Whether you are an absolute beginner or a fluent speaker wanting to perfect your language skills, whether you are a student or a professional, we have the qualification for you. Find out which General English qualification suits you best.

Cambridge English: A2 Key (A2 KET) and A2 Key for Schools (A2 KETfS)

Cambridge English: A2 Key, also known as the A2 Key English Test (A2 KET), is the lowest level General English qualification in the Cambridge English range. It shows that you can communicate in basic English in everyday situations.

Cambridge English: A2 Key for Schools (A2 KETfS) is at the same level as Cambridge English: Key and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the qualification content is targeted at the interests and experiences of school children.

Level of qualification: Elementary = A2 on the Common European Framework

If you are applying to immigrate to the UK, please visit the UK Home Office website about the required English language qualifications and approved English tests.

Who should take this qualification?

You should take the KET if you acquired English skills of Primary 5 to Form 2 levels in Hong Kong, or have done about 250 hours of study or practice and can speak, write and understand basic English.

To take the qualification you should be able to:

  • ask and answer questions about yourself and others
  • understand announcements and instructions when people speak slowly and clearly
  • tell people what you think about something you read or hear.

How does the qualification process work?

There are three parts to the qualification. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other qualification candidate.

  Reading and Writing Listening Speaking
Time allowed 1 hr 10 mins 30 mins 8-10 mins per pair of candidates
Marks (% of total) 50% 25% 25%

Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary (B1 PET) and B1 Preliminary for Schools (B1 PETfS)

Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary is also known as the B1 Preliminary English Test (B1 PET) and B1 Preliminary English Test for Schools (B1 PETfS). This qualification shows that you can communicate in English in practical, everyday situations. It will give you a good foundation if you want to study for a professional English qualification.

Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary for Schools (B1 PETfS) is at the same level as Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the qualification content is targeted at the interests and experiences of school children.

Level of qualification: Intermediate = B1 on the Common European Framework

Who should take this qualification?

Studying for the B1 PET qualification will improve your English so that you can communicate when travelling or dealing with English speakers for work. It is also suitable for students or adults who have acquired English skills of Primary 5 to Form 2 levels in Hong Kong or have done about 400-500 hours of study or practice.

To take the qualification you should be able to:

  • express your likes and dislikes, and discuss them with others
  • understand spoken and written announcements and instructions
  • write a personal letter or take notes from a meeting or discussion.

How does the qualification process work?

There are three parts to the qualification. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. You may need to return to do the Speaking on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

  Reading and Writing Listening Speaking 
Time allowed 1 hr 30 mins 35 mins 10-12 mins per pair of candidates
Marks (% of total) 50% 25% 25%

Cambridge English: B2 First (FCE) and B2 First for Schools (FCEfS)

Cambridge English: B2 First is also known as the B2 First Certificate in English (B2 FCE) and B2 First Certificate in English for Schools (B2 FCEfS). This general English qualification proves that you can speak and write English well enough to work or study in an English-speaking environment.

Cambridge English: B2 First for Schools (B2 FCEfS) is at the same level as Cambridge English: b2 First and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the qualification content is targeted at the interests and experiences of school children.

Level of qualification: Upper intermediate = B2 on the Common European Framework

Who should take this qualification?

You should study for the B2 FCE if you want to work in an English-speaking business, live in an English-speaking country or study a foundation-level or pre-university course taught in English. It is also suitable for students or adults who have acquired English skills of Form 3 to Form 6 levels in Hong Kong.

To take the qualification you should be able to:

  • write short reports and emails
  • explain an idea or have a detailed discussion in English
  • understand general English on TV and in newspapers.

How does the qualification process work?

There are four parts to the qualification. You will complete papers Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

  Reading & Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time allowed 1 hr 15 mins 1 hr 20 mins 40 mins 14 mins per pair of candidates
Marks (% of total) 40% 20% 20% 20%

Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (C1 CAE)

Cambridge English: C1 Advanced is also known as the C1 Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (C1 CAE). This general English qualification shows that your English is of a standard expected of a professional business person or an undergraduate university student.

Level of qualification: Advanced = C1 on the Common European Framework

Who should take this qualification?

You should take the C1 CAE if you want to prove to employers or universities that you can communicate confidently in English in professional and high-level academic situations.

To take the qualification you should be able to:

  • write complex reports and emails, and take notes in meetings or lectures
  • give presentations on complicated ideas in English
  • understand a variety of texts, from fiction to newspaper opinion pieces.

How does the qualification process work?

There are four parts to the qualification. You will complete papers Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

  Reading & Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time allowed 1hr 30 mins 1 hr 30 mins 40 mins 15 mins per pair of candidates
Marks (% of total) 40% 20% 20% 20%

Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency (C2 CPE)

Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency is also known as the C2 Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2 CPE). This qualification shows that you have mastered English and can use it fluently in demanding research, academic and professional situations. This is the highest Cambridge English qualification.

Level of qualification: Proficient = C2 on the Common European Framework

Who should take this qualification ? 

You should take the CPE if you want to prove to employers that you can use English at a senior management level, or if you want to study at postgraduate or PhD level at an English-speaking university.

To take the qualification you should be able to:

  • understand almost everything you hear or read in English
  • use and understand formal, academic and colloquial language
  • negotiate, argue and discuss the subtle issues of complex subjects.

How does the qualification process work?

There are four parts to the qualification. You will complete papers Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate.

  Reading & Use of English Writing Listening Speaking
Time allowed 1hr 30 mins 1hr 30 mins 40 mins 16 mins per pair of candidates
Marks (% of total) 40% 20% 20% 20%

You can also find more information from Cambridge English here, on how the qualifications work together and which qualification is right for you.