Cambridge Assessment English

Cambridge English: A2 Key, also known as the Key English Test (KET), is the lowest level General English exam in the Cambridge English range. It shows that you can communicate in basic English in everyday situations.

Cambridge English: A2 Key for Schools is at the same level as Cambridge English: A2 Key and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the exam content is targeted at the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

Level of qualification: Elementary = A2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should take the KET if you have done about 250 hours of study or practice and can speak, write and understand basic English. This exam is the first step in building your English language skills for work or study in the future. To take the exam you should be able to:

• ask and answer questions about yourself and others
• understand announcements and instructions when people speak slowly and clearly
• tell people what you think about something you read or hear

What is the exam format?

There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking test could be organised on the same day as the written tests, or on another day within the speaking window . You do the Speaking with two examiners and one or two other exam candidates.

Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary is also known as the Preliminary English Test (PET). This exam shows that you can communicate in English in practical, everyday situations. It will give you a good foundation if you want to study for a professional English qualification.

Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary for Schools is at the same level as Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the exam content is targeted at the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

Level of qualification: Intermediate = B1 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam? 

Studying for the PET exam will improve your English so that you can communicate when travelling or dealing with English speakers for work.
To take the exam you should be able to:

• express your likes and dislikes, and discuss them with others
• understand spoken and written announcements and instructions
• write a personal letter or take notes from a meeting or discussion

What is the exam format ?

There are three parts to the exam. You do the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking test could be organised on the same day as the written tests, or on another day within the speaking window. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one or two other exam candidates..

Cambridge English: B2 First is also called the First Certificate in English (FCE). This general English qualification proves that you can speak and write English well enough to work or study in an English-speaking environment.

Cambridge English: B2 First for Schools is at the same level as Cambridge English: B2 First and leads to exactly the same internationally accepted certificate. The only difference is that the exam content is targeted at the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

Level of qualification: Upper intermediate = B2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should study for the FCE if you want to work in an English-speaking business, live in an English-speaking country or study a foundation-level or pre-university course taught in English.
To take the exam, you should be able to:

•  write short reports and emails
• explain an idea or have a detailed discussion in English
• understand general English on TV and in newspapers.

What is the exam format? 

There are four parts to the FCE exam. You will complete papers Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking test could be organised on the same day as the written tests, or on another day within the speaking window. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one or two other exam candidates.

We are happy to accept registrations from candidates subject to some minimum entry requirements.

Paper-based exams are currently run on our premises at the British Council offices in Dakar, for up to 20 candidates per session.

Please contact us for more information and for our next dates.

There is a separate registration process to register your school group for an exam on our premises. Please contact us at  information@britishcouncil.sn  to receive the school registration form and calendar. 

If you have 25 students or more (15 candidates or more for School exams), we can organise the exam on your premises; extra dates are available, and we offer a discount. Please contact us at information@britishcouncil.sn for more information. 

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