C1 Advanced

An advanced qualification used for university and postgraduate admission and global management roles.

PaperDigital

Exam fee

260,000원

The fee is subject to the operator's notice when the exam date and venue are confirmed.

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Registration deadline

6 weeks before the exam

Once the schedule and venue are confirmed 8 weeks before the exam, a payment notice is sent.

Exam format

Paper, Digital

The format may vary by session and can be chosen when you apply.

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Who it's for

Who is this exam for?

Applicants seeking direct entry to undergraduate or postgraduate study in an English-speaking country, UK or Irish student-visa applicants, and candidates for management or specialist roles at international companies. In Korea, it is commonly used by applicants who want to meet both direct undergraduate entry and master's-level English requirements.

Learners at CEFR C1

Can follow university lectures, academic seminars and tutorials with ease and participate actively in discussion. Can communicate opinions accurately and fluently in management-level meetings and produce well-organised writing on complex topics.

Test format

Test format by section

The number of parts, questions, and timing are identical for Paper and Digital.

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 min)

8 parts, 56 questionsMultiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, key word transformation, reading multiple choice, cross-text multiple matching, gapped text, and multiple matching

Writing (1 hour 30 min)

Part 1One compulsory essay (220–260 words)
Part 2Choose one of three options: a letter, email, proposal, report or review (220–260 words)

Listening (about 40 min)

4 parts, 30 questionsMultiple choice, sentence completion and multiple matching

Speaking (pairs: 15 min / groups of three: 23 min)

Part 1 (2 min)Interview
Part 2 (1 min + 30 sec)Long turn
Part 3 (3 min)Collaborative task
Part 4 (5 min)Discussion

Paper vs Digital

Two ways to take it

This exam can be taken in two formats: Paper-based and Digital. The structure, scores, and certificate are identical; only the delivery differs.

Structure, scores, certificate: Paper and Digital run with the same number of parts, questions, timing, and marking criteria, and the certificate issued is identical.
Paper-based: You receive paper question and answer sheets and write with a pen. Extra time is given to transfer answers (e.g. 6 minutes for Listening).
Digital: You take it on a computer screen by typing and clicking. As there's no answer-transfer step, some sections are slightly shorter. Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner regardless of format.
Results: Digital tends to have faster Cambridge processing, so results are usually released earlier than Paper (the exact schedule per session takes precedence).

Recognition

Recognition / use

Recognised by more than 28,000 universities, employers and government bodies worldwide. In Korea, it is used for direct entry to leading undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the UK, including Russell Group universities, and for direct undergraduate entry requirements in Ireland, Australia, Canada and Europe. It can also serve as alternative evidence for a UK student visa SELT requirement and as proof of English for management and specialist roles at international companies.

Preparation

How to prepare

Core coursebooks include Complete Advanced, Compact Advanced for a 50–60 hour intensive course, Advanced Trainer and Prepare Level 8. Free materials include two Paper sample tests, Digital samples with answer keys, and Write & Improve. Because C1 assesses depth of thought, reviewing examiner comments after a mock test is recommended.

Scoring and grade cutoffs in detail

Score range

160–210 points (Cambridge English Scale)

Pass criteria

180 points or above: pass (Grade C / C1 certificate)

Scores of 160–179 are reported at level B2.

Grade cutoffs