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C1 Advanced (CAE)

Level:
C1
Language:
English
Frequency:
Multiple exam administrations

C1 Advanced (CAE) is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the high level of the CEFR (C1 level). It is made up of five parts and designed to prove that students have achieved a high level in learning English. C1 Advanced (CAE) is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world. C1 Advanced (CAE), also known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is a high-level qualification in English for demanding academic and professional situations that is officially recognized by universities, employers and governments around the world.  

Introduced in 1991, the test was revised following extensive research in 1999 and 2008; these changes have allowed the exam to keep pace with developments in language teaching and testing while ensuring that the exam remains reliable, relevant, and candidate-friendly.

Candidates can choose to take C1 Advanced (CAE) as either a paper-based or a digital exam. Similar to the paper-based version, the digital exams are offered at certified test centers across Greece. Although the format of the exams is different, digital exams test the same knowledge and skills as our paper-based exams. In C1 Advanced (CAE) Digital, candidates use digital tools that allow them to manage the digital environment and perform to the best of their abilities. Both C1 Advanced (CAE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) Digital have been developed based on decades of world-leading expertise in language testing for learners. 

It is typically taken by high achievers who want to:

  • follow an academic course at university level
  • communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
  • participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
  • carry out complex and challenging research

C1 Advanced (CAE) – regardless of whether candidates are examined through the paper-based or digital format – is recognized by the private sector, as well as officially recognized by the Greek state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:

Level of recognition

Overall score

C2

200-210

C1

180-199

B2

160-179

C1 Advanced (CAE) is accepted by more than 3,000 organizations, employers and governments around the world as a reliable, accurate and fair test of English.



Paper 1: Reading And Use of English

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 8 parts

Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.

Number of questions: 56 questions in total

Part 1 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text in which there are eight gaps. After the text there are four possible answers for each gap and candidates have to choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text in which there are eight gaps. Candidates have to find the correct word for each gap.

Part 3 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text containing eight gaps. Each gap represents a word. Next to the gap is the stem of the missing word which candidates have to change in some way to complete the sentence correctly.

Part 4 (6 questions - up to 2 marks for each correct answer)

A task asking candidates to read six items consisting of a lead-in sentence and a gapped sentence. Candidates have to complete the gap with three to six words guided by a given ‘key’ word.

Part 5 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

A text followed by six multiple-choice questions. For each question, there are four options and candidates have to choose the correct one (A, B, C or D).

Part 6 (4 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

Candidates are presented with four short texts followed by four multiple-matching questions. They must read across all of them so as to match a given prompt to elements in those texts.   

Part 7 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

A text from which six paragraphs have been removed. After the text, candidates will find the missing paragraphs in jumbled order and will have to decide which paragraph best fits each gap.

Part 8 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

Ten multiple matching questions followed by a single text or several shorter texts. Candidates have to match a given prompt to certain elements of the text(s).

Paper 2: Writing

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 2 parts

Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pen.

Part 1

Candidates are presented with a text to read and are then asked to write an essay of 220-260 words based on two points included in it. They will have to explain which of the two points is more important and give reasons for their opinion.

220-260 words

Part 2

Candidates are presented with a situation and given a choice of contextualized task (choice of three tasks). They are asked to write one of the following: a letter or an email, a proposal, a report or a review of 220-260 words.

220-260 words

Paper 3: Listening

Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time

Number of parts: 4 parts

Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.

Number of questions: 30 questions

Part 1 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Three short extracts from conversations between interacting speakers. Candidates are asked two multiple-choice questions per extract and are given three answer choices (A, B or C) each time.

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Candidates listen to a monologue (which may be introduced by a presenter) lasting approximately 3 minutes. They are asked to complete the sentences on the question paper with the missing information they hear on the recording.

Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A conversation lasting approximately 4 minutes between two or more speakers.  Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices (A, B, C or D).        

Part 4 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Multiple matching)

A series of five themed monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. On the question paper, there are two tasks and for each task candidates have to match each of the five speakers to one of eight possible answers.

Paper 4: Speaking

Duration: 15 minutes per pair of candidates

Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates

Number of parts: 4 parts

Part 1

A brief conversation between the candidates and the interlocutor (all questions are spoken).

Part 2

An individual long turn for each candidate followed by a brief response from the second candidate. In turn, both candidates are presented with a set of three pictures to talk about (e.g. describe, compare, express opinion about them, etc.).

Part 3

A two-way conversation between the candidates who are given spoken instructions and written prompts to be used in a discussion. The discussion involves a decision-making task and requires them to exchange ideas, express and justify their opinion, suggest, speculate, evaluate, negotiate, etc.

Part 4

A discussion between the candidates on topics related to the above collaborative task. Candidates are asked to express and justify their opinion, speculate, etc.

Paper 1: Reading And Use of English

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 8 parts

Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. In the Reading test, test takers can make notes, highlight text and review their answers. 

Number of questions: 56 questions in total

 

Part 1 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text in which there are eight gaps. After the text there are four possible answers for each gap and candidates have to choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text in which there are eight gaps. Candidates have to find the correct word for each gap.

Part 3 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A text containing eight gaps. Each gap represents a word. Next to the gap is the stem of the missing word which candidates have to change in some way to complete the sentence correctly.

Part 4 (6 questions - up to 2 marks for each correct answer)

A task asking candidates to read six items consisting of a lead-in sentence and a gapped sentence. Candidates have to complete the gap with three to six words guided by a given ‘key’ word.

Part 5 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

A text followed by six multiple-choice questions. For each question, there are four options and candidates have to choose the correct one (A, B, C or D).

Part 6 (4 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

Candidates are presented with four short texts followed by four multiple-matching questions. They must read across all of them so as to match a given prompt to elements in those texts.   

Part 7 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

A text from which six paragraphs have been removed. After the text, candidates will find the missing paragraphs in jumbled order and will have to decide which paragraph best fits each gap.

Part 8 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

Ten multiple matching questions followed by a single text or several shorter texts. Candidates have to match a given prompt to certain elements of the text(s).

Paper 2: Writing

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 2 parts

Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. The Writing test has an automatic word count and they can easily edit their work.

 

Part 1

Candidates are presented with a text to read and are then asked to write an essay of 220-260 words based on two points included in it. They will have to explain which of the two points is more important and give reasons for their opinion.

220-260 words

Part 2

Candidates are presented with a situation and given a choice of contextualized task (choice of three tasks). They are asked to write one of the following: a letter or an email, a proposal, a report or a review of 220-260 words.

220-260 words

Paper 3: Listening

Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time

Number of parts: 4 parts

For the Listening test, headphones with volume control help test takers listen comfortably and concentrate to perform the best of their abilities. Test takers use their mouse to select and submit their answers. 

Number of questions: 30 questions

 

Part 1 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Three short extracts from conversations between interacting speakers. Candidates are asked two multiple-choice questions per extract and are given three answer choices (A, B or C) each time.

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Candidates listen to a monologue (which may be introduced by a presenter) lasting approximately 3 minutes. They are asked to complete the sentences on the question paper with the missing information they hear on the recording.

Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A conversation lasting approximately 4 minutes between two or more speakers.  Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, each with 4 answer choices (A, B, C or D).        

Part 4 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Multiple matching)

A series of five themed monologues of approximately 30 seconds each. On the question paper, there are two tasks and for each task candidates have to match each of the five speakers to one of eight possible answers.

Paper 4: Speaking

Duration: 15 minutes per pair of candidates

Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates

Number of parts: 4 parts

The Speaking test is face-to-face, to help test takers develop real world communication skills.

 

Part 1

A brief conversation between the candidates and the interlocutor (all questions are spoken).

Part 2

An individual long turn for each candidate followed by a brief response from the second candidate. In turn, both candidates are presented with a set of three pictures to talk about (e.g., describe, compare, express opinion about them, etc.).

Part 3

A two-way conversation between the candidates who are given spoken instructions and written prompts to be used in a discussion. The discussion involves a decision-making task and requires them to exchange ideas, express and justify their opinion, suggest, speculate, evaluate, negotiate, etc.

Part 4

A discussion between the candidates on topics related to the above collaborative task. Candidates are asked to express and justify their opinion, speculate, etc.


Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.

You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.

The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.


C1 Advanced results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Although the parts are 4, candidates will receive 5 scores on their Statement of Results (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking) which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These five scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

For C1 Advanced, the following scores will be used to report results:

Cambridge English Scale Score

Grade

CEFR level

200-210

Grade A

C2

193–199

Grade B

C1

180–192

Grade C

C1

160–179

Level B2

B2

Scores between 142 and 159 are also reported for C1 Advanced. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 142 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.

The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.


May 2025

Exam Period Exam Date Result announcement date
May 2025 10/05/2025 20/06/2025
17/05/2025 27/06/2025
31/05/2025 10/07/2025

 

June 2025

Exam Period Exam Date Result announcement date
June 2025 21/06/2025 31/07/2025

 

July 2025

Exam Period Exam Date Result announcement date
July 2025 05/07/2025 14/08/2025

 

May 2025

Exam Period Exam Date Result announcement date
May 2025 10/05/2025 23/05/2025

 

June 2025

Exam Period Exam Date Result announcement date 
June 2025 19/06/2025 03/07/2025
22/06/2025 04/07/2025

 


Discover our available results and certificates services. Learn how you can request, among other things, the rescoring of your test, the notarization of a copy of a certificate, and the issuance of a certification of loss of a certificate.


There are two stages in the rescoring process by Cambridge English:

Stage 1: Full clerical re-check

  • Application deadline: Within 20 calendar days from the date your results are announced
  • Result notification: Within 5 to 10 working days from the date of your rescoring application

Stage 2: Re-mark of all written papers

  • Application deadline: Within 40 calendar days from the date your results are announced
  • Result notification: Within 15 to 20 working days from the date of your rescoring application

Find information on the terms and conditions for having one or more sections of your test rescored.

 

Is my certificate recognized by foreign universities?

Language proficiency certificates can be used for academic and professional purposes abroad. However, each university has its own requirements regarding the accepted certificates. Therefore, we recommend contacting the foreign universities you are interested in directly to inquire about the English language certificates they accept, as well as any potential time limitations regarding their validity.

How do I sign up for Orfeas?

If you are an individual candidate:

  1. Visit the Hellenic American Union website.
  2. Navigate to “Sign In”. 
  3. Then select “Register” and fill in your personal information.
  4. You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
  5. Click on the link and fill in your username and password. Finally, select “Sign In” to complete the registration process.

If you are a teacher or a Foreign Language School owner:

  1. Visit the Hellenic American Union website and complete the form with your personal and/or business information, and upload the required documents.*

    Please note: You will be asked to provide an email address to register for Orfeas. This address, as well as the optional secondary email address should not have been used previously to create an Orfeas account or register as an individual candidate.

  2. Select “Save”.
  3. You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
  4. We will process your request, and e-mail you with a temporary password for first-time access. After that, you will be asked to change your password.

*Acceptable documents (max 5 MB):

For teachers (one of the following):

  • Proficiency in English certificate
  • Degree from a foreign university with English as the language of instruction
  • English Language and/or Literature degree
  • Renewal of teaching license 
  • Certificate of commencement of teaching profession
  • CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
  • English Literature document of final year studies

For Foreign Language Schools (one of the following):

  • Business registry details from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ) 
  • Certificate of commencement of activity for individual entrepreneurs 
  • Certificate from the General Commercial Registry (ΓΕΜΗ) 
  • Company stamp 
  • Certification from the Organization for Certification of Qualifications & Professional Orientation (ΕΟΠΠΕΠ)

Please note that this step is required to register yourself or your students for your chosen exams at a later time.

How can I order your books?

You can place your order in the following ways:

Please note: Orders over €20.00 are sent free of charge; otherwise, a delivery fee of €5.00 applies.

Is my certificate recognized by the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ΑΣΕΠ)?

The B1 to C2 level English language proficiency certificates issued by the Hellenic American Union are officially recognized in Greece by both the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection - ΑΣΕΠ) and the private sector.

How do I pay the examination fee?

To pay the examination fee, you must first complete the registration and application for your chosen exam.

Available payment options:

  • Credit Card
  • IRIS
  • Reference Code

To make a payment using the Reference Code, please follow these steps: 

  1. Use e-banking or phone banking through your bank.
  2. Select “HELLENIC AMERICAN UNION” in the “Payments” field.
  3. Select the fee amount specified in the confirmation email you received after registration.

Are there any accommodations made for candidates with disabilities or/and learning difficulties?

You can request special accommodations when you register the candidate on Orfeas.
You will need to provide the medical documentation that describes the candidate’s disability or/and learning difficulty; this must be issued by a qualified medical professional.

If the documents are not in English, you must arrange to have them translated into English, and the translation notarized (e.g., by a lawyer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service). Either the original certified translation or its certified copy can be submitted. We can assist you by translating and notarizing the documents if needed. Please note that a processing fee will be charged for administrative expenses.

For more information on the types of accommodations, required documentation, and the application process, please visit our Nonstandard Test Accommodations page.

I have lost my certificate. Can I have it reissued?

Lost certificates cannot be reissued if more than twenty-four (24) months have passed since the exam date. However, the Hellenic American Union can provide you with a document certifying the loss of your certificate. A fee to cover administrative costs is charged for this service.

If you need to have your certificate reissued or a certification of loss issued, or if you need more information on lost or damaged certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.

How can I register for the certificate exams of my choice?

For Foreign Language Schools owners and teachers:

  1. After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, select the “Applications/Registrations” section. You will be automatically redirected to the “My Students” tab.
  2. If this is your first time registering a student, select “New Student”, fill in their personal details (using all Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on their ID or passport), and click “Save”. If the student has already been registered, you can find them in your student list.
  3. Select the checkbox next to the candidate’s name (or select multiple boxes if you wish to register multiple candidates for the same exam). Then, click “Register Students”.
  4. When the pop-up window appears, follow the on-screen instructions. Click “Submit”, and you will be automatically directed to the “My Exams” tab.
  5. You will see the new group of students for registration. Click “Pay & Submit” to choose your payment method and to finalize your application.

For Individual Candidates:

  1. After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, go to the “Registration” section.
  2. Enter your personal details using Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on your ID or passport.
  3. Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Save”.
  4. You will be automatically redirected to “My Exams”. Select “New Application” from the top right.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions, and click on “Submit” to review your application, and click “Pay & Submit” to complete the process.

Can I delete my application or my student’s application?

According to exam regulation 4.12., the examination fees paid are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you notice any mistakes in your application and need to correct them, please contact us via email at exams@hau.gr or by phone at +30 2103680000.

How do I access my exam schedule or that of my students’?

For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:

To view your students’ exam schedules, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Orfeas.
  2. Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
  3. Select “My Exams”.
  4. Choose the exam group (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
  5. Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window to download your students’ schedules.

For individual candidates:

To view your schedule, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Orfeas.
  2. Click on “Registration”.
  3. Select “My Applications”.
  4. Choose the application of your choice (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
  5. Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window and select “Download Schedule” to download your schedule.

What should I bring with me on the day of the exams?

On the day of the exam, you must:

  • Bring a valid national identity card, passport, driver’s license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority. If you do not have one of these documents, you will not be allowed to enter the examination room.
  • Bring a watch (except for Cambridge English exams), a soft pencil (#2) or a pen (for the Writing section if taking a Cambridge exam at B1 level or above) and an eraser.
  • Arrive at the test center at least thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled exam time.

On the day of the exam, you must not:

  • Bring your mobile phone or any other electronic devices (smartwatches, portable media players, etc.).
  • Bring books, notes, or other educational materials.

For more details, visit Exam Guidelines.

What should I do if I miss my scheduled Speaking test?

If you miss your scheduled Speaking test, please contact the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications as soon as possible:

How can I stay updated on the status of my application?

For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:

Once you complete the application process for your students, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and the students’ schedules on Orfeas.

For individual candidates:

Once you complete the application process, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and your schedule.

How do I receive my certificate?

  • If you registered for the exam through a Language School or teacher, your certificate will be sent directly to them.
  • If you were an individual candidate at a test center outside Athens, your certificate will be mailed to the address you provided during registration. No further action is required on your part.
    If your address has changed since your registration, please complete and submit the relevant form to Certificates Application Form to certificates@hau.gr.
  • If you were an individual candidate at a test center in Athens
  1. You can pick up your certificate in person by visiting our offices, from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, from the Results and Certifications Office (Massalias 22, 10680, Athens) and presenting your identity card, passport, driving license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority. 
  2. Υou can receive your certificate via courier service free of charge by following the steps below:
  • Download, complete, and sign the application form.
  • Forward the completed application together with a copy of your identity card, passport or any other legal identification document (e.g., a driver’s license or identity certificate - “tautoprosopia” - containing a photograph stamped by a Public Authority), using one of the following ways:  
    • By mail: Didotou 15, 10680 Athens, or Fragkon 14, 54626, Thessaloniki
    • By email: certificates@hau.gr

We will notify you by email once your certificate is ready for shipment.

For more information on the receipt and shipping of original certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.

How do I access my students’ or my results?

For Foreign Language School owners and teachers: 

To access your students’ results, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Orfeas.
  2. Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
  3. Select “Statistics/Results”.
  4. Use the filters to choose the year, examination name, and examination period.
  5. Click “View” to view the results.

For individual candidates: 

To access your results, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to Orfeas.
  2. Click on “Registration”.
  3. Select “My Exams”.
  4. Select your application (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
  5. Click on “Scores” in the pop-up window, and select “Download Score report” to download your detailed score report.

Note: If you wish to view your results but you did not register as an individual candidate, but rather through your teacher or Foreign Language School, you must register as a new user in the Orfeas system after 2:00 PM on the following day of the announcement of the results. Then, select “Exam Results” from the menu and, by filling in the required fields, you will have access to your results. 

How do I apply for rescoring?

The exams administered by the Hellenic American Union are scored by the test developers under strict quality control conditions. These measures ensure the accuracy and validity of the results.

However, you can arrange to have your exam rescored, if you wish, for a fee and within the timeframe set by the test developer. To do so, fill out the rescoring request form (which becomes available the day of the results announcement) which we will send to the examination body. You will receive the result of the rescoring by mail.

For more information, visit the Rescoring page.


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