CAE Test
Our CAE guide is updated regularly with new tips and articles. The Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English. It was previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and the University of Cambridge ESOL examination. C1 Advanced is the new lable for the same purpose.
Overview of the Examination
The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English examination consists of five papers, each of which
carries 20% of the total marks. A low mark in one paper does not necessarily mean a candidate will fail the examination; it is the overall mark which counts. A, B and C are pass grades; D and E are fail grades.
Paper 1 - Reading (1 hour 15 minutes)
There are four parts to this paper, with a total of 34 questions. Each question in Parts 1, 2 and 3 carries 2 marks, and each question in Part 4 carries 1 mark. Texts are taken from a variety of sources including newspaper and magazine articles, fiction and nonfiction books, leaflets and brochures.
Paper 2 - Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
There are two parts to this paper, each of which carries the same number of marks. Part 1 is compulsory, so must be answered by all candidates, whereas in Part 2 candidates choose one from five tasks. Candidates are required to write 180-220 words for Part 1 and 220-260 words for Part 2.
Paper 3 - Use of English (1 hour)
This paper consists of 5 parts with a total of 50 questions, which test understanding and control of language in context. Each correct answer in Parts 1, 2 and 3 receives 1 mark; each correct answer in Part 4 receives 2 marks and each answer in Part 5 receives either 0, 1 or 2 marks.
Paper 4 Listening about 40 minutes
This paper consists of four parts with a total of 30 questions, each marked with one question. Each part contains one or more recorded texts, and all recordings are listened to twice. Candidates are tested on their ability to understand gist, main points, specific information, attitudes, and opinions
Paper 5 - Speaking (15 minutes)
This paper has four parts. There are usually two candidates and two examiners. Candidates are required to demonstrate their spoken language skills in a range of contexts.
AST UPDATE on July 20, 2026