Which English exam is better to pass? Is their level completely different? Can you take CAE without passing FCE first? Such questions arise from students looking for the best exam for themselves very often. Not all of them can be clearly answered.
Both exams are organized by Cambridge ESOL, an organization from the UK known worldwide for certifying English language skills. Both examinations have a similar structure consisting of five components – listening, reading, writing, speaking and structure (Use of English). So many similarities – and now what are the differences between FCE and CAE?
FCE and CAE in the European Language Framework
Everyone who learns languages has encountered mysterious markings of courses type B1, C2, etc. These are the symbols of the European Language Framework – a document that defines what is required to be able to do at certain levels of foreign language proficiency. A1 is a complete beginner, C2 is a language proficiency. Where are the FCE and CAE exams? FCE is level B2 – this means that the student should be independent in the use of the language. They should understand texts, even more complex ones, control structures and communicate in many life situations.
CAE is a C1 level exam – this means that the student should be proficient. Not only independent, but fluent in a foreign language. What does it mean in practice? Certainly longer texts with more difficult topics, surely the need to cope with less predictable situations and even better control structures.
Interestingly, and you can see this in Cambridge ESOL documents, the two exams overlap slightly. Well, the candidates who have passed FCE for the highest grade (A) have language skills at C1 level.
How Do Exams Differ?
CAE is longer than FCE. Reading, writing and testing structures takes longer. The reason is simple – candidates must face more text. It is not just a question of quantity – their content is much more demanding, both in terms of language skills and subject matter. It will also require more effort to answer questions – they may be more tricky, requiring logical or critical thinking rather than just finding information in the text.
Listening is more natural in terms of speaking speed or accents. This combined with more difficult questions and broader content, means that less proficient people may find it difficult to follow their meaning.
The range of structures tested in the Use of English section is larger. This may not be something completely unknown to an FCE candidate, but there are many things a candidate may not practice for the test, and then it is more difficult to solve such tasks. The same is true of the task for vocabulary creation – more demanding, not obvious things.
In addition, writing and speaking, where precision and control over the language are scored. The control must be so large that they can cope with different situations, including less predictable ones, by adapting the language to them. During CAE we have to be much more flexible and creative in our use of language than with FCE.
Can I pass CAE if I don’t have FCE?
No problem. That’s my story – after about three years of learning English I prepared myself for CAE and passed it for a B grade. I consciously jumped over FCE. Anyone can do the same, but it is worth measuring the strength for intentions. You have to prepare yourself for each of these exams very thoroughly – it is a serious, demanding test based on clear rules and standards. Getting used to these standards is the first step to success.
Pass FCE or CAE?
This is a crucial question for many students. No one wants a lower certificate if a higher one is at hand. It is best to read the guides to both exams and to go through the sample exams. Just a little bit superficially. Choose the one you feel more comfortable with. In the sense that you will realistically be able to pass it in six or nine months.
This is where Engxam come in.
We are a dedicated online-only exam revision platform for the mastery of English. We help you to feel more confident with the language, though crucially pass these Cambridge exams and succeed.
Engxam was born of the pragmatic understanding that people are expected to do more – improve themselves to give themselves a competitive edge — with an ever-squeezed amount of personal time. As you will know, some people do not have time to go to language school after work or on weekends. They need something that slots comfortably into the gaps in their schedules.
The platform has more than 100 number versions of these exams:
C2 Proficient (CPE) C1 Advanced (CAE) B2 (FCE)
B1 Preliminary (PET) A2 Key (KET)
A1 Movers (YLE)
No teachers and no stress, you just need a secure internet connection. Just because there’s no teacher next to you we will support you every step of the way.
