As you can see in the chart above, there are different levels for Cambridge examinations and they go from A1 to C2 level in the Common Eropean Framework of Reference (CEFR). The CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. The CEFR is also intended to make it easier for educational institutions and employers to evaluate the language qualifications of candidates to education admission or employment.

B1 Preliminary is an intermediate-level qualification and is designed for learners who have mastered the basic of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.B1 Preliminary is available in two versions:

• B1 Preliminary, designed for adult learners. B1 Preliminary is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
• B1 Preliminary for Schools, designed for school-aged learners. B1 Preliminary for Schools is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for schools.

Both versions of the exam (B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools) are made up of three exam papers, which cover all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking).

1. Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of total marks)

2. Listening (approximately 35 minutes – 25% of total marks)

3. Speaking (10–12 minutes – 25% of total marks)

The Speaking paper is taken face-to-face and candidates have the choice of taking the Reading and Writing paper and Listening paper on either a computer or on paper.

B2 First shows that learners have the language skills needed to communicate confidently in an English-speaking environment. There are also two versions of this test:

• B2 First, designed for adult learners. B2 First is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
• B2 First for Schools, designed for school-aged learners. B2 First for Schools is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for schools.

Both versions of the exam (B2 First and B2 First for Schools) are made up of four papers, which cover all the key language skills (Reading and Use of Language, Writing, Listening, and Speaking).

1. Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes)

2. Writing (1 hour 20 minutes) The Writing paper has two parts.

3. Listening (approximately 40 minutes)

4. Speaking (14 minutes)

C1 Advanced looks to prove high-level achievement in English, and is designed for learners preparing for university or professional life.

C1 Advanced is made up of four exam papers, which cover all the key language skills (Reading and Use of Language, Writing, Listening and Speaking).

1. Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)

2. Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

3. Listening (approximately 40 minutes)

4. Speaking (15 minutes)

C2 Proficiency is the highest level qualification provided by Cambridge Assessment English and shows that learners have mastered English to an exceptional level.

C2 Proficiency is made up of four exam papers, which cover all the key language skills (Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking)

1. Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes – 40% of total marks)

2. Writing (1 hour 30 minutes – 20% of total marks)

3. Listening (approximately 40 minutes – 20% of total marks)

4. Speaking (16 minutes – 20% of total marks)