Aurelia Colta

06/04/2023

Exam Day Important Information

Updates to Speaking Exams

There has been a minor change that has been introduced to the beginning of some Speaking exams. Starting from this year, 2023, the introductory section of the exam has been slightly modified in some cases.

To be specific, the questions ‘Where do you come from?‘, ‘Where are you from?‘, and ‘Who do you live with?‘ have been either entirely removed or replaced with a more neutral question, ‘Where do you live?‘.

This update affects the following Cambridge English qualifications:

A2 Key,
B1 Preliminary,
B2 First,
C1 Advanced, and
C2 Proficiency.

Online sample tests will soon be updated to reflect this change.

Exam Day Challenge

For the moment, there are no other updates. Why not read up on useful information you must know about what to expect on the exam day. The more familiar you are with all these important details, the more carefree you will feel, and thus more focused on the exam itself you will be.

Rather than presenting you with this essential exam day information in a tedious text-like way, why not challenge yourself to a quiz-my-wits test?!

Is an ID photocopy or its photo on the phone accepted on the exam day?

No, it isn’t. Your ID must be original and up to date (not expired).

Bring your official photo ID to the exam. One of the following documents is accepted on the exam day:
– passport
– European Union (EU) ID card
– government-issued ID
– biometric residence permit
– photo driving licence

When is your ID checked?

It is checked:
– before the start of the first component,
– every time you leave your seat between components,
– when you arrive in the waiting area for the Speaking test,
– just before you enter the test room for the Speaking test.

Are late arrivals allowed for serious reasons?

Yes, they are, but only:
– the first 20 minutes in B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
– the first 10 minutes in A2 Key and B1 Preliminary

Late arrivals are not allowed during the Listening paper.

Note: your breaks between the components might be altered due to your late arrival.

What is allowed on your desk on the exam day?

– Photo ID (obligatory)
– A small pencil case (left open)
– Black / blue pens, pencils, erasers, sharpener
– Highlighters
– Water in a clear plastic bottle
– Medicine (not in box) needed for medical condition
– Tissues (loose)
– Hydro-alcoholic gel
– Headphones for the Listening test

What is not allowed on your desk on the exam day?

– Confirmation of Entry. (This is the document you receive a week before the exam and the one that supports your entry.)
– Dictionaries
– Notes
– Correction fluid/tape
– Erasable pens
– Blank paper
– Food
– Bags, handbags, luggage
– Bottles of water made of stainless steel or other non-transparent material

Can you use the not-allowed things during the breaks?

Yes, you can, excluding the electronic devices that have been stored before you started the exam.

Where can you keep you coat or jacket during the exam?

Either on the back of your chair, or in a special designated area.

What happens if your name is not correctly written on the Confirmation of Entry?

Since this is the name that will be used on your result and certificate, you must contact the centre if your name is not correct.

You must also put your hand up before the written component starts if your name is misspelt on the answer sheet.

What electronic items will be removed from the room?

– Mobile phones
– Watches (Smart and analogue (not digital))
– Hands-free smart glasses
– Bluetooth headphones
– Laptops

Your electronic items will be returned to you when the last written component finishes.

Can you use any electronic items during the breaks?

No, you cannot. If you do, you will be disqualified.

Is the Test Day Photo needed?

If you are taking B2 First (excluding B2 First for Schools), C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, you will have your photo taken.

What is the Candidate Information Sheet?

This is a form you must fill in, in pencil, before you start the first written component, to simply gather statistics about candidates, such as their age and nationality.

This document is removed from your desk before the exam materials are distributed.

Which is the order of the B2 First, C1 Advanced and C1 Proficiency exam written components?

– Reading and Use of English
– Writing
– Listening

When do you have to use the PEN?

You must use the pen during the Writing test of:
– B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools
– B2 First and B2 First for Schools
– C1 Advanced
– C2 Proficiency

Can you leave the exam room for toilet breaks?

Yes. Except during the first 30 and final 10 minutes, you can leave and return to the exam room for all written components, not including the Listening test.

Are you allowed extra time for toilet breaks?

No, you are not.

Can you leave the exam room if you are an early finisher?

Yes, you can permanently leave the exam room for all written components, except in the first 30 or the last 10 minutes.

You cannot leave during the Listening paper.

I am sure you are feeling better now that you know what to expect on the exam day. One less thing to worry about!

In case there are more updates to the Cambridge English exams, I will keep you informed.

Stay tuned for more words of advice and handy material!

Exam Day Important Information

Updates to Speaking Exams

Exam Day Challenge

Related Posts

B2 Listening: Enhance Your English Skills with Effective Strategies

Master Informal Emails for B2 First (FCE): Tips & Phrasal Verbs

B2 Listening Boost