Cambridge or IELTS?

This is a question I get asked almost daily, usually at the school "drop" or "pick up". While both the Cambridge exams and the IELTS test all four major English skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking, there are quite a few differences between them.

The main difference between the Cambridge tests and the IELTS is that while there is only one IELTS for every level, the Cambridge tests are level-oriented. FCE is for an upper-intermediate, B2 level qualification, the CAE is a C1 qualification exam and the CPE is for a C2 proficiency level.

The assessment and grading systems of these two exams are also different. While IELTS is 2h45 long, the Cambridge tests last for 4 hours. This is due to the length of the test sections: the Writing section in the Cambridge tests, for instance, are 90 minutes long, whereas it only lasts for 60 minutes in IELTS. As opposed to IELTS, which encompasses fixed writing tasks, the Cambridge tests give you a choice between several writing tasks.

IELTS is a UK based English proficiency test which is globally recognized by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the United States. IELTS uses British English grammar and is generally popular for students who want to study in the commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

Cambridge English test is recognized by 25,000 organizations in 130 countries around the world. It is accepted by more than 100 universities in the US, and 99% of the 100 best universities around the world featured in the Times Higher University Ranking. The Cambridge English test consists of four levels: preliminary (PET), first (FCE), advanced (CAE), and proficiency (CPE). To apply for higher education or universities, you must take either C1 advanced or C2 proficiency test.

So depending on the reason you are studying English will eventually decipher the path you choose. Enjoy the journey. #learningisfun