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The Cambridge English Skills Test (CEST) is a flexible, modular, and online assessment designed for internal use at institutions, offering quick results and skill-based reports.
The test is designed for internal testing within institutions, for instance in the field of higher education or the vocational sector, to quickly assess students’ or employees’ English levels and make informed decisions.
It uses advanced AI technology for fast, accurate and convenient testing. It is ideal for mixed-ability groups as it is adaptive and tests all abilities from A1 to C1 level.
Available Versions:
Cambridge English Skills Test General: Ideal for adult learners aged 16+. The test provides a clear assessment of English proficiency across all skills, helping learners track progress or prepare for further qualifications.
Cambridge English Skills Test Business: Ideal for recruiters and training managers to assess the English level of their employees and check their progress. With quick results and flexible access, it helps organisations make informed decisions about employee skills development and provide support in language training.
All benefits at a glance:
Familiarise yourself with the format of the CEST Business with these online sample tests. They illustrate the type of questions in the real test, but do not store answers or provide results. Note: Both the reading and listening tests here are shorter and non-adaptive, and a headset with microphone is required for the speaking test.
CEST Business - sample test - reading
CEST Business - sample test - listening
CEST Business -sample test - writing
CEST Business - sample test - speaking
Use these online demo tests to familiarise yourself with the structure of the CEST General. They show the type of questions that appear in the actual test, but do not save answers or provide results. Note: The reading and listening comprehension tests are shorter in this version and are not adaptive. A headset with microphone is required for the speaking test.
CEST General - sample test - reading
CEST General - sample test - listening
CEST General - sample test - writing
CEST General - sample test - speaking
Below, you will find PDFs containing helpful advice for candidates taking the CEST General or CEST Business.
These have been created by Cambridge Assessment exam experts. The aim is to maximise your chances of passing the test.
Reading Candidate advice PDF - General
Writing Candidate advice PDF - General
Listening Candidate advice PDF - General
Speaking Candidate advice PDF - General
Reading Candidate advice PDF - Business
Writing Candidate advice PDF - Business
Listening Candidate advice PDF - Business
Speaking Candidate advice PDF - Business
What reporting is available for teachers and academic managers?
Teachers and academic managers will have access to a powerful results dashboard to monitor the performance of groups of candidates, for example, a class or a school. It will allow the comparison of one class with another class, or one class over time, and it can be done by overall CEFR level or by language skill.
What do candidates receive once they have completed the test?
Candidates will receive a Results Report showing the scores they have achieved in each module and overall. The Report features can-do statements, which describe what the learner could be expected to do at their ability level.
What do candidates receive once they have completed the test?
Candidates will receive a Results Report showing the scores they have achieved in each module and overall. The Report features can-do statements, which describe what the learner could be expected to do at their ability level.
How long is the test?
The test is divided into four language skills modules of differing length:
What security is in place to prevent malpractice?
Cambridge will provide standard best practice guidelines for administering the test securely and make periodic checks for systematic malpractice. There will also be integrated AI lite remote invigilation running during the test.
How are the results of the test marked?
Reading and Listening modules are auto-marked for immediate results. Writing and Speaking are marked by AI and human examiners for results within 48 hours.
What is meant by adaptive testing and how does this work?
Computer adaptive testing is the process by which the test adapts to the performance of the candidate. Future questions become harder or easier depending on whether the candidate answers a question correctly or incorrectly. The test continues until the algorithm is confident that it has determined the candidate’s ability level. Adaptive testing means that one test is suitable for candidates of all levels, making it ideal for mixed-ability groups. It also means that the test is completely personalised for a more motivating test experience, and as each test is unique, malpractice is less likely.
What test administration support is available?
Support is available via our Support Site, where we have interactive articles that cover all administrative functionality and give advice on the use of hardware such as headphones and webcams. There is also a 24/7 Helpdesk.
Are Access Arrangements available for candidates?
Yes. We offer modified materials for access arrangements, including:
Do candidates have to take all the skills modules in one sitting?
No, the different skills modules can be sat at different times or on different days.
How does “My Best Score” work?
“My Best Score” means that candidates can retake a skills module within six months and their best score will always be the one recorded.
Do you still have questions? We are happy to help!
