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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
      • Cambridge English Qualifications Digital

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. 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.

Differences between the paper-based and digital exams

⁠Features Paper-based Digital
Exam location At an authorised exam centre, school or external venue
Availability Set dates (Key for Schools and Preliminary for Schools available up to 365 days a year*) Up to 365 days a year*
Registration Approximately 4 weeks before exam date Up to 2 working days before exam date*
Levels A2 Key to C2 Proficiency
Exam set up On paper On computer (available on PCs, laptops and Macs)
Task types Identical
Exam content Same questions for all candidates Questions randomly allocated
Results 4–6 weeks after exam date 5–10 working days after exam date
Speaking test Face-to-face
Listening test Digital audio player Headphones with volume control
Reading and Writing test Paper with a pen and pencil Computer with keyboard, screen and mouse
Certificates Paper certificate sent to the exam centre 7–10 weeks after the exam date Paper certificate usually sent to the exam centre within 3–4 weeks

*Talk to your chosen exam centre about their schedule.

Learn more about Cambridge English Qualifications Digital

Learn more about paper‑based exams

Find your nearest exam centre


Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which exam format should I choose?

This will depend on what your chosen 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 digital exam.

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

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