CAE Express Lane
CAE is a Cambridge exam. By passing this exam, you prove to have at least C1 skills. This means that you are able to use all elements of English – receptive and productive – with confidence.
The ONE ENGLISH CAE express lane course ideally suits those who already have an advanced level but do not know how to take the exam. ONE ENGLISH will provide you with the tools to succeed in the exam in a limited amount of time.
CAE express lane 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 B2 level.
If you’re not familiar with these abbreviations, click here to read our pdf English levels explained.
If you’re unsure 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 on your current level.
Course format and duration
Our course is divided into two different parts:
The first part of the course (week 1 – week 6): we focus on the structure of the exam, writing skills, speaking skills, getting to know the exam strategies.
Halfway through the course (week 7 and week 8): we organise a mid-course mock test and progress meeting with your teacher to discuss how realistic it is to take the exam successfully in three months time.
The second part of the course (week 9- week 14): we focus mainly time management, exam papers and speaking mock tests in class to ensure our students are fully prepared for the upcoming exam.
The CAE express lane course lasts for approx. 2hrs x 14 weeks.
Who is the course suitable for?
Students should have a high B2 level (CEFR level scale) to participate in the CAE express lane course. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to:
- Improve exam strategies
- Gain confidence for the exam
- Study abroad
- Develop CV
- Become a Swiss primary school teacher
Course location
Steingraben 16, CH-4051 Basel
Upcoming course dates
3rd May 2021 (click to view full details)
Time slot: Monday 19:00 – 21:00
Start date: 3rd May 2021
Vacation: two weeks in the summer
Mid-course mock test: 14th June 2021
Mid-course progress meeting: 21st June 2021
End date: 16th August 2021
For more information on the upcoming CAE express lane course check out our course overview pdf.
26th July 2021 (click to view full details)
Time slot: Monday 19:00 – 21:00
Start date: 26th July 2021
Vacation: no holidays
Mid-course mock test: 6th September 2021
Mid-course progress meeting: 13th September 2021
End date: 25th October 2021
Recommended date: There are no exam dates available yet (Basel St. Alban-Anlage).
For more information on the upcoming CAE express lane course check out our course overview pdf.
The five parts of the 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 scale score)
- Pass with grade B (193-199 Cambridge scale score)
- Pass with grade C (180-192 Cambridge scale score)
- Level B2 failed (160-179 Cambridge 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 certificate?
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) exam and certificate overview
