0–699 score, uses and preparation
- All guides