Understanding Cambridge English Exams: Certificate Validity, Pros, and Cons

Cambridge English Qualifications are thorough exams designed to assess your English proficiency. These exams evaluate different levels of English skills and are known worldwide for their high standards.

However, before committing to a test, it's important to understand the pros and cons of taking a Cambridge English exam in Malaysia. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Cambridge English Qualifications, including exam preparation and certificate validity, you can make a more informed decision about whether these exams meet your specific requirements. Read on to find out if the ​​Cambridge English Qualifications are right for you.

Developed by the globally recognised​​ ​​University of Cambridge, the Cambridge English tests offer numerous advantages, such as:

Detailed skill assessment

Cambridge English Tests are structured to assess detailed proficiency in English across different levels. There are various tests, such as the B1 Preliminary (PET) and C1 Advanced (CAE), with different requirements and difficulties designed to fulfil different requirements. This can be ideal for a student seeking further education, a worker applying for a job, or someone submitting a visa application. 

The Cambridge exam format also evaluates various skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This comprehensive assessment ensures that candidates have a well-rounded proficiency in English, making them better prepared for academic and professional communication.

Lifelong validity of certain exams

Certain Cambridge exams have lifelong validity. This lifelong certification is particularly beneficial for individuals who need a permanent record of their English proficiency for academic or professional purposes, eliminating the need for retesting. However, it is important to note that certain institutions may only accept certificates taken within the last 2 or 3 years.

While the Cambridge English Tests offer many benefits, they also have drawbacks. It’s important to be aware of these before committing to the test:

Specific nature of each test

Each Cambridge test caters to a different level and purpose, as each qualification targets a particular level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This means that there are different tests for various needs, and a candidate may need to take multiple tests for verification purposes. ​

For example, if a candidate has already achieved the C2 Proficiency qualification and they are looking for a job in business, they may need to take the Cambridge English Business Certificates (BEC) suite of exams. This can be time-consuming and costly for candidates requiring various levels of certifications. Additionally, this makes the preparation for the exams more intensive, as candidates must study for multiple specific tests to meet different requirements.

Limited practical application

Compared to other English proficiency tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Cambridge tests have limitations in practical applicability. This is mainly because the Cambridge exams are highly academic and may not focus on practical language skills needed in professional or everyday settings. This can affect test-takers who need a more versatile assessment for everyday use and professional interactions.

Limited recognition in local context

In Malaysia, institutions and employers often prefer qualifications like IELTS or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) over Cambridge tests due to their broader recognition of international opportunities. Additionally, Cambridge exams might not be recognised for immigration purposes or certain professional certifications in Malaysia. 

Cost and availability of test centres in Malaysia

The cost of taking Cambridge exams in Malaysia can be higher than that of other English proficiency tests. For example, the total estimated fee for the Cambridge test ranges from S$950 to S$1250, while IELTS only costs between RM705 MYR to RM835 MYR. 

Additionally, there is a limited availability of test centres for Cambridge exams, which could pose convenience issues for test-takers in Malaysia. Currently, there are 10 test centres in Malaysia and does not offer the full range of all the different tests, which could be inconvenient for some.

Limited preparation resources

In general, there is a scarcity of localised preparation resources and online courses tailored specifically for Cambridge English tests in Malaysia, especially compared to IELTS. This lack of resources can be a disadvantage for test-takers who need extensive preparation to perform well.

Furthermore, without adequate preparation for the Cambridge English exams, it can be more difficult to achieve a satisfactory score, increasing the likelihood of having to retake the test, which can be both time-consuming and costly.