Overview of the Cambridge English tests

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Cambridge English tests. Whether you're considering academic pursuits, professional development, or migration opportunities, understanding the Cambridge English tests is crucial. This page aims to provide an informative overview of its development, global recognition, and how it compares to the widely accepted IELTS, so that you can choose the most suitable English proficiency test in Malaysia to help you achieve your goals and aspirations.

The Cambridge English tests, also known as Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQ), caters to individuals in Indonesia pursuing academic, professional, or immigration goals. The series of tests assesses proficiency in English across various levels, offering certifications such as:

Cambridge English Qualifications Schools

• Pre A1 Starters

• A1 Movers

• A2 Flyers

• A2 Key for Schools

• B1 Preliminary for Schools

• B2 First for Schools

Cambridge English Qualifications General and higher education

• A2 Key

• B1 Preliminary

• B2 First

• C1 Advanced

• C2 Proficiency

Cambridge English Qualifications Business

• B1 Business Preliminary

• B2 Business Vantage

• C1 Business Higher

These tests are designed to meet the specific needs of different academic levels, industry sectors, and professions, ensuring candidates in Indonesia are adequately prepared for their respective fields.

Each Cambridge English test type serves a distinct purpose, and test-takers are recommended to take the specific Cambridge English test format that fulfils their English proficiency requirements:

Pre A1 Starters

Pre A1 Starters, formerly known as Cambridge English: Starters (YLE Starters), is designed for young children beginning their English language learning journey. This test introduces English in a fun and engaging way, building confidence and laying a solid foundation for future learning. It assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills at a very basic level.

A1 Movers

A1 Movers, formerly known as Cambridge English: Movers (YLE Movers), is the next step up from Pre A1 Starters, intended for young learners who have had some exposure to English. This test helps children develop their language skills further, focusing on practical communication abilities in everyday situations.

A2 Flyers

A2 Flyers, formerly known as Cambridge English: Flyers (YLE Flyers), is the highest level of the Cambridge English: Young Learners tests. It is designed for children who are ready to handle more complex language tasks. This test assesses a child's ability to understand and use basic phrases, interact with English speakers, and write simple texts.

A2 Key for Schools

A2 Key for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key for Schools (KET for Schools), is a beginner-level qualification that shows a basic understanding of English. It is aimed at school-aged learners and covers everyday situations in familiar contexts. The test assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, ensuring students can communicate effectively at a basic level.

B1 Preliminary for Schools

B1 Preliminary for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools), is an intermediate-level qualification suitable for school-aged learners. It tests the ability to handle practical language skills needed for everyday tasks, work, and study beyond just basic knowledge. This exam assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in real-life scenarios.

B2 First for Schools

B2 First for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE for Schools), is designed for school-aged learners aiming to use English for practical purposes, such as working or studying in an English-speaking environment. The test requires test-takers to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency with tasks that cover a range of topics and situations relevant to young people.

A2 Key

A2 Key, formerly known as Cambridge English: Key (KET), is a basic level qualification that shows the ability to communicate in simple English in everyday situations. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, ensuring test-takers can understand and use basic phrases and expressions.

B1 Preliminary

B1 Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), is an intermediate qualification that demonstrates the ability to use English for practical purposes. It tests reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, focusing on everyday situations and ensuring candidates can communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment.

B2 First

B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge English: First (FCE), is the most popular CEQ and is widely accepted by a range of institutions and organisations worldwide. It is a higher-level qualification that shows the ability to use English confidently for work, study, and travel. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in various real-life contexts, ensuring test-takers can handle complex language tasks effectively.

C1 Advanced

C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is a high-level English qualification that proves advanced skills in English. It is ideal for learners who want to work or pursue university-level studies in an English-speaking country at a high level. This test assesses complex language tasks, including writing essays, understanding detailed texts, and engaging in sophisticated conversations.

C2 Proficiency

C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is the highest level Cambridge English Qualification for Schools, demonstrating mastery of English. It is suitable for those who need to use English in demanding academic and professional settings, such as postgraduate programmes. This exam assesses the ability of test-takers to communicate with near-native proficiency, understanding virtually everything heard or read and expressing ideas fluently and precisely.

B1 Business Preliminary

B1 Business Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary), is a qualification for individuals aiming to improve their English language skills for basic business purposes. It tests practical business English communication skills, such as writing short emails, understanding simple business articles, charts, and graphs, and participating in meetings or telephone conversations.

B2 Business Vantage

B2 Business Vantage, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), is designed for professionals looking to advance their careers by improving their business English skills. The test assesses the ability to handle a range of business-related tasks, such as writing short reports, understanding business publications, and actively engaging in business negotiations.

C1 Business Higher

C1 Business Higher, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher), is a high-level business English qualification that demonstrates advanced skills needed for a successful career in international business. It tests the ability to communicate effectively in a business environment, including writing detailed business reports and presentations, understanding sophisticated business texts, and participating in high-level managerial meetings and discussions.