Cambridge English Certificate: Questions and Answers

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

International recognition – a Cambridge certificate:

• is recognised by companies and schools globally
• has no expiration date
• is a reliable proof of your skills

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

The most popular are Cambridge English exams, which you can take 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? Test yourself.

Cambridge certificates are valid for life. This means:

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

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

Each English exam has a clearly defined structure.

Exam parts:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

The exam consists of both written and speaking parts, which may take place on different days. Different exam levels have different formats.

See details for each level:

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

The price of an English certificate in Bratislava depends on the level and type of exam (paper vs. digital). You can find prices with the exam dates:

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

The investment in a certificate can quickly pay off in the form of a better salary or 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 people used to computers
• certificate in 3–4 weeks

The exam content is the same – only the format differs.

If you want to pass the exam on your first attempt, proper preparation is key.

Tips for success:

• practise the specific Cambridge exam format
• work with sample tests
• improve your speaking (often underestimated)
• set a regular study plan

Courses vs. self-study

Language courses in Bratislava:

• guided by experienced teachers
• exam simulations
• individual feedback

Self-study:

• more affordable and flexible
• but less effective without guidance
• Free online learning activities – Cambridge

The best results are achieved by students who take a preparation course at a language school.

Exam preparation

You can register for the exam until the registration deadline listed for each exam date. The exam fee must be paid by that deadline.

Yes, in some cases late registration is possible if there are still places available. This type of registration is time-limited and subject to an additional fee. Simply fill in the registration form and we will contact you. If the exam is fully booked, we will offer you the next available date.

Exam instructions (Confirmation of Entry, timetable, and venue) will be sent approximately 1 week before the written exam date.

Please bring the following to the exam:

• a valid ID card or passport
• a pencil, pen, and eraser
• water in a transparent bottle
• snacks

Mobile devices, electronics, and English books are not allowed during the exam – they will be collected before the exam starts. Choose clothing without English text, as it is against Cambridge regulations.

Yes – a valid identification document is required. Without it, you will not be allowed to take the exam. We accept:

• ID card, or
• passport

It is important that the document is valid, so check it carefully well in advance of the exam.

If you are late, you may not be admitted to the exam. Please arrive 30 minutes before the exam starts. If you are running late, contact us by phone immediately.

No. All electronic devices must be handed in before the exam. Using them, even during breaks, 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.

You can find your results online on the Results Service website. If you have already taken a Cambridge exam in the past, use the same account.

If this is your first time, create an account following these steps:

1. Register: click Register and fill in the form using your "ID Number" and "Secret Number" from the Confirmation of Entry. Create a password.
2. Log in: use your "ID Number" and password in the Login section.

If you need technical support, read the guide.

Yes, you can retake the exam without restriction. There is no mandatory waiting period, so you can apply for the next available date. It is advisable, however, to spend sufficient time analysing the mistakes from your previous attempt and focusing on your weak points to make the next attempt as successful as possible.

The certificate has no expiry date – it is valid for life. However, some institutions or employers may require the exam to be no more than a certain number of years old (usually 2–5 years) if they want to verify the 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