CAE vs IELTS

CAE stands for Cambridge Advanced English. You’ll see below that it is in some ways very similar to IELTS and has papers to test every skill in English. It is a global exam used to measure your level of English and can be taken in almost every country worldwide. One relatively recent change is that tests now take place regularly throughout the year and there is also a computer based version.

Once you've decided to apply for studies abroad, you will be required to present certain documentation before a university can accept you. Among other necessary paperwork, applicants who are not native English speakers have to present proof of their English language proficiency. Thus, they are faced with the difficult choice of selecting an international language exam to take. But is one easier than another?

More than 6,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.

Even though these two tests might seem similar at first glance, there are quite a few differences between them that will help you take the right decision, based on your individual needs:

1) The period of validity

• IELTS - 2 years
• CAE - unlimited period

Therefore, if you planning to use your results later than 2 years or simply do not wish to retake the exam, CAE might prove a better match for your goals.

2) Exam duration

• IELTS lasts almost 3 hours
• CAE - about 5 hours

If you are going to take the CAE, you should be prepared for a longer period of concentration, while IELTS provides a shorter, more intense exam experience.

3) Taking the exams

• The speaking section of the CAE test includes a discussion with a fellow student, while during the IELTS it will be just you and the examiner;
• IELTS is recorded, while CAE is not;
• During the listening session for IELTS, you only hear the recording once;
• The writing section of IELTS takes 60 minutes, while the CAE takes 90 minutes to complete. CAE also offers a choice of what to write about, while the IELTS is fixed.

4) Results

• It is impossible to fail IELTS - you simply get a certificate with your result, from 4.0 to 8.9;
• The CAE certificate is issued only if you scored 60% or more.

5) University requirements

• A CAE pass grade is equivalent to an IELTS 7.0;
• Universities usually require a minimum grade of 6.0 for degree admission, going up to 7.5 depending on the degree level and institution;
• Usually, the IELTS is more commonly required by international universities abroad than the CAE.