100 million Cambridge English exams taken since 1913

100 million Cambridge English exams and tests have been taken around the world since 1913, according to new figures from Cambridge University Press & Assessment.     The Cambridge English exams, which are designed for all levels of English language ability, include Cambridge English Qualifications, Linguaskill and IELTS, the world’s most trusted English language test.     In June 1913, three candidates in the UK took the first ever Cambridge English exam. Since then, Cambridge English exams have become available in 130 countries and are recognised by more than 25,000 organisations around the world, including governments, universities and employers, as reliable proof of English language ability.      Cambridge says its leading expertise in English language assessment, built over decades of innovation and research, has been the driving force behind this success. 

Francesca Woodward, Managing Director for English at Cambridge University Press & Assessment said: “This is a proud moment for Cambridge. I am inspired every day by individual stories of learners securing jobs or university places, made possible by Cambridge English exams and qualifications. Even though we operate at scale, it is the individual success stories of teachers and learners that make such a difference. It’s always rewarding to hear what Cambridge English means to them and their families and the enhanced life chances it brings. It’s staggering to think how we’ve gone from humble beginnings of just three candidates in 1913 to 100 million exams taken to date. Our incredible growth has been driven by global recognition of our exams, trust and innovation”. 

As part of the celebrations, Cambridge has launched a new video starring Rebecca Rios, an English language teacher from Brazil who talks to learners about  why they continue to put their trust in Cambridge English learning materials and assessments.

A vision for the future of assessment

The team at Cambridge is constantly looking at new ways of helping people learn English and prove their skills to the world. Earlier in the year saw the launch of Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, a new digital way of taking the Cambridge English exams. Cambridge English head Francesca Woodward recently set out her vision for the future of English assessment which included more opportunities for teaching and learning around GenAI, more integrated learning and assessment for effective learning outcomes and the importance of measuring educational impact such as the forthcoming PISA Foreign Language Assessment. 

IELTS (co-owned by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, British Council and IDP IELTS) is a big part of our success story. IELTS, which celebrated its 35th anniversary earlier this year, has become the world’s most trusted English test for higher education and global migration. Available in over 140 countries, it is trusted by key immigration authorities as well as thousands of universities and employers around the world as providing a true reflection of a candidate’s communicative English ability.  

Recent innovations from the IELTS team include faster results for people who take their test on a computer, and IELTS One Skill Retake, which gives test takers who didn’t show their full potential on test day the opportunity to retake individual skills and get back on track. 

Find out more  

Learners and teachers video marks incredible milestone  

Watch a new video of Cambridge talking to teachers and institutions from around the world about why they trust Cambridge English learning materials and assessments. Cambridge's learning and exam preparation materials give learners the skills and confidence they need in the classroom and beyond.   

Accept Cambridge English exams at your institute   

Find out more about accepting Cambridge English exams at your institute at: Qualifications for higher education | Cambridge English. 

Preparing for a Cambridge English exam?  

If you’re preparing for a Cambridge English exam there are lots of free materials and resources available.

Fancy a challenge?    

One from the archives...  

Our fantastic achievement of 100 million Cambridge English exams all started in 1913, when three candidates in the UK took the first ever C2 Proficiency exam.  Can you answer this English question from 1913 taken from our archives? It’s just for fun so don’t send in the answers!