Cambridge CBT Preparation
World Leaders in International Education
We are pleased to announce the recent launch of computer-based Cambridge ESOL examinations at Kaplan International Colleges.
Our London Leicester Square and Bournemouth centres have been officially recognised as authorised test centres for Cambridge ESOL computer-based tests. This means that you can prepare for one of a number of internationally recognised English language exams, and take the exam itself in a computer-based format, all in the same place! We have regular preparation course start dates and exam dates throughout the year, so you can find the right one to suit your schedule.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Why choose a Computer Based Test?
Click on the above links for more information on each exam.
For more information download the Cambridge CBT factfile here or contact Sara Griffiths for more information:
Email: sara.griffiths@kaplan.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 77664223
Skype: Kaplan_Sara_Griffiths
KET is at CEFR Level A2. At A2 level, candidates can be expected to
- understand and use everyday expressions and basic phrases
- introduce themselves and answer basic questions about your personal details
- interact with English speakers who talk slowly and clearly.
If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then KET is the right exam for you.
KET (Key English Test) Format
KET has three papers:
Reading and Writing: 1 hour 10 minutes
You will need to be able to understand simple written information such as signs, brochures, newspapers and magazines. You will also have to fill gaps in simple sentences and write a short piece of around 25 words.
Listening: 30 minutes
You need to show your ability to understand announcements and other spoken material when spoken reasonably slowly.
Speaking: up to 10 minutes
You will need to demonstrate you can take part in a conversation by answering and asking simple questions. Speaking tests are normally held with two candidates.
PET is at CEFR Level B1. At B1 level candidates can be expected to:
- understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- deal with most of the situations you might meet when travelling as a tourist in an English-speaking country
- ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations in a work environment
- write letters or make notes on familiar matters
PET (Preliminary English Test) – Format
KET has three papers:
Reading and Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
You need to be able to read texts from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. You will need to show you can use vocabulary and structure by completing tasks such as writing a short message, and a story or letter of around 100 words. You will also need to complete an exercise involving changing the meaning of sentences.
Listening: 30 minutes (approx.)
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of recorded spoken material, including announcements and discussions about everyday life. You need to be able to follow the attitudes and intentions of the speakers.
Speaking: 10-12 minutes
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs. You have to show your spoken English by taking part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about your likes and dislikes.
FCE is at Level B2. At B2 level candidates can be expected to:
- understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
- keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
- produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
FCE (First Certificate in English) – Format
FCE has five papers:
Reading: 1 hour
You will need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
You will have to show you can produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay.
Use of English: 45 minutes
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.
Listening: 40 minutes
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements.
Speaking: 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidates and by yourself.
CAE is at CEFR Level C1. At C1 level candidates can be expected to:
- use English in an effective way for business or study purposes
- use English confidently and flexibly
- produce well-structured, clear pieces of writing on complex issues
CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) – Format
CAE has five papers:
Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text.
Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
Requires you to be able to write a variety of different items; such as essays, proposals, reports and reviews.
Use of English: 1 hour
Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms in the right situation, at the right time.
Listening: 40 minutes
Requires being able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials; such as lectures, speeches and interviews.
Speaking: 15 minutes
Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the test with one or two other candidates.
BEC Preliminary is set at CEFR Level B1. At B1 level candidates can be expected to:
- understand a wide variety of text types typical of international business situations
- understand a wide variety of monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages
- write business letters or make notes/write messages on business related matters
- give personal information and speak briefly about a specific topic related to business
BEC Preliminary (BEC P) - Format
BEC Preliminary has 4 parts:
Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes):
- Reading: The Reading section has the following types of exercise: multiple-choice, matching, Right/Wrong/Doesn’t Say, multiple-choice gap-filling and form-filling.
- Writing: For BEC Preliminary, you have to produce two pieces of writing: a piece of communication with a colleague or colleagues within the company on a business-related matter; it may be a note, message, memo or e-mail and a piece of correspondence with somebody outside the company (e.g. a customer or supplier) on a business-related matter; it may be a letter, fax or e-mail.
Listening (approx. 40 minutes):
In the Listening section there are four tasks (multiple-choice, gap-filling and form filling). Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages.
Speaking (12 minutes):
The Speaking test is conducted by two oral examiners and you will be tested in pairs of candidates. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate is examined with the last pair in a group of three.
BEC Vantage (BEC V) – £95
BEC Vantage is set at CEFR Level B2. At B2 level candidates can be expected to:
- understand a wide variety of extracts from business publications as well as messages and charts
- understand a wide variety of monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages
- write a business email and prepare a piece of business correspondence such as a report or a proposal
- speak about specific business related matters at a high standard and contribute to discussions on business related matters
BEC Vantage (BEC V) – Format
BEC Vantage has 4 parts:
Reading (1 hour):
The Reading section has the following types of exercises: matching, multiple-choice questions, gap filling and text correction.
Writing (45 minutes):
For BEC Vantage, you have to produce two pieces of writing: a piece of communication with a colleague or colleagues within the company on a business related matter; it may be a note, message, memo or e-mail. You will also have to produce one of the following: a piece of correspondence with somebody outside the company (e.g. a customer or supplier) on a business-related matter; it may be a letter, fax or e-mail or a report; this means the presentation of information in relation to a specific issue or event. The report will contain an introduction, main body of findings and conclusion, it may be a memo, an e-mail or a proposal; this has a similar format to a report, but remember that a proposal is about the future and includes recommendations for discussion.
Listening (approx. 40 minutes):
In the Listening section there are three parts (form filling, matching and multiple-choice questions)
Speaking (14 minutes):
The Speaking test is conducted by two external examiners and you will be tested in pairs of candidates. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate is examined with the last pair in a group of three.
BEC Higher (BEC H) – £98
BEC Higher is set at CEFR Level C1. At C1 level candidates can be expected to:
- understand a wide variety of long articles from business publications as well as messages and charts
- understand a wide variety of monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages
- write a short business email and prepare a longer piece of business correspondence such as a report or a proposal and summarise graphs
- speak about specific business related matters at a high standard and contribute to discussions on business related matters at an advanced level
BEC Higher (BEC H) – Format
BEC Higher has 4 parts:
Reading (1 hour):
The Reading section has the following types of exercises: Matching, gap filling, multiple-choice questions and text correction.
Writing (1 hour 10 minutes):
For BEC Higher, you have to produce two pieces of writing: a short report based on graphic input; and one of the following (you choose): a longer report, a piece of business correspondence or a proposal.
Listening (approx. 40 minutes):
In the Listening section there are three parts which include sentence-completion, gap-filling, a note-taking task, matching and multiple-choice questions.
Speaking (16 minutes):
The Speaking test is conducted by two external examiners and you will be tested in pairs of candidates. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate is examined with the last pair in a group of three.