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  3. Ways to take your Cambridge English Qualification

Ways to take your Cambridge English Qualification

  • Exams and tests
    • Ways to take your Cambridge English Qualification
      • Paper-based Cambridge English Qualifications
      • Computer-based Cambridge English Qualifications

Choose between the paper-based and computer-based exams

We now offer more choice and flexibility than ever. You can choose to take your Cambridge English Qualification on paper or on a computer, depending on what works best for you.

Both tests are taken at an authorised exam centre, your school or an external venue and include a face-to-face Speaking exam. You take the Listening, Reading and Use of English, and Writing exams via your preferred method, either by computer or with pen, pencil and paper.

Differences between the paper-based and computer-based exams

⁠Features Paper-based Computer-based
Exam location At an authorised exam centre, school, or external venue
Registration Approx. 4 weeks before Up to 5 days before
Results Usually available in 4–6 weeks Usually available in 10-15 working days
Exam content and format Exactly the same
Speaking paper Face-to-face
Listening paper Digital audio player Headphones with volume control
Reading and Writing papers Paper with a pen and pencil Computer with keyboard, screen and mouse (you can use a pen and paper to make notes)
Certificates Paper certificate sent to the exam centre within three months of the exam date.
Levels Pre A1–C2
(includes Young Learner exams)
A2 Key–C2
(excludes Young Learner exams)
Recognition Cambridge English exams are recognised by over 25,000 universities, employers and governments around the world.

Learn more about paper‑based exams

Learn more about computer‑based exams

Find your nearest exam centre

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which exam format should I choose?

This will depend on what your local exam centre offers and what you are more comfortable with. While there are many benefits of a computer-based exam and the majority of our candidates who take the exam this way recommend it, if you prefer writing by hand, you should consider a paper-based test. However, if you’re familiar with typing on a keyboard and using a computer, we recommend you take the computer-based test.

What are the differences between the computer-based and paper-based exams?

The exam format is the same – the question types, order and timings do not change. The main difference is the exam day experience and the way you take the exam: one is using a computer screen, keyboard and a mouse, and the other with paper, pen and pencil. See full comparison.

Which one is easier – paper-based or computer-based?

As both tests are the same, neither is easier or more difficult. However, some candidates feel more in control taking the computer-based exam as they can use headphones for the listening paper, easily edit their writing and keep track of their word count, and highlight text and add notes in the reading. There’s also a timer to see how much time is remaining in each part.

Are you a teacher or a preparation centre?

We have lots of resources to help you prepare your students for success in both the paper-based and computer-based exams.

I’m a teacher or preparation centre

I want to become an authorised exam centre

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