Frequently asked questions

It measures your English now and tells you which exam to prepare for next. It is computer-adaptive: question difficulty follows your answers, and the test ends once your level has been determined. CEPT covers Reading and Listening, with grammar and vocabulary assessed within the reading tasks. YLPT, for children, covers Listening and Reading & Writing.

There is no time limit and no timer is displayed. CEPT usually takes about 30 minutes and YLPT 30–40 minutes. The test never cuts you off mid-task. Once your level has been determined it ends as you move to the next task.

No preparation course is needed — the test measures where you are now. Seeing the screens beforehand does help you feel ready, so we have put together a walkthrough of the test day screens.

Cambridge does not require invigilation for this test. The school or organisation arranging it may still choose to invigilate to meet its own requirements.

As well as your username and password you must enter the Institution ID. Logins are case-sensitive, so check that no extra spaces have crept in at the start or end. Five wrong attempts in a row lock the account for 30 minutes. Contact us if you need it unlocked sooner.

Marking is automatic, so your result appears as soon as you finish. CEPT gives a score out of 50 and a CEFR level (below A1 up to C1 or above). YLPT tells you which exam to prepare for next — Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers or A2 Flyers.

No. The Placement Test measures your level rather than certifying it. If you need a certificate, take a Cambridge English Qualification or Linguaskill.