Cambridge English Skills Test
About the test
The Cambridge English Skills Test is an online, on-demand, modular test of all four English skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening).
It helps institutions make confident decisions about learners quickly. Results are reported from A1 to C1 on the CEFR (80-180 on the Cambridge English Scale) and there are three versions of the test; for schools, general English and workplace English.
Learn more about the three versions
General English for learners aged 16+
Workplace English for learners aged 16+
Frequently Asked Questions
You will receive access to a dashboard of candidate results allowing you to track individual learner and group scores over time. Candidates will receive a Results Report showing the scores they have achieved in each module and overall.
The test is divided into four language skills modules of differing length:
Reading – 30-40 mins* (approx.)
Listening – 30-40 mins* (approx.)
Writing - 45 mins
Speaking - Schools 20 mins; General & Business 16 mins
*The Reading and Listening modules are adaptive, which means they end when the algorithm establishes the test-takers level. Maximum test length is 59 mins.
Cambridge will provide standard best practice guidelines for administering the test securely, plus make periodic checks for systematic malpractice. There will also be:
- Integrated AI lite remote invigilation (General & Business version only)
- A lockdown browser preventing software use during the test
The Cambridge English Skills Test is for internal use only and does not have any external recognition. For recognised English proficiency certification, we offer IELTS, Cambridge English Qualifications and Linguaskill.
Reading and Listening modules are automarked for immediate results. Writing and Speaking are marked by AI and human examiners for results within 48 hours.
Computer adaptive testing is the process by which the test adapts to the performance of the candidate. Future questions become harder or easier depending on whether the candidate answers a question correctly or incorrectly. The test continues until the algorithm is confident that it has determined the candidate’s ability level. Adaptive testing means that one test is suitable for candidates of all levels, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups. It also means that the test is completely personalised for a more motivating test experience, and as each test is unique, malpractice is less likely.
Support is available via our Support Site, where we have interactive articles that cover all administrative functionality and give advice on the use of hardware such as headphones and webcams.
There is also a 24/7 Helpdesk.
Yes. We offer modified materials for access arrangements, including:
- Extra time
- Braille papers
- Enlarged print papers
- Brail and written prompts
- Hearing impaired versions
- Screen reader versions
No, as well as the four skills package, you can choose one or two skills packages (plus a 3-skills package for the Schools version).
No, the different skills modules can be sat at different times or on different days.
My Best Score means that candidates can retake a skills module within six months and their best score will always be the one recorded.
The Cambridge English Skills Test helps schools like yours to quickly and accurately check the English level of students. The test is online, on-demand and tests all four language skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening) from A1-C1 on the CEFR in modules.
It's highly flexible and multi-purpose, whether you need to check if a student is ready to take a Cambridge English Qualification, highlight areas they need to work on or for an end of course/year test.
Why choose Cambridge English Skills Test for Schools?
Made for schools
Test content is suitable for secondary school learners
Results you can trust
Accurate results you can trust to make decisions confidently
Quick and easy
Simple set-up and automarking save you time and resource
Fast results
AI-powered for results within 48 hours
Adaptive
One test for all abilities from A1-C1 makes the test ideal for mixed-ability groups
Getting your students ready for the Schools test
Help your students to familiarise themselves with the test by using our free resources.
Assessment criteria
Sample writing responses
Candidate advice PDFs
Coming soon
Ready to get in touch?
To discuss how your school could use the Cambridge English Skills Test, contact your local Cambridge representative.
The Cambridge English Skills Test General is an online, on-demand, modular test of general, everyday English for adult learners aged 16+.
It tests all four English skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening) from A1 to C1 on the CEFR, the international scale of English ability. Results are ready in 48 hours.
Higher education institutions
Universities, colleges and private language schools can use the test to place learners onto a language course or programme, provide end of course/year testing, for mid-year testing or to check readiness to take IELTS or Linguaskill.
Employers
You may need your employees to have a certain level of English to meet the needs of your business. The Cambridge English Skills Test can be used to establish training needs or place employees on learning courses.
Why choose Cambridge English Skills Test General?
Results you can trust
Accurate results you can trust to make decisions confidently
Adaptive
One test for all abilities from A1-C1 makes the test ideal for mixed-ability groups
Fast results
AI-powered for results within 48 hours
Quick and easy
Simple set-up and automarking save you time and resource
Getting your learners ready for the General test
Help your students to familiarise themselves with the test by using our free resources.
Assessment criteria
Sample writing responses
Coming soon
Ready to talk?
If you think the Cambridge English Skills Test could help your organisation to develop better communicators, please contact your local Cambridge representative.
The Cambridge English Skills Test Business is an online, on-demand, modular test of English needed in the workplace for adult learners aged 16+.
It tests all four English skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening) from A1 to C1 on the CEFR, the international scale of English ability. Results are ready in 48 hours.
Higher education institutions
Universities, colleges and private language schools can use the test to place learners onto a business English language course or programme, provide end of course/year testing, for mid-year testing or to check readiness to take IELTS or Linguaskill.
Employers
You may need your employees to be able to understand the sort of English needed in the workplace. Use the Cambridge English Skills Test to establish gaps in their English ability, highlight training needs or place employees on appropriate learning courses.
What makes the test right for you?
Make confident decisions
Results are accurate, and reporting clear and in-depth
Suitable for all
The test difficulty adapts to the learner's ability, making it suitable for all levels
Results within 48 hours
AI automarking means fast, reliable results
Simple set-up
Quick, easy set-up saves time and resource
Getting your learners ready for the Business test
Help your students to familiarise themselves with the test by using our free resources.
Assessment criteria
Sample writing responses
Coming soon
Find out more
If you think the Cambridge English Skills Test could help your organisation to develop better communicators, please contact your local Cambridge representative.