English (UK) 
Русский (RU) 
简体中文(中国) 
Polski (PL) 
Ελληνικά (EL) 
فارسی (ایران) 
What is C1 Advanced?
C1 Advanced is an English language proficiency exam at advanced level (C1 CEFR). A Certificate in Advanced English is a high-level qualification that proves that a candidate has a high level of English for use in academic or professional settings.
Achieving a certificate at this level proves that you have one of the most respected English language qualifications in the world. You can be proud of this achievement. More about C1 Advanced.
The Advanced English certificate shows the candidate’s score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four exam papers, overall score on the Cambridge English Scale and a grade: A; B; or C:
- Grade A: a scale score of 200 – 210 (CEFR C2)
- Grade B: a scale score of 193 – 199 (CEFR C1)
- Grade C: a scale score of 180 – 192 (CEFR C1)
- Level B2: a scale score of 160 – 179
If you achieve a Grade A in your exam, you will receive the Certificate in Advanced English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2 (similar to C2 Proficiency). If you achieve Grade B or C, you will be awarded the Certificate in Advanced English at Level C1. If a candidate’s performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, they will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B2 (similar to B2 First). More about the Cambridge English Scale: C1 Advanced results.
C1 Advanced has 4 papers. It covers all four main language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking
|
Reading & Use of English 1 hour 30 mins |
Candidates need to show their ability to understand texts from publications such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines, and their knowledge and use of a range of vocabulary and grammar. |
|
Writing 1 hour 30 mins |
Candidates have to show their ability to produce different pieces of writing (an essay, a letters / an email, a report, an article, or a review). |
|
Listening 40 mins |
Candidates need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, radio broadcasts, speeches and talks. |
|
Speaking 15 mins |
Candidates are tested on their ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidate and by themselves. |
Exam preparation materials
Sample papers to prepare the reading, listening and writing parts are available on the Cambridge Assessment English website.
If you are interested in effective ways of learning English and improving your language skills, please visit the Learning English section of the Cambridge Assessment English website, where you can find various exam resources and preparation materials, including free English games and online learning resources.