Comparison
| Cambridge (B2 First, C1 Advanced…) | IELTS | |
|---|---|---|
| How it measures | You choose the exam at your level. A result just below the pass mark brings a certificate for the level below. | One test for all levels. You get a score on a scale that goes up to 9. |
| Validity | The certificate does not expire. | The recommendation is to treat a result as valid for two years. |
| Result | A score on the Cambridge English Scale and a grade A, B or C | A score for each skill and an overall score |
| What it is for | Work, study, lasting proof of your English, school-age learners | University admission, immigration procedures |
| Who produces it | Cambridge University Press & Assessment | British Council, IDP and Cambridge, jointly |
The two have the same origin: Cambridge is also a co-owner of IELTS. They differ in purpose, not in how serious they are.
When to choose Cambridge
- You want proof of your English that stays valid, for your CV and for future applications.
- You know your level and want to confirm it.
- You are at school: the for Schools exams are written for school-age candidates, and B2 First is at the same level as the higher level of the matura, the Croatian state school-leaving exam (državna matura).
- The institution you are applying to accepts Cambridge exams. Cambridge states that almost all universities in the United Kingdom accept C1 Advanced.
When to choose IELTS
- A university or an immigration authority asks specifically for IELTS.
- You do not know exactly what level you are at: IELTS has no pass or fail, you always get a score.
- You need the result for one application only, so the two-year validity does not matter to you.
Visas
Each country sets its own rules, and they change often. For a student visa for the United Kingdom, for study at degree level or above, the university admitting you assesses your English itself and may accept a Cambridge certificate. For courses below that level a specially approved test (SELT) is required, and for that Cambridge points to IELTS for UKVI. Check the requirements on the official website of the country you are going to.
Where to take them
Both with us: we are the only exam centre for Cambridge exams and the only authorised centre for IELTS in Croatia.
- Cambridge exams: dates and fees.
- IELTS: ieltsadria.com.
Published: 12 October 2026