What do the exams involve and when do they take place?
FCE, CAE and CPE are divided into five exams; Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. Exam dates for the Reading, Writing Use of English and Listening and the closing dates for entries are available in the Dates section of our website. Candidates should only register if they are free to attend their exams on all dates given for their level. Speaking Exams are generally held within two weeks before or after the Reading, Writing and Use of English and Listening exams. There is no possibility to choose a date or time as they are assigned by the centre. The assigned dates and times are not subject to change. However, in very special circumstances, a change may be authorised only with the approval of the Exams Administration. An administrative charge of €15 will be levied for any changes made.
Which exam should I take?
To find further information on your level of english please refer to the Commom European Framework. It is also possible to take an online test
How can I register for a Cambridge exam?
Candidates can register in person at the UCD Applied Langguage Centre or by submitting their application by post. The centre will provide full information including fees and the dates of exams. Confirmation of entry (Statement of Registration) will be sent out to the candidate (if acknowledgement is required). Please include a stamped addressed envelope along with your entry documents and we will send you a receipt.
How long is each exam?
|
FCE |
CAE |
CPE |
Reading |
75 mins |
75 mins |
90 mins |
Writing |
90 mins |
120 mins |
120 mins |
Use of English |
75 mins |
90 mins |
90 mins |
Listening |
40 mins |
40 mins |
40 mins |
Speaking |
14 mins |
15 mins |
19 mins |
What do I need to bring to the exam?
For FCE, CAE and CPE, pen must be used in the Writing paper, but pencil must be used in all other papers. Personal identification(e.g Passpost or Drivers Licence) and your letter of confirmation must be presented for registration before the exam.
What can I do if I require special arrangements for the exam?
Special arrangements are provided for candidates who have permanent or long-term disabilities, such as visual or hearing difficulties. If this is the case candidates are asked to send in a medical statement with a support letter from their teacher which outlines the disability. This letter should also state clearly what special arrangements are required. It is important that the centre receives this information as early as possible in order to make necessary arrangements. The University of Cambridge suggests six months in advance.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my registration or if I am sick on the day of the exam?
You will receive a partial refund for medical reasons if you send in a medical statement to the main office within 5 days after the exam date. This doctors certificate is sent to the University of Cambridge who will then refund the university fee. The other part of the fee cannot be refunded as it will have been used to reserve your place in the hall, your oral exam, exam papers, etc.
What is the marking scheme for each of the papers?
For FCE, CAE and CPE, each paper (Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking) carries 20% of the total marks.
How are the exams graded?
There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for FCE, CAE and CPE.
Do candidates have to complete all components to pass?
No. The final mark on which the grade is awarded is based on the aggregate score of all of the papers. Candidates who perform poorly on one paper can compensate by performing well on the other papers.
How are the exam results issued?
Results are issued via the Internet. Candidates will be issued with login details on the date of their exam.
How long will I have to wait for my result and certificate?
The results arrive approximately 8 weeks after the examination and certificates follow approximately 8 weeks after the results. The certificates are sent by registered post, to the post-examination address on the registration form.
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