We develop and produce the most valuable range of qualifications for learners of English. Over 5 million people take Cambridge English Qualifications.
What can your child do with a Cambridge English Qualification?
Cambridge English Qualifications and tests are recognised by over 25,000 educational institutions, employers and governments around the world.
Our exams open doors to higher education and improve employment opportunities. Many Cambridge English Qualifications are also accepted for visa and study purposes in the UK, Australia, USA and Canada.
Our exams are designed to develop real-life English skills. They give children the communication skills they can use for everyday life, work, study and travel.
What do universities, employers and governments like about Cambridge English Qualifications?
Cambridge English Qualifications are recognised and trusted by organisations worldwide for their fairness, reliability and high quality standards. Our exam centres follow strict quality and security requirements and are regularly inspected.
With approximately 2,800 authorised exam centres in 130 countries, Cambridge English Qualifications give organisations access to students from all around the world.
Our exams are backed by extensive research, carried out by one of the world’s largest dedicated research teams of its kind. Our exams are proven, reliable indicators of language ability. Organisations can be confident that applicants have the right English language skills to succeed.
Our exams test all four language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and are available at a range of levels. It is easy for organisations to specify the level of English ability they require, and for learners to choose the right exam to reach their goal.
Our research suggests that one of the main reasons why government ministries are introducing our exams is because we test all four skills. As a result, there is an increased focus on speaking and listening skills. This helps learners to develop the well-rounded, real-life English communication skills that higher education and employers require.
What do teachers, parents and children like about Cambridge English Qualifications?
According to our research, children are motivated and happy to receive an internationally recognised certificate from a department of the University of Cambridge. As one teacher from Navarra, Spain, commented: ‘They like the idea of doing an exam which is not from here [but from a department of the University of Cambridge] – it’s really good for their motivation.’
This increase in motivation is also observed in classroom behaviour. Teachers report that children are more positive about learning English, pay more attention and work harder when Cambridge English Qualifications are introduced.
One research study has found that ‘improving career prospects’ is among the top factors that motivate students to learn English – even among younger children.
According to our surveys, most young learners agree that learning English will be useful for them when they ‘learn new things’, for study abroad, and to improve their job prospects. Children see the exams for young learners as being linked to their goals in life.
Our level-based exams help children move up the language learning ladder, one step at a time. Teachers value the tests as a gentle introduction, which helps students develop confidence and prepares them for taking more difficult exams in the future.
Our research has shown that developing self-confidence has a positive effect on future academic achievement. The confidence generated by Cambridge exam success can increase children’s belief in their ability to achieve their goals and lead to ongoing academic success.
Finally, Cambridge English Qualifications are designed to develop real-life communication skills. This also encourages and motivates learners because the skills that they are developing are not just for the exam, but for life.