Cambridge English Scale Scores: What Each Grade Means
On this page
A Cambridge English Scale score is the number on your Cambridge English exam result. It shows how well you did and which CEFR level that performance matches.
If you just got a result like "Grade C, CEFR level B1, 148", this guide explains each part. Every number below comes from the results tables Cambridge English publishes on its official results page.
New to CEFR levels? Start with CEFR levels explained, then come back here.
TL;DR:
- A2 Key to C2 Proficiency all report on one scale. Reported scores run from 80 to 230.
- Each exam targets one CEFR level, but can also report the level below it (and the level above, except C2 Proficiency).
- Grades A, B and C are given at or above the target level. A lower score gets no grade and is reported as the level below.
- The same score means the same level on every exam: 165 is B2 whether it came from B1 Preliminary or B2 First.
- Your certificate does not expire, but universities and employers can set their own time limits.
What is the Cambridge English Scale?
It is the shared score system for Cambridge English Qualifications. Because every exam reports on the same scale, results are easy to compare across exams.
Your result has three parts:
- The score tells you where you are on the scale.
- The grade tells you how you did on the exam you took.
- The CEFR level tells you what that means in the framework that schools, employers and visa offices use.
Cambridge English Scale scores for each exam
These are the score ranges Cambridge English publishes for each exam. The CEFR level your result is reported at is in brackets.
| Exam (target level) | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Below target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 Key (A2) | 140-150 (B1) | 133-139 (A2) | 120-132 (A2) | 100-119 (A1) |
| B1 Preliminary (B1) | 160-170 (B2) | 153-159 (B1) | 140-152 (B1) | 120-139 (A2) |
| B2 First (B2) | 180-190 (C1) | 173-179 (B2) | 160-172 (B2) | 140-159 (B1) |
| C1 Advanced (C1) | 200-210 (C2) | 193-199 (C1) | 180-192 (C1) | 160-179 (B2) |
| C2 Proficiency (C2) | 220-230 (C2) | 213-219 (C2) | 200-212 (C2) | 180-199 (C1) |
The "for Schools" versions of A2 Key, B1 Preliminary and B2 First use the same ranges.
Scores below the "Below target" column are still reported, for example 80-99 on A2 Key. You get the score on your Statement of Results, but no certificate.
How do you read your Cambridge English score?
Take B1 Preliminary as an example:
| Score | Result |
|---|---|
| 160-170 | Grade A, reported at B2 (one level above the exam) |
| 153-159 | Grade B, B1 |
| 140-152 | Grade C, B1 |
| 120-139 | No grade, reported at A2 |
The other exams follow the same pattern. On B2 First, 160 is the lowest B2 score and 173 starts Grade B. On C1 Advanced, 180 is the lowest C1 score.
An easy way to remember it: each level starts 20 points above the one before. A2 starts at 120, B1 at 140, B2 at 160, C1 at 180 and C2 at 200.
Can one exam show a higher or lower level?
Yes, within limits. Cambridge English says each exam gives reliable results at its target level and at the level below. All exams except C2 Proficiency also cover the level above.
So B1 Preliminary can report A2, B1 or B2, but never C1.
This is also why the same score can be a different grade:
- 165 on B1 Preliminary: Grade A, B2.
- 165 on B2 First: Grade C, B2.
The level is the same. The grade depends on which exam you took.
Which Cambridge exam fits your level?
Choose the exam that matches your level now, not the level you hope to reach.
- Take the free English level test for a quick estimate.
- Around A2-B1? Read what B1 English level means before choosing between A2 Key and B1 Preliminary.
- Around B2? Read what B2 English level means and look at B2 First.
A level test gives you a direction. The exam gives you the certificate.
How long is a Cambridge English certificate valid?
Cambridge English says your certificate does not expire.
Universities, colleges and employers can decide how old a result they accept. Always check the requirement of the place you are applying to.
How are Cambridge English scores calculated?
You get a separate score for each skill: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, plus Use of English in some exams. Your overall score is the average of these.
That means vocabulary helps, but it is only one part of your result. Use it alongside full practice tests, not instead of them.
How can you prepare for the score you need?
Aim for a comfortable grade, not the lowest score in the range. Exam vocabulary is the most predictable part to prepare, because the topics repeat and the words are common in everyday life.
- Pick a few topic sets from the B1 vocabulary hub or the B2 vocabulary hub.
- Review them a little every day on a spaced schedule.
- For a ready-made routine, follow the four-week plan in B1 English flashcards: how to study B1 vocabulary.