CAE course
“Cambridge English: Advanced” is also abbreviated as CAE and is a Cambridge examination. To pass this exam you need at least C1 knowledge. With the Advanced Certificate, you therefore prove to have language skills at an advanced level and can communicate spontaneously and flexibly at any time and can understand and write texts of high complexity. You can therefore use all elements of English with confidence.
The ONE ENGLISH CAE course is ideal for those who want to acquire comprehensive English skills with a high degree of fluency. The CAE certificate has a very high institutional acceptance and is therefore ideal for study, visa and general professional purposes.
CAE course details
Course goal and entry skill level
The course goal of our CAE course is C1/ Advanced level.
The required skill level for entry high is B1/ B2 level.
If you’re not familiar with these abbreviations, click here to read our pdf English levels explained.
If you’re not sure about your English level, you should take our ONE ENGLISH placement test, send it to us via email and we will correct it and give you feedback about your current level.
Course format and duration
Our course is divided into two different parts:
The first part of the course (week 1 – week 14): we focus on the structure of the exam, writing skills, speaking skills, grammatical structures, vocabulary and getting to know the exam strategies.
Halfway through the course (week 15 and 16): we organise a mid-course mock test and progress meeting with your teacher to discuss how realistic it is to take the exam successfully when the course ends.
The second part of the course (week 17-week 30): we focus on grammatical structures, vocabulary, time management and perfecting exam strategies. Additionally, we work a great deal with exam papers and hold mock Speaking tests in class to ensure our students are fully prepared for the upcoming exam.
The CAE course lasts approx. 2hrs x 30 weeks.
Who is the course suitable for?
Students should have a minimum level of a high B1/ B2. The course is suitable for anyone interested in:
- Career development or possible future promotions
- Swiss primary school teachers
- Visa purposes
- University purposes
Course location
Steingraben 16, CH-4051 Basel
Upcoming course dates
11th May 2021 (click to view full details)
Time slot: Tuesday 18:00 – 20:00
Start date: 11th May 2021
Vacation: two weeks in the summer
Mid-course mock test: 24th August 2021
Mid-course progress meeting: 31st August 2021
End date: 14th December 2021
For more information on the upcoming CAE course check out our course overview pdf.
9th November 2021 (click to view full details)
Time slot: Tuesday 18:00 – 20:00
Start date: 9th November 2021
Vacation: two weeks at Christmas
Mid-course mock test: 1st March 2022
Mid-course progress meeting: 8th March 2022
End date: 21st June 2022
For more information on the upcoming CAE course check out our course overview pdf.
The five parts of the CAE exam
Reading
Duration: “Reading” and “Use of English” are examined together in one examination section. Candidates are given a total of 90 minutes to complete both parts.
Maximum test score Reading: 50 test score corresponds to 210 Cambridge English Scale score
Theoretical minimum score to pass the exam: 32 test score, equivalent to 180 Cambridge English Scale score
All examination parts are graded equally, missing points in one examination part can be partially compensated.
Use of English
Duration: “Reading” and “Use of English” are examined together in one examination section. Candidates are given a total of 90 minutes to complete both parts.
Maximum test score Use of English: 28 test score corresponds to 210 Cambridge English Scale score
Theoretical minimum score to pass the exam: 16 test score, equivalent to 180 Cambridge English Scale score
All examination parts are graded equally, missing points in one examination part can be partially compensated.
Listening
Duration: 40 minutes
Maximum test score Listening: 30 test score corresponds to 210 Cambridge English Scale score
Theoretical minimum score to pass the exam: 18 test score, equivalent to 180 Cambridge English Scale score
All examination parts are graded equally, missing points in one examination part can be partially compensated.
Writing
Duration: 90 minutes
Maximum test score Writing: 40 test score corresponds to 210 Cambridge English Scale score
Theoretical minimum score to pass the exam: 24 test score, equivalent to 180 Cambridge English Scale score
All examination parts are graded equally, missing points in one examination part can be partially compensated.
Speaking
Duration: 15 minutes
Maximum test score Speaking: 75 test score corresponds to 210 Cambridge English Scale score
Theoretical minimum score to pass the exam: 45 test score, equivalent to 180 Cambridge English Scale score
All examination parts are graded equally , missing points in one examination part can be partially compensated.
More information about the exam
What do I need to know about the »Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)« certificate?
To pass the CAE, students need at least 180 out of 210 Cambridge English Scale score.
- Pass with grade A (200-210 Cambridge English scale score)
- Pass with grade B (193-199 Cambridge English scale score)
- Pass with grade C (180-192 Cambridge English scale score)
- Level B2 failed (160-179 Cambridge English scale score)
If you take the CAE exam and reach a level of C2 (Proficiency), you will still not receive a CPE certificate.
Fortunately, the CAE certificate has no expiry date.
How do I enroll for the CAE certificate exam?
We do not hold any exams at ONE ENGLISH, these are held by external organisations which also issue the certificates.
Students can register for their exams via the following link:
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/find-a-centre/find-an-exam-centre/
Once you have selected the country, you must choose between paper and computer-based testing. A list of examination centres will then be displayed. Once you are on the website of your preferred examination centre, you will find specific dates and locations.
What is better, paper or computer-based?
It’s a matter of taste. If you feel more comfortable with a conventional exam, then the paper-based exam will be more suitable for you. However, if you are more comfortable at the computer, then computer-based testing is the best option.
On average, you will have to wait two weeks longer for the results of the paper-based exam.
The structure of the computer-based exam is slightly different. You can view a sample exam here:
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/preparation/
When should I enroll for the exam?
As places are limited, we recommend that you register at least three months in advance. Midway through your course, we will advise you individually on the best strategy for taking the exam and we will remind you to register.
Further information about CAE:
Where can I find out more about the CAE exam and certifcate?
We have compiled a pdf about exam day: The guide to taking a Cambridge exam
We have compiled a pdf about the CAE exam and certificate: C1 Advanced (CAE) Cambridge certificate overview
