Which exam is right for you? Review of the Advanced Certificate (CAE)

You may already be familiar with the European language levels (CEFR):

But which exam is right for you? Today, I will look at the Advanced Certificate of Cambridge, level C1. This is what stricter employers and higher-ranking universities will require. What are the pros and cons?

Pros:

1. Internationally recognised by stricter employers and higher-ranking universities (including for Master degrees)
2. Highly regarded and C1 level (Cambridge quality) - a certificate you can be proud of
3. Tests all 5 skills: use of English, reading, writing, listening, speaking
4. In the listening section, you will always listen to each track TWICE
5. Because the Use of English is so hard, the examiners are a little more relaxed when they mark your writing, but they expect a higher level of language (syntax, vocabulary, grammar) and a much higher level of accuracy - it is difficult
6. Quite a lot of material available to prepare for the exam

Cons:

1. Requires a very long time to prepare - don't think you will just pass by luck
2. There is a huge jump upwards compared with the First Certificate
3. You need to have studied English for a very long time, have lived in an English-speaking country for a while, read newspapers and novels, watch series and films in English
4. Can be scary, much scarier than the First Certificate
5. You can get a "fail"
6. The "Use of English" part is VERY difficult, especially the 4th exercise (transformation of sentences)
7. In the new format, the "Use of English" and "Reading" are in the same section. Most students will spend too long on the Use of English and then do not have sufficient time to finish the Reading, so they lose a lot of points. Without proper time management, candidates fail
8. The multiple choice exercises can be very tricky. So, maybe you understand the text, but you don't really understand the questions they are asking, which makes candidates frustrating.
9. The very last exercise in the exam (the last listening exercise) is very complex even for native speakers and you will do it right at the end of the exam, when you are tired
10. It is increasingly being replaced by the IELTS (which will be covered in a separate article)

So, should you opt for the Advanced Certificate?

You will get official recognition that you are a "proficient user", a very respected level that will set you apart from most people. But it takes longer than most people think to prepare for this exam. Before you start preparing for the Advanced, you must have been developing your English for years. As with all exams, it is not only your knowledge of English, but also the exam technique. If you are envious of your friends who have passed the CAE, your envy is indeed justified! It is a great qualification to have, but be prepared to work very hard.