01cambridgeenglish.org
For adults and students
General English
The all-rounder. It shows whether B1, B2 or C1 is realistic for you — the basis for B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.
- 25 questions
- no time limit
- no sign-up
For school and university students
The certificate your institution actually asks for.
Universities, universities of applied sciences and exchange programmes each require different levels. We tell you which one — and the latest date you can register.
The situation
Most people aim too high — or start too late
Sitting C1 for a university of applied sciences that asks for B2 means months of unnecessary work. Getting in touch after the registration deadline means missing the application deadline. We see both every year.
On this page you find out in five minutes which level you need, by when you have to register and where you stand today — free of charge.
B2 FirstThe certificate universities of applied sciences ask for most often
Requirement
Two exams cover almost every case
Applied sciences and job applications · B2
B2 First
B2 First proves that you can use English independently at work and in your studies. Swiss universities of applied sciences, universities and employers accept the certificate as evidence of level B2 — valid for life, with no need to retake it.
- Universities of applied sciences: Many Swiss universities of applied sciences require B2 to admit you to English-taught modules.
- Job applications: The most common proof to offer when a job ad asks for “good English”.
- Vocational qualifications: Recognised as an additional qualification in Swiss vocational education.
Next date: Sat 14 Mar 2026 in Basel · CHF 417.50 · registration deadline 3 Feb 2026 · secure it
B2 First in detail →Master's degrees and universities · C1
C1 Advanced
C1 Advanced shows that you use English flexibly and effectively at a high level — in negotiations, presentations and complex texts. Universities in Switzerland and abroad accept it as language evidence for master's programmes.
- Master's degree: A widely accepted language qualification for English-taught master's degrees in Switzerland.
- Leadership role: International teams, negotiations, reporting to the executive board.
- Visas and study abroad: Recognised by authorities and universities worldwide.
Next date: Sat 21 Mar 2026 in Bern · CHF 407.50
C1 Advanced in detail →Exchange semester and visas
Recognised where you want to go
Cambridge certificates are recognised worldwide by universities, employers and authorities. For most exchange programmes, B2 is enough.
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Comparable
A top grade on a school report means something different at every school. A CEFR level means the same everywhere.
Common European Framework02
No expiry date
B2 First and C1 Advanced remain valid for life. No retake, no renewal.
Take it once, use it for good03
When it has to be quick
Deadline in a few weeks? Linguaskill has no fixed exam day and the report arrives in under 48 hours.
See Linguaskill →Deadlines
Work backwards so that it adds up
About three weeks pass between exam day and your result. If you have an application deadline, plan from the end.
1Your institution's application deadlineThe one date that cannot move. Everything else follows from it.fixed point
2Result must be availableThe result is online roughly three weeks after the exam; the printed certificate follows.−3 weeks
3Exam dayChoose a date that falls at least one month before the deadline.−4 weeks
4Registration deadlineAbout six weeks before exam day. After that, registration is no longer possible.−10 weeks
5Start preparingThree months is the right frame for most candidates — in a group or one to one.−5 months
Free test
Where do you stand today?
Two official free tests from Cambridge, no sign-up. Enter your result afterwards and you get the matching exam with a date and the registration deadline.
02cambridgeenglish.org
For companies and universities
Linguaskill · practice test
Official practice tasks in the real Linguaskill format, so participants see in advance how the adaptive test works.
- real task format
- all four skills
- online
- 1Take the test
- 2Enter your result
- 3Get a recommendation
Common questions
What students ask us most often
01Which level do universities and colleges require?
B2 is standard for English-taught modules at universities of applied sciences; C1 is usual for English-taught master's programmes. The exact requirement is stated with the programme. Send us the link and we will check which exam covers it.
02Isn't my school-leaving grade in English enough?
Sometimes yes, often no. A school grade reads differently from school to school. A CEFR level is the same everywhere, which is why many universities and almost all exchange programmes ask for a standardised certificate.
03How long is the certificate valid?
Cambridge certificates such as B2 First or C1 Advanced have no expiry date. Individual institutions may still ask for recent evidence — that will be stated in their requirements.
04What happens if I just miss B2?
With B2 First, Cambridge certifies level B1 if your result falls just short. The exam is therefore never wasted — and you know exactly what is missing for the next attempt.
05My deadline is in a few weeks — what now?
Then Linguaskill is often the answer: no fixed exam day, report in under 48 hours. Check first whether your institution accepts Linguaskill — we will help you with that.
Have your requirement checked
Send us the institution and the programme. We tell you which exam covers the requirement.
Not sure which level is enough?
The level check takes two minutes and suggests an exam, a date and a venue.