Cambridge English: Advanced
Information for candidates
Practical preparation tips, information on what to expect on test day and useful links.
Exam Format
The C1 Advanced level exhaustively tests all language skills. The exam consists of four tests developed to evaluate your linguistic skills in English.
Reading and Use of English
1 hour 30 minutes
The C1 Advanced Reading Comprehension and Language Use test consists of eight parts containing a mix of different types of text and questions. This test accounts for 40% of the final grade.
Writing
1 hour 30 minutes
In the two parts of the C1 Advanced written expression test you have to demonstrate that you can write various types of text in English. This test accounts for 20% of the final grade.
Listening
About 40 minutes
The C1 Advanced listening comprehension test consists of four parts. In each part you have to listen to one or more recorded texts and answer some questions. Recordings are played twice. This test accounts for 20% of the final grade.
Speaking
15 minutos para cada pareja de candidatos
The oral expression test Cambridge English: C1 Advanced It consists of four parts to which you will appear together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners directs the test (asks you questions, gives you the sheet with topics you must talk about, etc.). The other listens to what you say and takes notes. Both examiners decide the grade. The Speaking test accounts for 20% of the final grade.
Choosing your partner for the Speaking Test
If you want to take the Speaking Test with a friend or classmate, you can request it when registering for the exam. In any case, keep in mind that research carried out on the experience of thousands of exams has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages when taking the test with someone you know and that in the end this factor does not influence the candidate's performance. . It is important to understand that what is valued is your own language skills.
Almost all the C1 Advanced are done in groups of two candidates. However, in sessions with an odd number of candidates there will be a test with a group of three candidates, usually at the end of the day or just before a long break. The test format is exactly the same, but it lasts slightly longer. Please note that you cannot request to take the test in a group of three candidates.
Frequently asked questions and tips for exam day
Information for candidates:
The brochure ‘Information for Candidates’ It's packed with exam information, preparation tips, and frequently asked questions. A great way to help students feel fully prepared for their exam.
Paper Based
Computadora/Digital
To familiarize yourself with the exam format, Watch this tutorial before you start.
The optimal browser to carry out these tests is Mozilla Firefox. Download Firefox for free.
Answer Sheet
Writing Checklist
Use this checklist to improve your written English and practice for your exam.
Download the checklist for the written expression test at level C1
Actividades de autoaprendizaje
If you are preparing for the C1 Advanced exam on your own, these materials will help you improve on the parts of Reading and Use of English, Writing, Speaking and Listening of the exam.
Example of the Speaking Test
This video helps you understand what a Speaking test for the Cambridge Assessment English C1 Advanced exams is like.