27/01/2020
More than 7 million Cambridge English exams were taken last year by ambitious people around the world.
The Cambridge English exams are developed by Cambridge Assessment English a department of Cambridge University. The exams include the world-famous Cambridge English Qualifications such as B2 First and C1 Advanced, as well as IELTS, and a range of tests for younger learners, teachers and the workplace. Most recently the Cambridge English exams have been joined by Linguaskill, a ground-breaking test that uses Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies in language assessment.
‘We’re seeing huge growth in the number of people taking Cambridge English exams from primary school students to ambitious professionals working in English-speaking environments. Demand is growing because people know they are getting the skills they need for the real world and a valuable certificate from a department of Cambridge University,’ explains Francesca Woodward, Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment English. She continues: ‘Our mission is to help people to learn English and prove their skills to the world. We do this by providing exams and learning support that motivates and rewards learning at every level and focuses on the communication skills that people need in real life.’
The Cambridge English exams test the key English language skills at different levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – which is the international standard of language learning ability. Key benefits of the Cambridge English exams include the face-to-face speaking test which ensures that candidates develop real-life communication skills and the fact that they cover the major varieties of English, including US, Australian and British accents. The exams are also backed by world-class research to ensure they are fit for purpose, valid and reliable.
At the end of last year it was announced that a record-breaking 25,000 organisations accept Cambridge English exams as proof of English language ability. This includes wide recognition in the higher education sector, along with business and government departments worldwide. Big names to recognise the exams include top US and Canadian institutions, all universities in Australia, New Zealand and in the UK, as well as immigration authorities across the English-speaking world. They are also used for recruitment by top international companies such as Adidas, BP, Ernst & Young, Hewlett-Packard, Johnson & Johnson and Microsoft.
The Cambridge English exams can be taken at over 2,800 authorised exam centres and there are also 50,000 preparation centres worldwide where ambitious candidates can prepare for the exams.