FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I take a Cambridge English exam with the forum thomanum accademia GmbH?

As an authorised Cambridge Assessment English Test Centre, we offer Cambridge English exams at different levels.   

How do I know which is the right Cambridge English exam for me?

If you are not sure which test you should take, please go to the Cambridge Assessment English Website. Under “learn English”, you have the opportunity to test your English (https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/de/test-your-english/). 

What are the different exam levels?

We offer the following exam levels:

  • Pre A1 Starters (YLE Starters)
  • A1 Movers (YLE Movers)
  • A2 Flyers (YLE Flyers)
  • B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)
  • B2 First for Schools (FCE)
  • B1 Preliminary (PET)
  • B2 First (FCE)
  • C1 Advanced (CAE)
  • C2 Proficiency (CPE)

What is different about the category “for schools”?

In addition to the categories “Preliminary” and “First” there is also a special category for school pupils: B1 Preliminary for Schools and B2 First for Schools. These Cambridge certificates certify a knowledge of English at the levels of B1 and B2 and have been specially designed for school pupils. Such certificates are often required for stays in English-speaking countries e.g., for a voluntary social year (FSJ), for applications for apprenticeships with international organisations or as preparation for the final exam.

What are PB and CB exams?

PB stands for “paper-based exam” and CB for “computer-based exam”. At our authorised exam centre, we offer paper-based exams, where you are expected to write your answers in pen or pencil. At the moment we do not offer any computer-based exams.

Where can the exams be taken?

Generally speaking, the exams take place at our authorised test centres. For more than 20 participants, we also conduct the exams on external premises after prior arrangements and site inspections have been made. In this case, there will be a surcharge for travel to the exam venue. Please contact us well in advance.

Where do I find the information about exam dates and costs?

You will find information about exam dates and costs on our website: https://accademia-leipzig.de/pruefungstermine/ 

How can I register for the Cambridge English Exam?

Registration is via the forum thomanum accademia GmbH. You will find the registration form on our website: Prüfungsanmeldung – accademia (accademia-leipzig.de)

 I would like to take an exam on a date, which is not listed on the website. Are there any additional exam dates?

Exam dates that are not fixed dates are only possible if you are a group of 20 or more candidates and if the registration is made at least 8 weeks before the exam date. Please contact us for further information.

When and to whom do I pay the exam fee?

The exam fee should be transferred directly to the following bank account upon registration:

Account holder: forum thomanum accademia GmbH
Reference: Name + exam + exam date
Commerzbank Leipzig
IBAN: DE49 8604 0000 0373 7327 00

Am I entitled to the reduced fee for school pupils?

The reduced exam fee applies to students in secondary education. Vocational students are only entitled to the reduced fee if they are minors. Unfortunately, students at higher education institutions such as universities or colleges are not eligible for the reduction. Proof must be provided upon request.

What do I do, when I need to make special arrangements for a candidate?

For people with disabilities, special exam papers may be requested and special arrangements made for the day of the exam. It is best to contact us a few weeks before the Entry Closing Date if this concerns you. This is the only way for us to ensure that the exam runs smoothly.

Is it still possible to register after the closing date?

It is still possible to register after the closing date up to a certain point. Please contact us as soon as possible, so that we can check if registration is still possible. Late registrations cost an additional 50 € per candidate.

How do I know if my registration was successful?

After we receive your registration you will receive a confirmation of participation by e-mail. About 4 weeks before the exam date you will receive a confirmation of participation in the exam (“Confirmation of Entry”) sent directly from Cambridge Assessment English by e-mail. From the forum thomanum accademia GmbH you will also receive an invitation to the exam with all of the necessary information. Please contact us, if you have still not received a confirmation e-mail two weeks before the exam date.

Can candidates still withdraw from the exam after registration?

A change to another exam or another exam date can only be made in writing or by e-mail at the latest 6 weeks before the exam date stated on the registration form. After that, the exam fee remains due in full even in the case of non-participation, with the exception of not being able to participate due to illness.

In case of illness, the candidate is entitled not to participate in the exam. The incapacity to take the exam must be proven by a medical certificate no later than 14 days after the exam. Only then is a refund of the fee possible subject to recognition by Cambridge Assessment English. A refund of the exam fee will take place after confirmation from Cambridge Assessment Language after deducting an administration fee of 50€. If the incapacity to take the exam occurs during the exam, the candidate is obliged to consult a doctor immediately and to obtain a medical certificate.

 How do I obtain an invoice?

Please contact us per e-mail and we will be happy to provide you with an invoice.

What is a CoE?

The Confirmation of Entry (CoE) is your official confirmation of participation. Generally speaking, you will receive it four weeks before the exam. Please read through it carefully. It contains information about the exam centre, the exam times and information about exam results. Please check that your personal details are correct.

My name is not spelt correctly on the CoE: what should I do?

Please contact us per e-mail immediately after you receive your CoE. Your name will then be altered and correctly printed on your certificate.

How can I prepare for the Cambridge English exams?

The following options are available to help you prepare for the Cambridge English exams:

  • You take part in a course e.g., through evening classes, at your school, or at a private language school. We work together with the English language school The English Room.
  • You prepare for the exam yourself. Here you will find a wide range of material available on the Cambridge Assessment English Website

We also strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the exam format by working through some sample exam papers. These are also available on the “exam preparation” pages. Please note that it is not compulsory to attend a course in order to participate in an exam.

What should I do if I am ill on the day of the exam and cannot participate?

Please see a doctor to obtain medical proof of illness. We can only arrange a partial refund or a free transfer to an exam at a later date, if we have received proof from you no later than 14 days after the exam.

What do I need to bring to the exam?

Please bring the CoE, a valid photo ID (photo ID card or passport), pens (pencil, pens, markers), an eraser, a pencil sharpener as well as the completed and signed “test day photo form” (not for B1 Preliminary). Please make sure that you have sufficient provisions with you (food and drinks, please bring water in transparent plastic bottles without any writing on them).

Why do I have to get my photo taken?

It is an international policy of Cambridge Assessment English that candidates must have their photos taken (for B2, C1, C2). These photos are saved in the Cambridge database and are fully protected by UK data protection law. They will not be shared with third parties without your consent. The photos will not be printed on your certificate.

At what time should I be at the exam centre on the day of the exam?

We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time for the first test on the day of the exam. For your written tests, please make sure that you allow enough time to arrive and be seated by the start of the first test. For the speaking test, you must be there at least 30 minutes before the specified time. This allows us to take your photo and gives you time to meet your partner for the speaking test.

What happens if I arrive too late on the day of the exam?

Depending on how late you arrive, it is up to the responsible person on site whether you will still be able to take the exam or not.

 How is the exam marked?

Since 2016 all Cambridge English exams are marked using the same marking system. The qualifications at the lower levels can achieve scores in the lower range of the scale, while the more difficult, challenging exams can achieve scores in the higher ranges of the same scale. Valid scores range from 160 to 210, and a score of 180 and above is considered to be a pass. Candidates with a score of at least 180 receive a Cambridge C1 Advanced Certificate, which corresponds to the level C1 in English in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If a score of 200 or above is achieved, the candidates receive a Cambridge Advanced Certificate for the level C2. Candidates that achieve scores of between 160 and 179, receive a B2 English certificate.

When will I receive my exam results?

You will be able to view your results online approx. one month after the exam. You will find your exam results on the website Online Results Service. To access this, you must register with your ID number, which you will find on your CoE (registration confirmation), and then create your own password. The Cambridge website does not support all Internet browsers. If the login does not work and the results cannot be seen online, please try to register using a different browser.

I urgently need my exam results. Is it possible to see the results before they are published?

All completed exams are sent by courier to the UK where they are marked and reviewed. The date on which the exam results are published is set by Cambridge and cannot be altered. We can however provide you with a written confirmation of participation in the respective exam.

When will I receive my certificate?

The certificate will be sent to you by registered mail to the address you provided in the application form approximately 8-10 weeks after the exam. Please contact us if this address has changed or will change in the meantime.

Where can I get a replacement certificate, if I have lost the original?

If you have lost your original certificate and the exam was longer than 12 months ago, then you can apply to Cambridge for a Certifying Statement, which is subject to a fee. Please contact us in this case.

How long are the Cambridge English certificates valid for?

The Cambridge English certificates are not subject to a certain period of validity. However, it should be noted that it is at the discretion of individual institutions to impose a time limit. Thus, many institutions have their own policies regarding the validity of an English certificate. We therefore recommend asking the respective institution directly about their validity regulations, as we are not able to influence their regulations.