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Cambridge English Exams FAQ

Cambridge English Exams FAQ

Domande frequenti

  • How can I register for an exam?

    Cambridge English exams are managed exclusively by Authorised Examination Centres such as IH Lecce Oxford Group.
    To book an exam, check the Next dates HERE

  • What are the next exam dates?

    Cambridge English establishes a schedule of internationally valid exam dates. This ensures that exams take place worldwide on the same dates, with a few exceptions for Young Learners tests. Recently, greater flexibility has been introduced into the schedules for some exam modes.
    For details and bookings, consult the Next dates HERE

  • Exam registration deadlines

    • Within 6 weeks of the examination date for paper-based versions.
    • Within 10 days of the examination date for computer-based tests

Course inquiries

  • Is a preparatory course compulsory?

    No, it's not mandatory. Cambridge exams can be taken regardless of the type of preparation (language school, public/private school, self-study). However, IH Lecce Oxford Group offers Support for preparation. Contact us for more details.

  • Disabled candidates: how are they supported?

    Cambridge English provides specific support for candidates with disabilities (e.g. dyslexia, visual impairment). Medical certification must be submitted at least 12 weeks before the exam, but within the registration deadline. IH Lecce Oxford Group, in collaboration with Cambridge UK, is committed to ensuring all necessary measures are in place to facilitate the successful completion of the exam.

  • How much does it cost to take an exam?

    To know the costs, Click HERE .

  • Do you offer English courses?

    IH Lecce Oxford Group provides free resources for students and teachers, organises training seminars, and offers accredited preparation courses. Contact us To find out more.


Specific questions

  • How can I know which exam is best suited for me?

    Cambridge English offers a wide range of exams for all CEFR levels. You can start with a Online aptitude test to consult the Centre for an assessment.

  • Is there an exam regulation?

    Of course, you can download it WHO

  • Do the marking and assessment of candidates' exam papers with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) follow specific criteria, or are they carried out in compliance with the same criteria adopted for all other candidates?

    At present, the compensatory measures provided for candidates with Specific Learning Difficulties (SLDs) are limited to the application of administrative arrangements or the use of specially adapted examination materials. In essence, these measures are applied exclusively at the time of the examination itself. A different assessment criterion for the written work is not provided. The available compensatory measures are listed to this page. The most frequently adopted ones for certified DSA candidates are:

    • additional time to complete the tasks required by the exam;
    • additional breaks between one task and another;
    • ability to write notes during the listening part;
    •  the possibility that the answers will be transcribed by an Examination Centre assistant (including any spelling errors).
  • Where to buy official preparation books?

    IH Lecce Oxford Group, a Learning Partner of Cambridge University Press, provides official books for exam preparation. Contact us to receive advice on the most suitable texts.

  • What is the difference between paper-based and computerised versions of exams?

    Both versions are equivalent, but the computerised method offers faster recording and publication times for results. The tests are carried out at authorised centres that adhere to the required standards.

  • What is the difference between an Examination Centre and a Preparation Centre?

    An Examination Centre, such as IH Lecce Oxford Group, is authorised by Cambridge English to manage and administer exams. Preparation Centres, on the other hand, are responsible for training and collaborate with Examination Centres for candidate registration.

  • What is the difference between a “STANDARD” exam and a “FOR SCHOOLS” version?

    There is a 'for Schools' version of some of our exams (for A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, and B2 First levels), which is just as valid as the standard certification. The only difference between a 'for Schools' version and a standard version is the subject matter, which is tailored for school-aged candidates. The certificate you receive, whether you pass a standard exam or a 'for Schools' exam, will only state the name of the exam and will not specify the version. For example, if you took A2 Key for Schools, your certificate will simply say A2 Key, exactly like the standard version.

    Exams for Schools have been designed so that the performance of younger candidates reflects only their language knowledge and is not influenced by other factors such as, for example, a lack of knowledge of the topics covered in some exam papers.

  • Is it necessary to hold a certificate from the previous level to be eligible for the next level?

    It is not necessary to have a previous level certificate to present yourself for a higher level.

    However, Cambridge English exams are designed to gradually increase in difficulty: we therefore recommend moving from one level to the next, which will also allow you to become accustomed to the exam mechanics. Look here Our certification levels.

  • I cannot attend the exam: can I get a refund/when can I retake the exam?

    Cambridge English permits a partial refund of the registration fee only to candidates who do not attend the exam due to illness, provable with a medical certificate, or in cases of serious family bereavement. Under no circumstances can your registration be transferred to another exam date: if you are absent for reasons other than those listed above, the fee paid for the exam will be forfeited entirely. These provisions are part of the official Cambridge Regulations, and by registering for the exam, each candidate confirms they have understood and accepted them.

  • How long do exam results take to become available?

    The estimated times for the release of the results are:

    •  Around five to six weeks until paper-based exams.
    • Around 10 days until the Digital exams (taken on computer).

    Registering to the Results Online website, you will be able to download your Statement of Results (breakdown of scores obtained in each exam paper). To register you will need your personal ID Number and Secret Number codes, which were provided by the Authorised Examination Centre via your Confirmation of Entry.

    The official certificate, printed on headed paper and identifiable by anti-counterfeiting marks, is sent to the Cambridge Assessment Centre approximately 5 weeks after the release of results.

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Educational resources

TEACHER Support

Educational Resources for Cambridge English Exam Preparation

Explore the interactive catalogue and select the topic of your interest to access the dedicated educational resources for Cambridge exam preparation.

Additionally, by clicking Who, you will find educational resources for all levels, designed to make learning English fun and engaging.

A special section, packed with educational materials, is available for children aged 7 to 13., Activities and games.

Cambridge English qualifications They represent clear goals for improving one's English language skills. Study materials are carefully designed to help students develop their abilities, build self-confidence, and prepare for success in study, work, and life.

Click Who to access the learning materials organised by Cambridge exam type.

Quick Link:

You don't know how to start your preparation? Contact us for a free consultation!

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C2 Proficiency


C2 Proficiency

L’esame C2 Proficiency rappresenta il più alto livello di certificazione e attesta competenze avanzatissime nella comprensione e nell’espressione in lingua inglese.

Ottenere questa certificazione significa dimostrare una padronanza completa della lingua inglese a un livello eccezionale.

La preparazione per l’esame consente di sviluppare competenze essenziali per accedere a corsi e ruoli di alto profilo, come master, dottorati, PhD, programmi postgraduate, e posizioni manageriali e direttive.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

C2 Proficiency prevede 4 prove, descritte nella tabella qui sotto

  • Experiences and Durations

    Prove:

    • Reading and Use of English (1 ora 30 minuti)
    • Writing (1 ora 30 minuti)
    • Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
    • Speaking (16 minuti per coppia di candidati)
    • Test time: Circa 4 ore
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepararsi al test C2 Proficiency

Qui puoi trovare i link a tutte le nostre risorse gratuite per la preparazione all’esame C2 Proficiency, pensate sia per insegnanti che per studenti.

See the dates HERE

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C1 Advanced


C1 Advanced

L’esame C1 Advanced attesta una conoscenza approfondita dell’inglese, una competenza molto apprezzata da università e datori di lavoro.

Oltre 8.000 istituzioni, aziende e organizzazioni in tutto il mondo riconoscono il C1 Advanced come prova di eccellenza nella lingua inglese.

La preparazione per questo esame ti consente di acquisire competenze linguistiche avanzate e di distinguerti sia in ambito accademico che professionale.

Puoi affrontare questa sfida se possiedi già un livello B2 (convalidato dall’esame B2 First) e, dopo aver superato il C1 Advanced, puoi puntare al livello C2 (esame C2 Proficiency).

See the dates HERE

Exam format

C1 Advanced prevede 4 prove, descritte nella tabella qui sotto, che permettono di valutare in maniera completa le competenze del candidato.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Reading and Use of English (1 ora 30 minuti)
    • Writing (1 ora 30 minuti)
    • Speaking (15 minuti per coppia di candidati)
    • Test time: Circa 4 ore
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepararsi al test C1 Advanced

Qui puoi trovare i link a tutte le nostre risorse gratuite per la preparazione all’esame C1 Advanced, pensate sia per insegnanti che per studenti.

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

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B2 First


B2 First

Il B2 First, precedentemente conosciuto come First Certificate in English (FCE), è una delle certificazioni Cambridge English più richieste, riconosciuta da centinaia di aziende e istituti in tutto il mondo.

Ottenere la certificazione B2 First dimostra che possiedi le competenze linguistiche necessarie per vivere e lavorare autonomamente in un paese di lingua inglese o per studiare in corsi tenuti in inglese.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

B2 First is a test that covers all language skill areas.

The exam consists of 4 tests. The Speaking test is conducted with two candidates and two examiners, to create more realistic English conversation situations.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Reading and Use of English 1 hour and 15 minutes
    • Writing 1 hour and 20 minutes
    • Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
    • Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)
    • Test time: Around 3 hours and 35 minutes
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepare for the B2 First test

See the dates HERE

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B1 Preliminary


B1 Preliminary

L’esame B1 Preliminary certifica che hai acquisito le basi della lingua inglese e sei pronto a gestire situazioni quotidiane reali.

Scegliere di imparare l’inglese è una decisione importante che può aprire grandi opportunità in ambito personale, accademico e professionale. La padronanza dell’inglese è sempre più richiesta, sia in Italia che all’estero. Gli esami Cambridge offrono un percorso strutturato che ti permette di migliorare gradualmente le tue competenze. Dopo aver superato il B1 Preliminary, sarai pronto a prepararti per il B2 First.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

L’esame B1 Preliminary si compone di quattro prove sviluppate per testare le competenze in lingua inglese degli studenti. Di seguito puoi scoprire il contenuto esatto di ciascuna prova.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Listening (30 minuti, compresi 6 minuti per la trascrizione delle risposte)
    • Reading and Writing (45 min)
    • Speaking (12–17 minuti per coppia di candidati)
    • Test time: Circa 2 ore e 25 minuti
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepararsi al test B1 Preliminary

Qui puoi trovare link a tutte le nostre risorse gratuite per la preparazione agli esami B1 Preliminary

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

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B1 Preliminary for Schools


B1 Preliminary for Schools

Il B1 Preliminary for Schools è una certificazione di livello intermedio pensata per studenti che hanno acquisito le nozioni di base e desiderano proseguire nel loro percorso di apprendimento. Si tratta di una versione del B1 Preliminary progettata appositamente per rispondere agli interessi e alle esperienze degli studenti in età scolastica.

Nel contesto del percorso di apprendimento della lingua inglese, questa certificazione rappresenta il passo successivo all’esame A2 Key for Schools e precede il B2 First for Schools. Superando l’esame, gli studenti dimostrano di avere una solida padronanza delle basi della lingua inglese e di essere in grado di affrontare situazioni quotidiane a difficoltà intermedia.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

L’esame B1 Preliminary for Schools si compone di quattro prove sviluppate per testare le competenze in lingua inglese degli studenti. Di seguito puoi scoprire il contenuto esatto di ciascuna prova.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Listening (30 minuti, compresi 6 minuti per la trascrizione delle risposte)
    • Reading and Writing(45 min)
    • Speaking (12–17 minuti per coppia di candidati)
    • Test time: Circa 2 ore e 25 min
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepararsi al test B1 Preliminary for Schools

Qui puoi trovare link a tutte le nostre risorse gratuite per la preparazione agli esami B1 Preliminary for Schools (per insegnanti e studenti).

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

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B2 First for Schools


B2 First for Schools

The B2 First for Schools is one of the most popular exams, recognised by hundreds of companies and institutions worldwide.

Continue your English language learning journey and reach new goals. B2 First for Schools is designed specifically to suit students' interests, boosting their motivation in learning English.

Because it is based on familiar topics and situations, preparing for this exam allows you to acquire skills that can be immediately used in contexts such as travelling abroad, studying, and conversing with people of other nationalities. B2 First for Schools certifies an upper-intermediate level of language proficiency.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

B2 First for Schools is made up of four papers, developed to test the skills of school-aged children. Below is a breakdown of the exam parts.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Reading and Use of English 1 hour and 15 minutes
    • Writing 1 hour and 20 minutes
    • Listening (approximately 40 minutes)
    • Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates)
    • Test time: Around 3 hours and 35 minutes
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepare for the B2 First for Schools test

Here you can find links to all our free resources for B2 First for Schools exam preparation (for teachers and students).

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

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A2 Key


A2 Key

L’A2 Key è l’esame ideale per chi ha una conoscenza di base dell’inglese e ha appena iniziato a studiarlo.

Superare l’esame A2 Key dimostra la tua capacità di comunicare in situazioni semplici.

Preparandoti per l’esame, potrai migliorare le tue competenze nelle quattro aree principali: Reading, Writing, Listening e Speaking.

Intraprendendo questo percorso di studio, scoprirai l’utilità dell’inglese anche al di fuori dell’ambito accademico: conoscere l’inglese ti consentirà di vivere esperienze di viaggio più arricchenti e di interagire con persone provenienti da culture e lingue diverse.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

L’esame A2 Key si compone di tre prove sviluppate per testare le tue competenze in lingua inglese. Di seguito puoi scoprire il contenuto esatto di ciascuna prova.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Listening (30 minuti, compresi 6 minuti per la trascrizione delle risposte)
    • Reading and Writing 1 hour
    • Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates)
    • Test time: Around 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Mode

    • Test Format Paper or digital

Prepararsi al test A2 Key

Qui puoi trovare link a tutte le nostre risorse gratuite per la preparazione agli esami A2 Key.

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

Continue reading

A2 Key for Schools


A2 Key for Schools

The A2 Key for Schools exam is an ideal step for school-aged students who wish to prepare for the next levels of English language proficiency.

The A2 Key for Schools certifies students' ability to use written and spoken English in everyday situations at a basic level, forming a crucial stepping stone towards confidently tackling further examinations.

For teachers, preparing classes for the A2 Key for Schools exam means embarking on a journey that will help students understand the importance of the English language in personal and school situations. Teachers play a fundamental role in helping young people develop key skills, such as mastery of the English language.

See the dates HERE

Exam format

The A2 Key for Schools exam is divided into three papers, designed to test your English language skills. Below you will find a detailed description of each paper.

  • Experiences and Durations

    • Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes for transcribing responses)
    • Reading and Writing 1 hour
    • Speaking (8–10 minutes per pair of candidates)
    • Test time: Around 1 hour and 40 minutes
  • Modes’

    • Test Format Paper or Digital

Prepare for the A2 Key for Schools test

Here you can find links to all our free resources for preparing for the A2 Key for Schools exam

See the dates HERE

Our institutional recognitions and accreditations

  • Montessori

Continue reading