C1 Advanced preparation

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.

Free: Digital sample tests

Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an C1 Advanced digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Listening

Time: approximately 40 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test. 

Information for candidates

• There are 30 questions in this test.
• Each question carries one mark.
• You will hear each recording twice.
• For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.

C1 Advanced Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading and Use of English

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are 56 questions in this test.
• Each question in Parts 1, 2, 3 and 8 carries one mark.
• Each question in Part 4 carries up to two marks.
• Each question in Parts 5, 6 and 7 carries two marks.

C1 Advanced Digital Reading and Use of English Sample Test

Writing

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer the Part 1 question, and one question from Part 2.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are two parts to this test.
• Each question carries equal marks.

C1 Advanced Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript:

C1 Advanced Listening Sample 1 answer key

C1 Advanced Listening Sample 1 tapescript

C1 Advanced Reading & Use of English Test Sample 1 Answer key

Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folder in the paper-based sample test section below.

Free: Paper-based sample test

Sample paper 1 for C1 Advanced

Sample paper 2 for C1 Advanced

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.

Watch the video tutorial for help on how to complete an C1 Advanced digital exam.

For teachers, we have a teaching tips booklet. If your candidates have questions, you can find the answers in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Watch Sofia on the day of her exam, and learn what it’s like to take a Cambridge English Qualification, from B1 Preliminary for Schools to C2 Proficiency.

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and FAQs to help you prepare.

This video will help your students understand what happens during a C1 Advanced speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Marta, Giovanna and Anna’s speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Pedro and Isabela’s speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Teresa and Antonio’s speaking test

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

The C1 Advanced handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

C1 Advanced Handbook for teachers

C1 Advanced: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 58MB)

These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Teacher's Handbook.

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

C1 Advanced lesson plans

Developing listening skills for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for C1 Advanced: A guide for teachers

C1 Advanced Teaching Tips from Cambridge English examiners.

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

We have hundreds of free English learning activities to help you prepare for your C1 Advanced exam.

Find out more

Download our guide to the C1 Advanced exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day, and useful links.

C1 Advanced: Information for candidates

Practice your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using these free online resources. These materials are designed to help you to develop reading for gist and detail, managing unfamiliar vocabulary, as well as planning, drafting, editing, and writing for the exam.

Reading and Use of English Part 5

Reading and Use of English Part 6

Writing Part 1

Speaking Part 2

Listening Part 1

C1 Advanced Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria, and useful questions about each writing type in the C1 Advanced Writing paper.

Facebook

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.

YouTube

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.