Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I enrol for a Cambridge ESOL examination?
2. How do I pay for my examination?
3. When do I have to pay for the examination?
4. Where do I have to send payment for the exam?
5. Can I choose any day for my Speaking Test?
6. Can I choose any venue to take my examination?
7. When should I arrive at the examination venue?
8. What must I remember to take with me to the examination?
9. What must I do if my name is spelt wrong on my Statement of Entry?
10. When do I use pen and/or pencil?
11. Can I use a dictionary or spell checker during the examination?
12. Can I use Tippex/correction fluid in the exam?
13. What happens if I cannot take the examination for medical reasons.
14. Can I transfer my exam to another session?
15. Why don't I get a full refund?
16. Can I take my mobile phone or pager into the examination?
17. Can I take my bag and coat into the examination?
18. Can I eat, drink or smoke during the examination?
19. What books can I use to study for my Cambridge ESOL examination?

1. How can I enrol for a Cambridge ESOL examination?

You can register through the school in which you are taking a preparation course, register online using this website or print out a registration form to post back.

2. How do I pay for my examination?

You can pay online using a credit or debit card or you can pay by personal cheque or postal order made payable to:

'Cambridge Open' for FCE, CAE and CPE exams.
'Cambridge Open Pet' for PET, KET and BEC exams.

3. When do I have to pay for the examination?

You must send payment for the examination with your completed registration form.

4. Where do I have to send payment for the exam?

You should pay online or send payment with your completed enrolment form to the Cambridge Open Centre, 149 Hill Crest, Bar Hill, Cambridge CB23 8TH.

5. Can I choose any day for my Speaking Test?

No. The Cambridge Open Centre will specify on which day your Speaking Test will take place.

6. Can I choose any venue to take my examination?

No. The Cambridge Open Centre will inform you where your examination will take place.

7. When should I arrive at the examination venue?

You must always arrive at least 30 minutes before all examinations.

8. What must I remember to take with me to the examination?

You must take the following with you to the examination:

• Statement of Entry
• Pencil case (containing pencils, pen, rubber and sharpener.)
• You must also take with you your Passport or Identity Card (if you do not have suitable ID please download the Proof of Identity form. Complete this form and take it with you to your examination and hand it to the Supervisor.)

Download Proof of Identity Form (23K)

9. What must I do if my name is spelt wrong on my Statement of Entry?

You should inform the Supervisor as soon as you arrive at your Speaking examination.

10. When do I use pen and/or pencil?

Look at the table below (please remember to take a B or HB pencil and eraser).

Section	Exam Type
Paper	KET/PET	FCE	CAE	CPE	BEC(P)	BEC(V)	BEC (H)
Reading	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil
Writing/Comprehension	Pencil	Pen	Pen	Pen	Pencil	Pen	Pen
Use of English	--	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	--	--	--
Listening	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil	Pencil

11. Can I use a dictionary or spell checker during the examination?

No.

12. Can I use Tippex/correction fluid in the exam?

The only papers where correction fluid may be used are the Writing papers FCE Paper 2, CAE Paper 2 and CPE Paper 2.

13. What happens if I cannot take the examination for medical reasons.

If a student withdraws the entry on medical grounds or misses the examination because of illness, Cambridge ESOL will make a full refund of the University Fee portion of the total fee (approximately half of the total fee).

A request for refund must be sent to Cambridge Open Centre within seven days after the exam which must include:-

• A medical statement in ENGLISH stating the medical reasons why the student was unable to sit the examination?
• Address where the refund should be sent.

14. Can I transfer my exam to another session?

No.

15. Why don't I get a full refund?

As all preparations have been made for the students to sit the examination at that session, the local fee is therefore used to cover the exam preparation costs. The local fee is non-refundable after the closing date.

16. Can I take my mobile phone or pager into the examination?

No.

17. Can I take my bag and coat into the examination?

You may take your bag and/or coat into the examination room but you must put them in the designated area as instructed by the Supervisor. You must not have a bag or coat near your chair or desk.

18. Can I eat, drink or smoke during the examination?

No.

19. What books can I use to study for my Cambridge ESOL examination?

If you are looking for books and materials to help in preparation for Cambridge ESOL examinations please view the link below.

Publishers List