Cambridge English Certificate: Questions and Answers

An English language certificate is an official proof of your level of English, recognised by employers and universities around the world. If you want to improve your career prospects in Bratislava or abroad, it is one of the best investments you can make.

International recognition — Cambridge certificate:

• recognised by companies and schools globally
• has no expiry date
• is a trusted proof of your abilities

That is why thousands of students choose it every year, including those in Slovakia.

All three are internationally recognised English language certificates, but they differ in purpose, format and validity.

Not sure which level to choose? Take our test.

A Cambridge certificate has no expiry date. This means that:

• you do not need to retake the exam
• you can use it for life

Unlike other certificates (e.g. IELTS), which have a limited period of validity.

A Cambridge certificate is the ideal choice if you:

• want a certificate with lifetime validity (no need to retake)
• are looking for work or study opportunities in Europe (including Slovakia and neighbouring countries)
• want to choose a specific level that matches your abilities (A2 to C2)
• prefer to sit the exam in Bratislava at an accredited centre

Cambridge certificates are recognised by thousands of employers and universities worldwide — including Slovak companies that require proof of English proficiency.

Every English language exam follows a clearly defined structure.

Exam components:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

The exam consists of a written and a spoken component, which may take place on different days.

Full details can be found on the individual level pages.

Among the most popular are the Cambridge certified exams, which you can sit in Bratislava at the accredited centre International House Bratislava.

Exam levels:

• A2 Key (KET) – basic level
• B1 Preliminary (PET) – lower intermediate
• B2 First (FCE) – intermediate
• C1 Advanced (CAE) – advanced
• C2 Proficiency (CPE) – very advanced

Not sure which level to choose? Take our test.

The price of an English language certificate in Bratislava depends on the level and sometimes on the type of exam (paper vs. digital). Prices are listed alongside the exam dates:

• A2 Key
• B1 Preliminary
• B2 First
• C1 Advanced
• C2 Proficiency

The investment in a certificate can pay off quickly in the form of a higher salary or new job opportunities.

Paper-based:

• traditional format (paper and pencil/pen)
• results in 4 – 6 weeks
• certificate in 7 – 10 weeks

Digital:

• faster results (5 – 10 days)
• more convenient for those used to working on a computer
• certificate in 3 – 4 weeks

More about Digital exams

The exam content is identical — the only difference is the format.

If you want to pass the exam first time, thorough preparation is essential.

Tips for success:

• practise the specific Cambridge exam format
• work through past and sample papers
• focus on speaking (often the most underestimated component)
• set up a regular study schedule

Courses vs. self-study

Language courses in Bratislava:

• guidance from experienced teachers
• mock exam practice
• individual feedback

Self-study:

• more affordable and flexible
• less effective without expert guidance
• Free online learning activities from Cambridge

Exam preparation

Students who complete a preparation course at a language school consistently achieve the best results.

You can register for an exam up to the registration deadline shown for each date. The exam fee must be paid no later than the closing date.

Yes, in some cases late registration is possible if places are still available. This option is time-limited and subject to an additional fee. Simply fill in the registration form and we will get in touch with you. If the session is fully booked, we will offer you the next available date.

Exam instructions — including the Confirmation of Entry, timetable and venue — will be sent to you approximately one week before the date of the written component.

Please bring the following to the exam:

• a valid national ID card or passport
• a pencil, pen and eraser
• water in a clear bottle
• a snack

Mobile devices, electronic equipment and books in English are not permitted during the exam — we will collect them before it begins. Please wear clothing without English text, as this is required under Cambridge regulations.

Yes, a valid form of identification is mandatory. You will not be admitted to the exam without one. We accept:

• a national ID card, or
• a passport

Your document must be valid — please check it well in advance of the exam date.

If you are late, you may not be admitted to the exam. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time. If you are running late, contact us by phone immediately at +421 252 962 675.

No. All electronic devices must be handed in before the exam begins. Using them — even during a break — may result in disqualification.

• Digital exams: approximately 5 – 10 days
• Paper-based exams: approximately 4 – 6 weeks

You can view your results online via the Results Service.

Your results are available on the Results Service website. If you have taken a Cambridge exam before, use the same account.

If this is your first time on the site, create an account by following these steps:

1. Registration: click Register and complete the form. Use the "ID Number" and "Secret Number" from your Confirmation of Entry document to create your account and set a password.
2. Log in: in the Login section, enter your "ID Number" and password.

If you need technical support, read the help guide.

Yes, you can retake the exam as many times as you like. There is no mandatory waiting period, so you can register for the next available date. It is worth taking time to review your mistakes from the previous attempt and work on any weaker areas before retaking.

The certificate has no expiry date — it is valid for life. However, some institutions or employers may require the exam to have been taken within a certain number of years (typically 2 – 5) if they wish to verify a candidate's current language level. Always check the specific requirements of the institution concerned.

• Digital exams: approx. 3 – 4 weeks after the exam date
• Paper-based exams: approx. 7 – 10 weeks after the exam date