Ways to take your Cambridge English Qualification

Choose between paper-based and digital exams

You have a choice as to which type of exam you take. You can either take our traditional paper-based exams or — for an enhanced digital experience — you can now take our new digital exams (from February 2024). The qualification at the end is the same, but there are differences in the exam delivery, experience and timing.

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 paper-based or digitally.

(Computer-based exams are available until the end of January 2024, after which they will be replaced by our new digital exams. For further information about computer-based exams please visit our dedicated web page all about computer-based exams.)

Differences between the paper-based and digital exams

Learn more about paper‑based exams

Learn more about computer-based exams (available until the end of January 2024)

Learn more about Cambridge English Qualifications Digital (available from February 2024)

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 digital 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.

Which format is easier?

As both tests are the same, neither is easier or more difficult. However, some candidates feel more in control taking the digital 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. For more information on the benefits of sitting a digital exam, visit our Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page

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 digital exams.

When you prepare and enter students for our exams, your school becomes a Cambridge English preparation centre. Preparation centres receive ongoing support from us, including preparation resources, training and marketing material.

You'll also need to contact an authorised exam centre. They'll give you all the information you need to get set up and take the next steps. Your exam centre will support you with exam dates, results and printed materials to show students they can prepare with you for the exams they want to do.

Find and contact an exam centre

I’m a teacher or preparation centre

I want to become an authorised exam centre