An English certificate for work, study and life abroad
Which exam for which need
| You need | Exam | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Proof that you can use English when travelling and in simpler work situations | B1 Preliminary | €129 |
| Proof that you use English independently: a job in an international setting, study in English | B2 First | €229 |
| Proof of advanced English: management positions, universities, specialist work | C1 Advanced | €239 |
| The highest level: translation, teaching, research | C2 Proficiency | €249 |
What the certificate gives you
- Proof that can be checked. Employers and institutions check your result directly with Cambridge, using its free results verification service.
- A level, not an impression. Anyone can write “advanced English” on a CV. A certificate says which level that is, for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
- Lasting value. A Cambridge certificate does not expire. Individual institutions do, however, decide for themselves how old a result they accept.
Cambridge states that its exams are accepted by more than 25,000 organisations in 130 countries.
Cambridge or IELTS
For work, and for lasting proof of your English, the natural choice is the Cambridge exam at your level. Immigration procedures and some universities ask for IELTS, whose result is usually treated as valid for two years.
You can take both exams with us: we are the only exam centre for Cambridge and for IELTS in Croatia. The guide Cambridge or IELTS compares the two, and the IELTS dates are on ieltsadria.com.
How to prepare alongside work
- First check your level: the test takes 15 to 20 minutes and shows which exam is within your reach.
- In Zagreb we run short 30-hour preparation courses, focused on the exam.
- In other towns, preparation is run by preparation centres.
- If you are already at the level of the exam, you can also prepare on your own, with the sample tests on the Cambridge website.
For employers
Are you hiring and want to know what the level on a certificate means, or would you like your employees to take an exam? Write to us: we will explain the levels and arrange a group application.
Questions from adult candidates
I have not studied English for a long time. Which exam should I choose?
Start with a level check. Choose an exam at the level you are already at, or one you can reach by the exam date: up to C1, Cambridge reckons on about 200 hours of guided learning to move up one level.
How long does the exam take, and do I need to take a day off?
The whole of B2 First, Speaking test included, takes about three and a half hours, and C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency about four. The Speaking test may be on a different day, within the range of dates shown next to the session; you get the exact time in your confirmation of entry. The dates are on the Dates and fees page.
What if I do not pass?
A result just below the pass mark brings a certificate for the level below: for example, a score of 150 in B2 First confirms level B1. You can take the exam again at the next session.
How does an employer check my certificate?
Through Cambridge's free results verification service. The simplest way is to share your result with the employer yourself, on the Cambridge website for candidates.