If you have a visual impairment, we can offer access arrangements to support you in taking your Cambridge English exam.
All requests for access arrangements are subject to approval.
What do I need to do?
Make your application as soon as possible through your Cambridge English exam centre. Applications for access arrangements need to be completed before the closing date for entries for your exam.
What will the Cambridge English exam centre do?
Your centre will:
- tell you the application deadline
- ask for full details about your vision
- request the arrangements you need to take the exam
If your centre does not have the equipment or space you need (e.g. a separate room), they will help you to find another centre that does.
Your centre might also ask you to provide supporting information – like an official report or letter which gives information about your sight and explains how access arrangements will help you access the exam.
What access arrangements can I ask for?
There are lots of different options – choose what you need from the list below. You can then ask your centre to request all the arrangements you need.
1. Extra time
If your visual impairment means that you will need extra time to complete a paper you can ask for at least 25% extra time.
You may require more than 25% extra time to allow for reading questions and writing answers. 50% and 100% extra time may be requested but do take into consideration that too much time could have a negative impact on energy and stamina.
If you are entitled to 100% extra time, it may be possible to take the test papers over multiple days. For example, Writing and Reading on day one, Listening and Speaking on day two. You can combine the extra time with supervised rest breaks if required.
2. Supervised rest breaks
As well as (or instead of) extra time, you can ask for supervised rest breaks. This means you can stop writing and take a break. You will be supervised while you take your break, and this will just be for you and no other candidates.
3. Support with reading the question papers
You can ask to read material in the following ways:
A. You can ask to use the following types of equipment / assistive technology:
- hand–held magnifiers
- screen magnification software
- screen reader software
- refreshable Braille displays
B. You can request a ‘reader’ who will read (and re-read) the questions to you. Please see section 9 below.
4. Support with writing your answers
You can ask to produce your answers in the following ways:
A. You can ask to use the following types of equipment / assistive technology
- computer / laptop (though you will not be allowed to use the spellcheck, grammar check, thesaurus or similar functions)
- mechanical Braille keyboard
- electronic Braille keyboard, linked to a printer
- Braille notetaker
Where answers are produced in Braille, the centre will provide a copier to transcribe your answers when the test has finished.
B. You can ask to speak your answers to a scribe (amanuensis) who writes them down for you. Please see section 9 below.
C. You can ask to handwrite your answers on a separate sheet of paper instead of using the answer sheet provided.
If applicable, you can also ask for a copier to transcribe your answers when the test has finished.
5. Braille question papers
Braille question papers are available for most paper-based exams. Braille papers can be produced in SEB (Standard English Braille) and UEB (Unified English Braille) and are available as:
- contracted (Grade 2) Braille
- contracted (Grade 1) Braille
6. Enlarged print question papers
Enlarged print question papers are available for most paper-based exams. These are also called ‘modified large print’ or ‘large print’ papers.
These papers remove any ‘visual’ material which is not needed for answering the question. Where a task has a graph or other diagram, this is adapted and the information is made more accessible, e.g. given in text in a table. We then make enlarged print versions of the papers in A4 size. The print is Arial, 18 point bold and looks like this:
18 point bold, Arial
See if enlarged print question papers are available for your exam
For Cambridge English Digital exams, there is the option to enlarge the text on screen. This option is not available for Digital for young learners exams, Linguaskill or English Skills Test.
DELTA Module 1 exam papers are available as A3 unmodified versions, this means that the question paper is enlarged to A3 size. This is not modified large print and the material you see in the question paper which is reproduced from other sources (e.g. published course books, learner work in original handwriting, articles from newspapers or online sources) may not be fully accessible to you if you have a severe vision impairment. Please speak to your centre and they will contact us for further advice and help.
By default, DELTA module 1 exam papers are written with a font size of Arial point 11 for all rubrics. However, in every session there will be material reproduced from other sources. The print on these materials is likely to be smaller than point 11 and in different font styles. If you think this might be challenging for you to work with, please speak to your centre as soon as possible to discuss using the A3 unmodified version.
More information about can be found at DELTA: How to Prepare
7. Extra time versions of Listening tests
Many of the questions in the Listening tests ask you to make notes while you listen to a recording. If you need extra time to do this, or cannot listen and take notes at the same time, this paper-based modified Listening test version may be suitable for you.
The supervisor (the person who will give you your Listening test) will:
- stop the recording before each part of the test to give you enough time to read the questions
- stop the recording at certain points during each part to give you enough time to write one or more answers
- stop the recording after each part to give you enough time to check your answers
8. Accessible versions of Speaking tests
For most exams students usually take the Speaking test with a partner. The Speaking test involves the use of visual materials.
You can ask to:
- have extra time to read any exam material
- take the test with a partner who is not an exam candidate (not taking the exam)
- take the test without a partner, where you talk to the examiner instead of another candidate / speaking partner
- written text or Braille descriptions rather than visual material
- have enlarged print versions of written descriptions of pictures (e.g. pictures from newspapers or magazines or drawings)
- have enlarged copies of pictures for many Speaking tests. To see what types of material are available, click the exam you would like to take from the list below.
9. Having someone read to you or write down your answers
A reader will read the questions to you but will not explain them and cannot give any advice. They can also read your answers out to you.
You can also use screen-reading software to read back your answers to you. However, you must not use the spellcheck, grammar check or thesaurus functions.
If you request someone to write down your answers, you will be asked to spell certain words and you must also give the punctuation.
If you request a reader or a scribe, you should practise before your exam. For example, make sure you can spell out the letters of the alphabet.
If you would like to know more about having a reader or scribe, contact your centre.
10. Colour vision deficiency (colour-blindness)
If you have colour vision deficiency (are colour-blind), and the test contains coloured pictures or illustrations where there is a requirement to interpret the colours, the material can be adapted.
Currently only the Young Learner exams - Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers and A2 Flyers - are printed in colour. For these exams, your exam centre will provide instructions on what to do, including labelling crayons.
Most Cambridge English exams include a Listening and a Speaking test. If you are D/deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment we can offer access arrangements to support you in taking your Cambridge English exam.
All requests for access arrangements are subject to approval.
What do I need to do?
Make your application as soon as possible through your Cambridge English exam centre. Applications for access arrangements need to be completed before the closing date for entries for your exam.
What will the Cambridge English exam centre do?
Your centre will:
- tell you the application deadline
- ask for full details about your hearing / speech
- request the arrangements you need to take the exam
If your centre does not have the equipment or space you need (e.g. a separate room), they will help you to find another centre that does.
Your centre might also ask you to provide supporting information like an official report or letter which gives information about your hearing / speech and explains how access arrangements will help you access the exam.
What access arrangements can I ask for?
There are lots of different options – choose what you need from the list below. You can then ask your centre to request all the arrangements you need.
1. Hearing aids, headphones and other equipment
Most Cambridge English exams have a Listening test, where candidates:
- read questions which are printed on a question paper
- listen to a recording
- write answers to the questions on a separate answer sheet
Support that can be offered:
- If you normally use a hearing aid, you may use it in the exam but remember to tell your centre before the test
- If you normally use devices such as wireless systems or personal FM systems, you may ask the centre for permission to use this type of equipment
- If you can hear with the help of headphones or amplification equipment, you may ask the centre for permission to use this type of equipment to hear the recording
- If you are using headphones, the supervisor (the person who will give you your Listening test) must be able to hear and control the recording. This means they will listen to an external loudspeaker or use a second pair of headphones. You are not allowed to use a personal MP3 player or other similar device to listen to the recording without a request and approval
- If you are using certain equipment, such as amplification equipment, the centre will normally give you your exam in a separate room
2. Extra time versions of Listening tests
Many of the questions in the Listening tests ask you to make notes while you listen to a recording. If you need extra time to do this or cannot listen and take notes at the same time, this paper-based modified Listening test version may be suitable for you.
The supervisor (the person who will give you your Listening test) will:
- stop the recording before each part of the test to give you enough time to read the questions
- stop the recording at certain points during each part to give you enough time to write one or more answers
- stop the recording after each part to give you enough time to check your answers
3. Versions of Listening tests for candidates with a hearing impairment
This paper-based modified Listening test version might be suitable if hearing recorded sound is challenging, if you are able to lip-read in English, or if you can access the test content through a combination of hearing and lip-reading.
Instead of playing a recording, the supervisor will read out the material to you. They will read out each text two or three times, depending on the exam. For some exams, two supervisors are required to read out the dialogues.
The supervisor(s) will stop reading from time to time during the second reading. This will give you time to write your answers.
Make sure you:
- can lip-read a person who is speaking English
- practise with sample papers before the exam
It may be possible for you to practise lip-reading with the supervisor(s) who will give you your Listening test before you take the exam. Ask your centre.
4. Extra time in Reading and Writing tests
Depending on the impact of your condition, you can ask for up to 25% extra time.
5. Supervised rest breaks
As well as (or instead of) extra time, you can ask for supervised rest breaks. This means you can stop writing and take a break. You will be supervised while you take your break, and this will just be for you and no other candidates.
6. Access arrangements for Speaking tests
In most Cambridge English Speaking tests you take your test with a speaking partner.
If you are D/deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impairment you can ask to:
- have extra time if it takes you longer to give your answer or to understand what is said
- take the test with a partner who is not an exam candidate (not taking the exam)
- take the test without a partner, where you talk to the examiner instead of another candidate / speaking partner
You are not allowed to use sign language in a Speaking test.
7. Exemptions
If you are D/deaf, have a severe hearing or speech impairment and the access arrangements listed above are not sufficient (for example, if you cannot lip-read), you can ask for an exemption from taking the Listening test and / or the Speaking test in most exams. This means you do not have to take the test.
If you need other access arrangements, please contact your test centre.
For all Cambridge English exams, you must apply for an exemption before taking your exam. Ask your centre for further information.
You can apply for an exemption in:
- C2 Proficiency
- C1 Advanced
- B2 First
- B2 First for Schools
- B1 Preliminary
- B1 Preliminary for Schools
- A2 Key
- A2 Key for Schools
- Cambridge English Qualifications for Young Learners
If you are approved for an exemption from a component, e.g. the Listening test, your certificate will have ‘EXEMPT’ printed next to the exempted component.
If you have a specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, we can offer access arrangements to support you in taking your Cambridge English exam.
All requests for access arrangements are subject to approval.
What do I need to do?
Make your application as soon as possible through your Cambridge English exam centre. Applications for access arrangements need to be completed before the closing date for entries for your exam.
What will the Cambridge English exam centre do?
Your centre will:
- tell you the application deadline
- ask for details about your specific learning difficulty
- request the arrangements you need to take the exam
If your centre does not have the equipment or space you need (e.g. a separate room), they will help you to find another centre that does.
Your centre may also ask you to provide supporting information.
What supporting information must I have?
You must give the centre a report about your learning difficulty:
- prepared when you were aged 13 or older
- written by an appropriately qualified person
- including an assurance that the evidence of specific learning difficulties was obtained through the results of appropriate and recognised tests, and the tests must be stated.
If you do not have (or cannot get) a report like this, or if your report was prepared before the age of 13, talk to your Cambridge English exam centre.
What access arrangements can I ask for?
There are lots of different ways that we can support you. Choose what you need, and you can then ask your centre to request all the arrangements for you.
Once you have received approval for any access arrangements, your answers will be marked in the same way as all other test takers. For example, if you make a spelling or grammar mistake, you may lose marks.
1. Extra time
You can normally ask for up to 25% extra time. So, if a paper takes one hour, you will get an extra 15 minutes.
If you are severely impacted by a specific learning difficulty, you can ask for up to 50% extra time. However, too much time could have a negative impact on your energy and stamina.
2. Extra time versions of Listening tests
Many of the questions in the Listening tests ask you to make notes while you listen to a recording. If you need extra time to do this or cannot listen and take notes at the same time, this paper-based modified Listening test version may be suitable for you.
The supervisor (the person who will give you your Listening test) will:
- stop the recording before each part of the test to give you enough time to read the questions
- stop the recording at certain points during each part to give you enough time to write one or more answers
- stop the recording after each part to give you enough time to check your answers
3. Supervised rest breaks
As well as (or instead of) extra time, you can ask for supervised rest breaks. This means you can stop writing and take a break. You will be supervised while you take your break, and this will just be for you and no other candidates.
4. Writing your answers using a computer / laptop
You can ask for permission to write your answers using a computer / laptop. You must not use the spellcheck, grammar check or thesaurus functions if you want to use a computer / laptop.
If you have approval to use a computer / laptop, remember:
- your test centre may not have a computer / laptop that you can use. However, you may be able to use your own computer / laptop. You must notify your test centre when you make your access arrangements request
- you must write your own answers. You cannot read out your answers to someone who writes them down for you
- you cannot use voice recognition software (programs which turn speech into text)
5. Reading the question papers
You must read the question papers yourself. Although it may take you longer to read the question papers, you are not allowed to:
- have someone read them to you (a reader)
- use a computer with screen-reading software
6. A copier (or transcriber)
If your handwriting is very difficult to read, you may ask your centre to copy (make a transcript of) your work. This means that, at the end of the test, you will read out your answers to the copier, including all the punctuation. The copier will write down an exact copy of your answers, including any mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
7. Support to fill in your answer sheets
In paper-based Cambridge English exams, you have to write your answers on an answer sheet which is then scanned by a computer for marking.
If you find it challenging to follow the numbers or order of questions on a page, you may be allowed to write your answers on a separate piece of paper or, sometimes, directly on to the question paper. Ask your centre for advice prior to the test.
8. Transparent coloured overlays
You can ask for permission to use transparent coloured overlays if you normally use them. You must notify your test centre prior to the test.
9. Enlarged print question papers
Enlarged print question papers are available for most paper-based exams. These are also called ‘modified large print’ or ‘large print’ papers.
These papers remove any ‘visual’ material which is not needed for answering the question. Where a task has a graph or other diagram, this is adapted and the information is made more accessible, e.g. given in text in a table. We then make enlarged print versions of the papers in A4 size. The print is Arial, 18 point bold and looks like this:
18 point bold, Arial
See if enlarged print question papers are available for your exam
For Cambridge English Digital exams, there is the option to enlarge the text on screen. This option is not available for Digital for young learners exams, Linguaskill or English Skills Test.
DELTA Module 1 exam papers are available as A3 unmodified versions, this means that the question paper is enlarged to A3 size. This is not modified large print and the material you see in the question paper which is reproduced from other sources (e.g. published course books, learner work in original handwriting, articles from newspapers or online sources) may not be fully accessible to you if you have a specific learning difficulty. Please speak to your centre and they will contact us for further advice and help.
By default, DELTA Module 1 exam papers are written with a font size of Arial point 11 for all rubrics. However, in every session there will be material reproduced from other sources. The print on these materials is likely to be smaller than point 11 and in different font styles. If you think this might be challenging for you to work with, please speak to your centre as soon as possible to discuss using the A3 unmodified version.
More information about can be found at DELTA: How to Prepare
10. Other equipment
Ask your test centre if you want to use any other type of equipment, for example, a screen magnifier.