A certificate, a school confirmation and a school grade are not the same
- An international certificate is issued by an examining body, such as Cambridge, after an exam that is the same all over the world. Institutions abroad accept it.
- A confirmation from a language school says that you have completed a course at a certain level. It is useful, but it is issued by the school that taught you, so universities and employers abroad do not have to accept it as proof of your level.
- A grade from school or from the matura, the Croatian state school-leaving exam (državna matura), counts within the Croatian education system. Outside it, the grade is hard to compare.
Who asks for what
| Who asks | What they usually ask for | What to choose |
|---|---|---|
| An employer | Proof of the level the job calls for | An exam at that level, for example B2 First or C1 Advanced |
| A university abroad | A particular exam and a minimum score | C1 Advanced or IELTS, depending on the course requirements |
| An immigration authority | An exam from the list set by the country | An exam from that list, for example IELTS; check the country's official website |
| You or your child | Confirmation of progress and a goal to study for | An exam at the level you are at: all exams |
Always check the requirement with the place where you will hand in the certificate. Institutions decide for themselves which exam, which score and how old a result they accept.
Cambridge certificates
Each Cambridge exam is taken at one level: you choose the exam that matches your English, from A2 Key to C2 Proficiency. The certificate does not expire. Cambridge states that its exams are accepted by more than 25,000 organisations in 130 countries.
In Croatia you take them with us, at exam centre HR015: in Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Čakovec and Vinkovci. Dates and fees.
IELTS
IELTS is one test for all levels: the result is a score on a scale that goes up to 9. Many universities and immigration authorities ask for it, and the result is usually treated as valid for two years. In Croatia you take IELTS with us too: ieltsadria.com.
For a detailed comparison, see the guide Cambridge or IELTS.
Can you get a certificate online?
Cambridge exams are taken at an exam centre, under supervision, and the Speaking test is face to face with examiners. A digital exam means that you work on a computer at the centre, not at home.
How to get a certificate
- Check your level with the free test.
- Choose an exam at that level and a session.
- Prepare: three ways to prepare.
- Pass the exam. The result of a digital exam arrives in 5 to 10 working days.
Published: 12 October 2026