Cambridge English Skills Test General

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Listening

Speaking Assessment Criteria

Writing Assessment Criteria

Sample writing responses

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Listening

Teachers and academic managers will have access to a powerful results dashboard to monitor the performance of groups of candidates, for example, a class or a school. It will allow the comparison of one class with another class, or one class over time, and it can be done by overall CEFR level or by language skill.

Candidates will receive a Results Report showing the scores they have achieved in each module and overall. The Report features can-do statements, which describe what the learner could be expected to do at their ability level.

The test is divided into four language skills modules of differing length:

Reading – 30-40 mins* (approx.)

Listening – 30-40 mins* (approx.)

Writing - 45 mins

Speaking - 16 mins

*The Reading and Listening modules are adaptive, which means they end when the algorithm establishes the test-takers level. Maximum test length is 59 mins.

Cambridge will provide standard best practice guidelines for administering the test securely and make periodic checks for systematic malpractice. There will also be integrated AI lite remote invigilation running during the test.

Reading and Listening modules are automarked for immediate results. Writing and Speaking are marked by AI and human examiners for results within 48 hours.

Computer adaptive testing is the process by which the test adapts to the performance of the candidate. Future questions become harder or easier depending on whether the candidate answers a question correctly or incorrectly. The test continues until the algorithm is confident that it has determined the candidate’s ability level. Adaptive testing means that one test is suitable for candidates of all levels, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups. It also means that the test is completely personalised for a more motivating test experience, and as each test is unique, malpractice is less likely.

Support is available via our Support Site, where we have interactive articles that cover all administrative functionality and give advice on the use of hardware such as headphones and webcams.

There is also a 24/7 Helpdesk

Yes. We offer modified materials for access arrangements, including:​

• Extra time​
• Braille papers​
• Enlarged print papers​
• Brail and written prompts​
• Hearing impaired versions
• Screen reader versions​

No, as well as the four skills package, you can choose one or two skills packages (plus a 3-skills package for the Schools version).

No, the different skills modules can be sat at different times or on different days.

My Best Score means that candidates can retake a skills module within six months and their best score will always be the one recorded.

The Cambridge English Skills Test is for internal use only and does not have any external recognition. For recognised English proficiency certification, we offer IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications and Linguaskill.