Preparation and execution of Cambridge exams
The Gabby language school, as a test center, registers students for Cambridge exams. Cambridge exams in the area of General English can be taken at five levels. The most common Cambridge exams are the FCE (First Certificate in English) and CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) levels. The lower levels, KET (Key English Test) and PET (Preliminary English Test), are intended for children and young people. The CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) level is demanding and intended for students whose English proficiency is so high that they do not normally need to prove it. The most commonly taken Cambridge exams in Žilina are FCE and CAE.
Which level should I register for?
We recommend that anyone interested in taking a Cambridge exam take the Gabby Language School entrance test. Complete the test from the lowest to the highest level. Send the test result and it will be analyzed again and we will send you a recommendation by email. The entrance test will determine the level of the Cambridge exam for you.
What assurance do I have that I will get a Cambridge certificate?
If you enroll in a preparatory course for the Cambridge exam, you will complete the written part of the Cambridge exam during the first meetings. The instructor who conducts the exams will assess your oral presentation and give you a recommendation to take the exam. Based on our experience, if you are recommended to take the exam and study responsibly, you will be successful in taking the Cambridge exam upon completion of the preparatory course. You enroll in the exam after taking a mock exam.
What should I do if the entrance test evaluated my knowledge as insufficient for enrolling in a Cambridge exam?
Consult the Gabby Language School office, which will analyze your knowledge again. It is likely that it will be necessary to improve your knowledge by attending courses in general English, whose goal is to prepare students for future Cambridge exams. When circumstances do not force you to do so, it is better to increase your knowledge and get a better grade on the exam.
Is it necessary to attend a preparatory course to take a Cambridge exam?
Taking the exam and obtaining a Cambridge certificate is not conditioned by attending a preparatory course for the Cambridge Exam. Given the difficulty of the exam and the need to know the types of questions in each question, we recommend that every student attend at least one preparatory course for the Cambridge Exam. The student will gain confidence and eliminate nervousness during the exam.
By knowing the types of questions in the exam, you will save time and avoid mistakes due to misunderstanding the task. The student will also become familiar with the common tricky questions on Cambridge exams, which will give them a few extra points. Practice with the instructor for the oral part, who is authorized to test, will also be very helpful.
KET English Certificate – Key English Test
The exam is at level A2 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference. It is suitable as motivation for children and adolescents. The KET for Schools English certificate has the same format and scope as KET, but is thematically tailored to the experiences of students.
- Use of English + Reading + Writing – 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Listening – approximately 30 minutes
- Speaking – approximately 8-10 minutes in pairs of candidates
PET Certificate – Cambridge Certificate at the Intermediate Level
The PET exam is intended for candidates who have approximately 2 years of language education and are at level B1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The exam is suitable as a motivation tool for adolescents or as a language qualification for receptionists or lower administrative staff. The PET for Schools exam is tailored to the experiences of primary school students.
- Use of English + Reading + Writing – 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Listening – approximately 40 minutes
- Speaking – approximately 10-12 minutes in pairs of candidates
FCE – FCE Certificate at the Upper-Intermediate Level
FCE (First Certificate in English) is the most widely taken of all Cambridge ESOL exams. According to the Council of Europe, FCE corresponds to level B2. The exam is internationally recognized and required in both study and practice. It is suitable for students and professionals who want to use English for work or study purposes. The FCE for Schools exam is tailored to the experiences of secondary school students.
- Use of English + Reading + Writing – 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Listening – approximately 45 minutes
- Speaking – approximately 14 minutes in pairs of candidates
CAE – CAE Certificate at the Advanced Level
The CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) is recognized by universities and employers as proof of advanced language skills. According to the Council of Europe, CAE corresponds to level C1. The exam is suitable for students and professionals who need to use English to communicate effectively at a high level.
- Use of English + Reading + Writing – 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Listening – approximately 45 minutes
- Speaking – approximately 16 minutes in pairs of candidates
CPE – CPE Certificate at the Proficiency Level
The CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) is the highest level of Cambridge ESOL exams. According to the Council of Europe, CPE corresponds to level C2. The exam is suitable for students and professionals who need to demonstrate their ability to use English to the highest level for academic or professional purposes.
- Use of English + Reading + Writing – 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Listening – approximately 50 minutes
- Speaking – approximately 18 minutes in pairs of candidates