Cambridge English Skills Test

The English Language Institute Testing Center offers the Cambridge English Skills Test (CEST) both for in-person and remote candidates.

Apply here: Cambridge English Skills Test (CEST) Application Form – Fill out form

Materials to help you Prepare for the CEST test:

Writing

What do I need to know about my test?

  • Look at the sample test and read the information on the test so that you are familiar with the tasks and how to move through the test.
  • You have 45 minutes to complete the Writing test.
  • There are two tasks in the test. Each task has a suggested time to spend, and a range of words to aim for.
  • Try to write as much as you can for each task. This will give you the best chance to show your writing ability. There is a word count function to show you how many words you have written.
  • Make sure you leave enough time for both parts of the test. Use all the time available to plan and write your answers. There is a timer to show you how many minutes you have spent on the test.
  • Read the tasks carefully and consider ways to develop your answer. You can use a pen and paper to plan your answer or list your ideas before you start typing.
  • Be careful with your typing because there is no spellcheck! If you have some time at the end of the test, read your answers again to check for spelling mistakes, spaces, full stops and capital letters.

Read the Full Guide

Speaking

What do I need to know about my test?

  • Look at the sample test so that you are familiar with the types of questions in the test.
  • The Speaking test takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
  • The Speaking test is a multi-level test. This means students of all abilities can take it. Some of the questions are simple and some are longer.
  • Some of the test parts include preparation time, and some do not. There is a blue bar to show how much time you have to prepare. Use the preparation time to think about what you're going to say.
  • You can use a pen and paper to make notes on what you are going to say.
  • Listen to and read the instructions carefully before you start speaking. There will be a sound ('beep') at the start of the speaking time. Only speak after you hear this beep.
  • Try your best to speak for all the time available. Speak in full sentences, give examples, expand on your ideas and try to use lots of different English grammar and vocabulary.
  • The green bar on the screen shows you how long you have to speak, but don't worry if you get interrupted before the end of your answers.
  • Keep the microphone the same distance from your mouth throughout the test.
  • Do not touch the microphone part of your headset because this can create noise.
  • Speak clearly and at the same volume throughout the test.

read the full guide

Reading

Why take an adaptive test?

  • Your adaptive test is personalised. Some questions might be easy, and some will be more difficult.
  • Your questions are chosen based on your previous answers.
  • An adaptive test will give you an accurate result and a better test experience because it is tailored to your level.
  • Your Reading test usually takes approximately 20–45 minutes, depending on your level. However, it could be shorter or longer than this.
  • Your results will be available immediately after you complete the test.

What do I need to know about my test?

  • Look at the sample test to become familiar with the tasks. The sample test is not adaptive. It shows you all the different types of tasks in the Cambridge EST Schools test. When you take your real test, you will see some of these tasks, but not all of them. The tasks you see will depend on your level.
  • Before answering a question, read the task instructions and any information about the texts, as well as the text including the title. This will help your understanding.
  • You can change your answer to any question on the same screen.
  • Check all your answers carefully before you click on the arrow to move to the next screen. However, do not take too long to read through everything again, try to keep moving at a good, steady pace.
  • When you click forward to the next screen, you will not be able to go back.

READ THE FULL GUIDE

Listening

Why take an adaptive test?

  • Your adaptive test is personalised. Some questions might be easy, and some will be more difficult. Your questions are chosen based on your previous answers.
  • An adaptive test will give you an accurate result and a better test experience because it is tailored to your level.
  • Your Listening test usually takes approximately 20–45 minutes, depending on your level. However, it could be shorter or longer than this.
  • Your results will be available immediately after you complete the test.

What do I need to know about my test?

  • Look at the sample test to become familiar with the tasks. The sample test is not adaptive. It shows you all the different types of tasks in the Cambridge EST Schools test. When you take your real test, you will see some of these tasks, but not all of them. The tasks you see will depend on your level.
  • Before answering a question, read the task instructions and any context information about the listening audio. This will help your understanding.
  • You can change your answer to any question on the same screen.
  • Check all your answers carefully before you click on the arrow to move to the next screen. However, do not take too long to read through everything again, try to keep moving at a good, steady pace.
  • When you click forward to the next screen, you will not be able to go back.

READ THE FULL GUIDE