Most Cambridge English exams are now reporting results on the Cambridge English Scale.
For B2 First, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, candidates receive an individual score for each of the four skills – reading, writing, listening, speaking – and Use of English in certain exams. In the live exams, each of the skills and Use of English are equally weighted, and a candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by five (and then rounding to the nearest whole number).
For B1 Preliminary, B1 Preliminary for Schools, and Business Certificates (B1 Business Preliminary, B2 Business Vantage and C1 Business Higher), candidates receive an individual score for the four skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the live exams, each skill is equally weighted, and a candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by four (and then rounding to the nearest whole number).
For A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools, candidates receive an individual score for each paper in the exam – Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking. In the live exams, the Reading and Writing paper tests two skills so the score is doubled. A candidate’s overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by four (and then rounding to the nearest whole number).
A candidate’s grade and CEFR level are based on their performance across the whole test, and there is no requirement to achieve a minimum score in each paper.
Download a larger version of the Cambridge English Scale
Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores
The following factsheets can be used as guidance to help you convert practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores. Please note that these only apply when using official Cambridge English practice tests.
Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores
Converting A2 Key and A2 Key for Schools practice test scores
Converting B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools practice test scores
Converting B2 First and B2 First for Schools practice test scores
Converting C1 Advanced practice test scores
Converting C2 Proficiency practice test scores
Converting Cambridge English: Business Certificates practice test scores