Marking and grades

For PET:
Each skill carries 25% of the total marks.
There are two Pass grades (Pass with Merit and Pass) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades.
Candidates who achieve a grade Narrow Fail or Fail are judged not to have reached the required standard for PET.
Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the centres. Candidates can also see them over the internet.
Once awarded Cambridge ESOL PET certificates are valid for life.

For FCE:
Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the test centres.
Each component of the exam carries 20% of the total marks.
There are three Pass grades, A, B and C — candidates reaching these grades are awarded a certificate. Candidates achieving grades D or E do not receive a certificate.

A world of opportunity

The Cambridge ESOL General English suite of exams has a wide choice of certificates reflecting the very different needs and abilities of people.

These certificates cover basic exams for those beginning to learn English, through to advanced certificates for those who have attained a high level of fluency.

• KET (Key English Test) KET is the Cambridge ESOL exam which recognises the ability to deal with everyday written and spoken English at a basic level.
  
• PET (Preliminary English Test) PET is a certificate for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level.
  
• FCE (First Certificate in English) FCE is aimed at people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level. It is an ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes.
  
• CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) CAE is an exam for advanced users of English. This exam is aimed at people who can use written and spoken English for most professional and social purposes. It is widely recognised for work or study purposes.
  
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) CPE is Cambridge ESOL's most advanced exam. It is aimed at people who can use English for professional or study purposes.

The Cambridge ESOL exams are recognised around the world by thousands of employers, universities and government ministries as proof of ability to use English.
These certificates never expire, and will not need to be renewd — they are an achievement for life.

Every year more than 2 million people take our tests to further their plans for work, study, travel or living in another country ... where will they take you?