Helpdesk Training Article
If you have taken a Cambridge English Qualification and would like to know how it compares to other examinations, you should start by seeing where the exam that you have taken is on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The CEFR describes language ability on a scale of six levels, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. Cambridge English Qualifications are aligned to this scale, so candidates who pass them can say that they have demonstrated that their ability in English is at the level of the grade they obtained – if you have a C grade in B2: First (formerly Cambridge English: First- FCE), for example, you have demonstrated that your English use is at B2 level. Further information about the CEFR can be found here.
If the examination that you want to compare your Cambridge English Qualification to is also aligned against the CEFR, you can determine whether the two exams are at the same level.
It is however important to note that, although two different exams may be considered to be of a similar level, this does not mean that they are directly comparable. The format, design and purpose of these exams may be very different.
If you are in any doubt regarding whether a university, employer or other institution will recognise the exam that you have taken, you should speak to them directly.
Many of our exams also provide results on the Cambridge English Scale. This scale, which directly relates to the CEFR, makes it simpler to compare your results for one Cambridge English exam with our other exams. You can find further information about the Cambridge English Scale here.
Comparing Cambridge English Qualifications to IELTS
If you would like to know how IELTS compares to other Cambridge English Qualifications, you can find further information regarding the research that we have carried out here.
You may also find the information about the Cambridge English Scale useful if you have taken a Cambridge English exam with results reported in this way.
Comparing Cambridge English exams to GCSE/A-Level English
The relative levels of GCSE and A-Level English are measured on the Regulated Qualifications (RQF). The RQF is a UK-only measurement system with 9 levels, used for qualifications regulated by Ofqual. The levels are designed to give an indication of the difficulty of the qualification - the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification. Further information regarding the RQF can be found on the gov.uk website.
Cambridge English Qualifications are also given a difficulty level on the RQF and therefore it is possible to compare them with our qualifications.
RQF Level |
GCSE/A-Level |
Cambridge English Qualification |
Level 3 |
A-Level |
C2 Proficiency |
Level 2 |
GCSEgrades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4or grades A*, A, B, C |
C1 Advanced |
Level 1 |
GCSEgrades 3, 2, 1or grades D, E, F, G |
B2 First |
For C1 Advanced results above the level the exam is mapped to (Cambridge English Scale 200 and above), the qualification would be at Level 3.
For B2 First results above the level the exam is mapped to (Cambridge English Scale 180 and above), the qualification would be at Level 2.
Although you can compare the levels of our qualifications with the levels of GCSE/A-Level English using the table above, it is difficult to directly compare them. Cambridge English Qualifications are designed for non-native speakers of English and measure candidates’ ability in the core language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking). GCSE and A-Level English are designed for native English speakers and measure quite different skills.
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