Cambridge Exam Range
Cambridge Assessment English, part of the University of Cambridge, offers a range of qualifications targeting different CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference, developed by the Council of Europe) levels. Each exam is designed and validated for a specific level rather than adjusting difficulty in real time.
| Exam | CEFR Level | Purpose | Cost Approx. |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2 First (formerly FCE) | B2 | Upper-intermediate proof for work, study, and travel | €150-200 |
| C1 Advanced (CAE) | C1 | Advanced proof for university and professional registration | €150-200 |
| C2 Proficiency (CPE) | C2 | Expert-level proof, highest Cambridge qualification | €150-200 |
Key Differences Between Cambridge B2 First and Examinizer
Cambridge exams are graded and validated qualifications, while Examinizer is a fast self-assessment. The table below compares Cambridge B2 First specifically, since it is the most commonly requested Cambridge exam at the CEFR B2 level Examinizer also estimates.
| Feature | Cambridge B2 First | Examinizer |
|---|---|---|
| Accreditation | Internationally accredited | Not accredited |
| Cost | €150-200 | €8 (incl. 21% EU VAT = €9.68) |
| Duration | 209 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Format | 4 skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking | 25 adaptive questions |
| Result | Pass/Merit/Distinction | CEFR A1-C2 |
| Accepted for | University, immigration, employers worldwide | Professional contexts |
| Valid for | No official expiry, but institutions set their own rules | No expiry |
When to Choose Cambridge
Choose Cambridge if a university requires B2 First or higher as part of its admission requirements, which is common for English-taught degree programs across Europe. Choose Cambridge if you want permanent proof of English for your career, since Cambridge certificates do not expire and remain valid documentation for a lifetime. Choose Cambridge if you are meeting immigration requirements that specify an accredited English qualification by name. Choose Cambridge if you need professional registration in a field that requires a recognised English certificate as part of licensing.
When to Choose Examinizer
Choose Examinizer if you want a quick CEFR estimate before investing time and money in a Cambridge exam booking. Choose Examinizer if you are an HR professional screening candidates and only need a general sense of their level rather than an accredited qualification. Choose Examinizer if you need professional CV documentation for a role where the employer accepts self-reported or CEFR-aligned proof. Choose Examinizer if you want to check your readiness before committing to book a Cambridge exam, so you know roughly which level to prepare for.
Honest Limitations
Cambridge B2 First is recognised by more than 25,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, and government bodies, and is accepted for UK and EU visa purposes in specific contexts. Examinizer is not accepted in any of these contexts. Examinizer does not test speaking or listening, covering only grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Examinizer is not issued by Cambridge Assessment English or any accredited body, and should not be presented as equivalent to a Cambridge qualification. Cambridge is also a member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), which aligns its members' exams to the same CEFR levels Examinizer estimates.
For a broader look at how CEFR levels work across A1 to C2, see our CEFR guide. If you want to check your level before deciding which Cambridge exam to book, the English test hub, CEFR test, and level-specific B2 certificate page are all free or low-cost starting points, and the full certificate flow is at examinizer.net/online-language-certificate/.