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Common European Framework of Reference

Cambridge exams

Our courses follow the Council of Europe levels, from A1 to C2, and we prepare specifically for the University of Cambridge exams. This is what each level means.

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Levels and exams

From A1 to C2, step by step

What you can do at each level, how many hours of study you need to reach it and which Cambridge exam matches it.

A1

Level Beginner

Listening
Understands everyday expressions to meet basic needs.
Speaking
Introduces themselves, asks simple questions and gives personal details, if people speak slowly and clearly.
100 – 120 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
No Cambridge exam for this level
A2

Level Elementary

Listening
Understands common expressions about family, shopping, local area and work.
Speaking
Communicates in routine situations and describes their background and immediate surroundings.
180 – 200 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
A2 Key
Formerly KET · Key English Test
B1

Level Intermediate

Listening
Understands the main points of a native speaker with a standard accent at work, in studies and in social life.
Speaking
Copes with most situations when travelling in an English-speaking country.
Writing
Writes simple texts about experiences, plans and ambitions, and gives reasons for choices.
350 – 400 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
B1 Preliminary
Formerly PET · Preliminary English Test
B2

Level Upper Intermediate

Listening and reading
Understands the main ideas of complex texts, including technical ones in their field.
Speaking
Talks with native speakers with some fluency, without strain for either side.
Writing
Writes clear and detailed texts and argues the advantages and disadvantages of different options.
500 – 600 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
B2 First
Formerly FCE · First Certificate in English
C1

Level Advanced

Listening and reading
Understands long and complex texts and recognises implicit meaning.
Speaking
Speaks fluently and spontaneously, flexibly in academic, social and professional settings.
Writing
Writes clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects, with good cohesion.
700 – 800 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
C1 Advanced
Formerly CAE · Cambridge Advanced English
C2

Level Proficiency

Listening and reading
Easily understands virtually everything heard or read.
Speaking
Expresses themselves spontaneously and fluently, with fine shades of meaning even in complex situations.
Writing
Summarises information from different sources and reconstructs arguments coherently.
1,000 – 1,200 h
of study in total
Cambridge exam
C2 Proficiency
Formerly CPE · Cambridge Proficiency in English

Study hours: approximate number of hours needed to reach each level.

Exam preparation

Courses that prepare for the exams

We prepare specifically for the University of Cambridge exams, in groups by level.

University students

B2 and C1 exam preparation

To get into university or earn your Cambridge English certificate.

  • 1 October to 10 December 2026
  • 40 hours, morning or afternoon
  • €350, materials included
See the course
Adults · B1, B2, C1

Official exams intensive course

Prepare for the late July exam session: language skills and exam technique.

  • 28 June to 23 July 2027
  • Monday to Thursday, 1 h 30 a day
  • €180 (exam fees not included)
See the course
Aged 6 to 17

English for children and teenagers

Three stages: children (6-11), juniors (12-14) and teenagers (15-17), who prepare for the Cambridge B1 and B2 exams.

  • 17 Sep to 18 Jun · 60 hours
  • 2 hours a week
  • €540 per course + €25 enrolment fee
See the course

Level test

Not sure what your level is?

To join a course you take a written and spoken level test. Book an appointment by email or phone and we will point you to the course and the exam that suit you.

Book by emailCall 963 628 983