Cambridge exams for secondary school and university students
Which exam and when
| When | Exam | Why |
|---|---|---|
| End of primary school, start of secondary school | B1 Preliminary | A first goal, and experience of an exam that tests all four skills. |
| Grades 2 to 4 of secondary school | B2 First | The same level as the higher level of the matura in English. |
| Final-year school students and university students | C1 Advanced | The level that many universities abroad and more demanding employers ask for. |
| Language students and postgraduates | C2 Proficiency | The highest level, for those whose profession is English. |
Cambridge and the state school-leaving exam
A Cambridge certificate does not replace the state school-leaving exam (državna matura). But the higher level of the matura in English is at level B2, the same level that B2 First confirms, and it tests reading, listening and writing.
If you prepare for B2 First in grade 3 or 4 of secondary school, you develop the same skills at the same level, and you also get a certificate that is valid outside Croatia. You still need to get to know the format of the matura separately. B2 First also tests speaking, which the matura does not.
Studying abroad
Universities that teach in English ask for proof of your English. The level depends on the course: some undergraduate courses accept level B2, and more demanding programmes ask for C1. Cambridge states that almost all universities in the United Kingdom accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.
- The exact requirement is always on the page of the course you want to apply for: which exam, which grade and by which date.
- You can look up the institutions that accept Cambridge exams in Cambridge's search tool.
- Some universities and some immigration procedures ask for IELTS. You can take that with us too: IELTS in Croatia. The guide Cambridge or IELTS compares the two.
Count back from the closing date for your university application. The result of a digital exam arrives in 5 to 10 working days, but applications for the exam close before the exam date, on the date shown next to each session.
Exchanges and scholarships
For student exchanges and scholarships, institutions often ask for proof of your English. Which level and which proof is set out in the conditions of the call. A certificate that does not expire can be submitted years later too.
How to prepare
- If you attend a language school, ask whether it is a preparation centre: if it is, the school enters you for the exam.
- In Zagreb we run short 30-hour preparation courses for those who are preparing on their own.
- Not sure whether you are at level B2 or C1? Check your level with a free test.
- How to study and what to watch out for: the guide How to prepare for B2 First and C1 Advanced.
Questions from school and university students
B2 First, or straight to C1 Advanced?
If you are securely at level B2 and have a year to go, C1 Advanced is the better goal for studying abroad. If you are not sure, B2 First is the safer choice: with a grade A, the certificate confirms level C1 anyway. More in the guide B2 First or C1 Advanced.
Can I skip the matura in English if I have a Cambridge certificate?
No. The certificate does not replace the state school-leaving exam. Preparing for B2 First does, however, develop the skills that the higher level of the matura tests: reading, listening and writing.
Do I have to be 18 to apply?
No. For candidates under 18, a parent must be familiar with the exam rules.
How far ahead do I need to apply?
The closing date for applications is shown next to each session. After the closing date you can still apply for an extra fee, up to ten days before the exam, if there are places.