News

Cambridge Advanced accredited at levels C1 and C2

25 January 2010

High-performing candidates for one of the world's most widely recognised English language qualifications will now receive additional recognition for their achievement. From the March 2010 exams onwards, certificates awarded to candidates who achieve a grade A in the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English will show that their result is at level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while those for grades B and C will continue to show level C1.

This is an important development and reflects the reality of Cambridge Advanced - a high level exam first introduced in 1991 which proves that candidates have the language skills they need to succeed in higher education in an English-speaking environment. Cambridge Advanced is already widely recognised by universities and employers around the world, and this will make the exam more appealing to candidates who want to demonstrate a very high level of ability in English. Material in the exam continues to be set at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but candidates who achieve grade A have shown evidence of proficiency at the C2 level in some or all of the areas assessed.

UK exam regulator Ofqual has formally accredited Cambridge Advanced grade A at level 3 in the UK's National Qualifications Framework (which is equivalent CEFR level C2) while grades B and C continue to be accredited at level 2. Cambridge Advanced is backed by an extensive programme of research to ensure that it meets the needs of candidates, teachers and higher education institutions, and that it provides a reliable, accurate picture of the skills needed for higher education and professional use at a high level. This research is reported in detail in several volumes in the series Studies in Language Testing (published by Cambridge University Press) and Cambridge ESOL's quarterly publication Research Notes.