Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English Qualifications are a family of English exams developed by Cambridge Assessment English (part of the University of Cambridge), each tied to a specific CEFR level — from A2 Key through C2 Proficiency — rather than a single sliding scale.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which report a score on one continuous scale, Cambridge English Qualifications are level-specific exams: A2 Key (KET), B1 Preliminary (PET), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), and C2 Proficiency (CPE). A candidate sits the exam matching their target level.
Because the CEFR framework itself was developed with input from Cambridge Assessment, these exams are considered a close, native fit to the CEFR bands — a Cambridge certificate is effectively a CEFR-level credential, and certificates do not expire.
For learners, this level-specific structure means comprehensible input practice can be aimed precisely: someone preparing for B2 First benefits from input pitched at the B2 band on this site, while a C1 Advanced candidate should push into denser, less-scaffolded C1 material.