Digital Exams

The same exam – The same Cambridge Assessment English Certificate  

With the increase of English certification exams and use of technology both in everyday life and in educational contexts, some candidates may feel more comfortable switching the usual pen and paper for a computer. As such, Cambridge Assessment English provides several computer-based exams to complement previously existing formats.

This alternative not only makes certification more accessible to some candidates, but also increases flexibility in scheduling exams, allowing for more exam dates, greater security in taking your exam and faster results – 5 – 10 working days. 

Depending on the date of your exam, you can choose between a paper-based (PB) or Digital exam formats. The components, difficulty and skills assessed by the exams are exactly the same, and both formats provide the same Cambridge English certificate.

With Digital, our examination systems guarantee full security, as the exam is protected by an advanced cryptographic system that ensures no answers are lost. Our computers are also set up to block the use of any other programme, including grammar and spell checkers. 

Some advantages of the Digital format:

•    Allows for regular sessions throughout the year.
•    Avoids handwriting legibility problems.
•    Includes settings adjustment for contrast and text size, as well as a word count system for the Writing component.
•    Candidates can flag questions to go back to, take notes and highlight text on the screen.
•    Candidates have a timer onscreen for time management.
•    Results are available online 5 – 10 working days after the exam date.
•    Candidates may enrol up to two weeks before exam day – one week subject to a late entry fee.
•    The audio is played through headphones in the Listening component, allowing for volume adjustment and better performance.
•    Within the same component, questions are randomised for enhanced security.

You don't need to adjust how you study or use your course material to prepare for digital exams. There is a range of resources available so you can familiarise yourself with digital which can be used on a computer or on your phone, alone or with friends.

Digital sample tests: Questions and answers for each level. Sample tests give you a taste of the questions and tasks that your real exam will be made up of. They’re the same length and format as real exams and come with answer keys, so you can see where your strengths are and what you need to work on.

Tutorials: A tour of the digital exam. For each level, a tutorial video will walk you through the exam, so you understand how the questions are presented, how the digital features work and what’s expected of candidates at each step – A2, A2 for Schools, B1, B1 for Schools, B2, B2 for Schools, C1, C2.

Test & Train: Short, sharp exam workouts! You can dip in and out of hundreds of exam questions at your own pace, on your mobile, tablet or computer. You’ll receive instant feedback on your answers and have unlimited attempts at each question - A2 for Schools, B1 for Schools, B2, B2 for Schools, C1.

For a more detailed read about the functionalities of computer-based exams, check out the Digital FAQs. 

The Speaking component is taken in person just as with the paper-based version, usually on the same day as the rest of the exams, and is assessed by Cambridge English certified examiners.

For a list of upcoming Digital exam dates, please visit our Calendar.   
 

About Digital

Take your Cambridge English exam on the computer!