English · Cambridge English · CEFR C1

[ Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) – Digital exam ]

A certificate at CEFR level C1 – internationally recognised by universities and employers worldwide. You sit the exam on computer with us at the Cambridge Exam Centre in Frankfurt, with faster results and a speaking exam with an examiner.

View exam dates Cambridge test centre

At a glance

What is C1 Advanced for?

The C1 Advanced (CAE) demonstrates demanding English skills for study and work at a high level. It is accepted by thousands of universities and employers worldwide and is valid for life – although individual institutions may require recent results.

Digital / computer-based – faster results
Speaking exam with an examiner (usually in pairs)
Exam taken entirely on site at our test centre
Exam fee €293 – bookable directly at the bottom of the page

View exam dates

Key information

ExamCambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) – digital / computer-based
LevelCEFR C1 (Advanced)
Total durationapprox. 4 hr 05 min (incl. breaks)
Resultsusually within 10–14 days
Recognitionthousands of universities and employers worldwide
Validitylifelong (institutions may require recent results)

Exam parts & duration

Four exam parts

Reading & Use of English · 1 hr 30 min

Reading comprehension as well as vocabulary and grammar tasks (multiple choice, gap-fill, matching).

Writing · 1 hr 30 min

An essay plus one task (e.g. report, review, letter, proposal); assessed on content, structure and language.

Listening · approx. 40 min

Understanding conversations, lectures and interviews in various accents and contexts.

Speaking · approx. 15 min

Interactive conversation and individual tasks with an examiner (usually with a partner).

Total duration approx. 4 hr 05 min – short breaks after each exam part.

Registration in 6 steps

How registration works

1Choose an exam date – select a suitable date at the test centre below.

2Register online – complete the Eloquia registration form with your details.

3Pay the fee – €293 securely by credit card or bank transfer.

4Receive confirmation – registration confirmation and details by email.

5On the exam day – arrive on site in good time with valid ID.

6Results – usually available within 10–14 days.

Valid ID: passport or identity card required on the exam day.
Arriving punctually: late participation is not possible.
Special conditions: notify us of access provisions or special requirements before registering.
Withdrawal & cancellation: after registration, the exam materials are ordered from Cambridge without delay; the statutory right of withdrawal lapses from this point (Section 356 (4) BGB). In the case of illness, a refund from Cambridge is possible on presentation of a medical certificate.
Permitted aids: personal items are not allowed in the exam room; any required materials are provided on site.

Assessment

C1 Advanced & the Cambridge English Scale

Advanced is an exam at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Depending on the score achieved on the Cambridge English Scale, a certificate is issued at C2, C1 or B2:

200–210 (Grade A): certificate at level C2
180–199 (Grade B / Grade C): certificate at level C1
160–179: certificate at level B2
142–159: no result, no CEFR level, no certificate
Below 142: the score is not reported

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Is the digital CAE exam equivalent to the paper-based one?

Yes. The same content, the same assessment and worldwide recognition – simply taken on computer, usually with faster results.

How quickly will I receive my results?

Results for the computer-based exams are usually available within 10–14 days. We will inform you by email as soon as they are ready.

Can I use the CAE certificate for university?

Yes. C1 Advanced is accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. However, always check the specific requirements of your target university.

Can I cancel my exam registration?

After registration, the exam materials are ordered from Cambridge Assessment without delay. From this point, withdrawal is unfortunately no longer possible, as Cambridge does not cancel the materials. If you are unable to take part for health reasons, you may apply for a refund from Cambridge on presentation of a medical certificate. In this case, please contact us as early as possible.

Straight to registration

You book the exam directly via the booking window below – choose a date, register, done.