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Cambridge English Scale

  • Exams and tests
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The future of results reporting

From January 2015, we will start using a new way of reporting results for our exams that will provide you with more detailed information about exam performance – the Cambridge English Scale.

Our exams on the Cambridge English scale 

Cambridge English Scale full range
*Linguaskill reports up to a maximum score of 180+, which equates to C1 (or above) on the CEFR scale. Scoring up to C2 will be introduced in early 2021.

The Cambridge English Scale is a range of scores used for reporting the results of Cambridge English exams. It is built on our existing results reporting and years of research, and is designed to complement the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The Cambridge English Scale allows for more straightforward results reporting across our exams and better meets the needs of our exam users, including candidates, teachers, universities and immigration departments. 

Exam results will be reported on the Cambridge English Scale for sessions held after the following dates:

From January 2015 – Cambridge English: First, First for Schools, Advanced and Proficiency
From August 2015 – Cambridge English: Key, Key for Schools, Preliminary and Preliminary for Schools
From September 2015 – Cambridge English: Business Certificates

Benefits

  • More detailed results – candidates receive a score for each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) plus Use of English. They also get an overall score for the exam on the Cambridge English Scale.
  • Straightforward and consistent – results across our exams will report on the same scale. Scores on the Cambridge English Scale will replace the existing standardised scores and candidate profile.
  • Easy to compare performance – the alignment of our exams to the CEFR, to IELTS (in English) and to each other is clear. Results on the scale also give a greater insight into candidate progression from one exam to the next.

Download a factsheet about the Cambridge English Scale
Teachers can download a factsheet for guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

For more detailed information about Cambridge English Scale results for particular exams, please see the results pages for: 

  • Cambridge English: First (in English)
  • Cambridge English: First for Schools (in English) 
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (in English)
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (in English)

Comparing scores

There may be times when it is useful to know how a CEFR level, IELTS band score or result from an exam taken before 2015 compares to a Cambridge English Score.

Our score converter tool can help you. Simply select what type of score you’d like to convert from, input the value and the tool will tell you what the equivalent Cambridge English Scale score is. You can also use the tool to convert from scores on the scale back to CEFR Levels, IELTS band scores or old standardised scores.


You can embed the Cambridge English Scale score converter on your website, simply copy and paste the code below into your website:

<!--START EMBED-->
<script src="https://tools.cambridgeenglish.org/scale-score/tool.min.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<div id="scaleConversionTool"></div>
<!--END EMBED-->


A note for candidates
If you are using your result to apply to university or college, do not worry if the institution still specifies a standardised score in their requirements. You will be able to use your Cambridge English Scale score. If you have any problems, please do not hesitate to contact us at recognition@cambridgeenglish.org and we’ll be able to help.

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