Cambridge English FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions from past candidates which may help answer your query.
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What do I do if I can't pay by card or my card isn't accepted by the website?
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What will be the security procedures on the day of the test?
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If my name is not spelled correctly on my CoE, what should I do?
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I received my result but believe there is a mistake with my grade. Can Cambridge recheck it?
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I passed a Cambridge exam but I have not yet received my certificate. What can I do?
Q. How can I register for Cambridge English exam?
Please click here to visit our 'Apply now - Dates and Fees' page and click on 'Enrol Now' next to the exam that you want to take.
Once you have filled in all your details, click on the 'Add to Bookings' button. On the next My Bookings List page, press the 'Complete Booking'
button to complete your application. Please follow the on-screen instructions.
Our website accepts payment online by Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Q.What do I do if I can't pay by card or my card isn't accepted by the website?
Please do the following:
- Create a user account on our booking website by clicking here (this step is not needed if you already have a user account on our booking website).
- Send an email to exams@ihbristol.com, requesting that your user login (please include the email address) is enabled for 'other payment methods'
- We will send you an email once we have enabled 'other payment methods' for your login.
- Go back to our website and apply for the exam. When you get to the 'Complete Bookings' page:
fill in your email address and password. In the 'Payment Information' section, use payment method
'Bank Transfer or Flywire payment' or 'Cheque or Cash' and complete the booking. - Please remember that your booking is not confirmed until IH Bristol have received your payment. There will be a £5.00 administration charge for cash payments.
Q.When will I receive the exact dates?
We will email you your confirmation of entry (CoE) timetable containing the exact dates, times and venues and important information for candidates at least 10 days before the first part of the exam. If you have not received your CoE by that time, please contact us immediately by email at exams@ihbristol.com. Also, please make sure you read your CoE and the attached information carefully.
Q.What do I need to bring on exam day?
In your Confirmation of Entry (timetable) there are instructions of what to bring on the day of the exam and what is not allowed in the exam room, such as electronic devices. We would like to remind candidates that they will not have access to mobile phones or electronic devices until the end of the written components, which will be stored in safe lockable room.
Q. What will be the security procedures on the day of the test?
You must have a valid photo ID with you on the exam day (C1 Advanced candidates must have the same ID they used at the time of registration).
Candidates who do not have an acceptable form of identification will not be allowed to take the exam.
Acceptable ID documents are: National Identity Card / Citizen Card, Passport, Driving Licence and Biometric Residency Permit.
If you have any other type of identification you may not be allowed to take the exam. Please contact us if this is the case.
If your ID is lost or stolen prior to the day of the exam, you should contact us as soon as possible.
Most examination candidates will also be photographed on the day of the examination, which is part of the additional identity check.
All examinations are conducted under strictly supervised conditions, and candidates suspected of impersonation or other malpractice will be reported.
Q. Where and when can I take a Cambridge English Exam?
Our goal is to offer a variety of exams for candidates’ convenience.
Exams are available throughout the year, and in general we are able to provide a series of paper-based (PB) and computer-based (CB) versions. See our exam calendar here for more details.
The venue details will be confirmed in the exam timetables.
If you are a preparation centre (language School) or educational institution with a group of candidates, please contact exams@ihbristol.com for details on holding closed group exam sessions according to your needs.
Q. When will I receive my results?
Cambridge English CB results are released on-line 2-3 weeks after the exams whereas PB results will take between 4-6 weeks after the exams. You can download your statement of results on the Cambridge website at
https://cambridgeesol-results.org/Members/Login.aspx. Your ID and secret number are on your confirmation of entry (CoE). Remember, you have to register first!
Both CB and PB exam certificates are available approximately 20 days after the results have been released.
Q. How can I prepare for my exam?
Although most candidates do follow a course before taking the exam, it is not a requirement.
There are a variety of practical exercises available on the Cambridge English website and also at Cambridge University Press. You can also visit our website or contact our school – International House Bristol for more details.
Q. What happens if I can’t take the exam?
If you cannot take an exam for medical or compassionate reasons (we need statements in both cases), we will either transfer your registration to another session or refund the full exam fee. Please contact us exams@ihbristol.com for full details.
Q. What happens if I am late for the exam?
If you are late for an exam, you will not be admitted to the exam room. We recommend that on the exam day you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time on the first test.
Q.Can I enrol for more than one examination in one session?
Yes, but you must complete a separate entry form for each examination and pay the appropriate fee. Also, please ensure that the examinations do not take place at the same time.
Q.If my name is not spelled correctly on my CoE, what should I do?
Contact IH Bristol by email at exams@ihbristol.com immediately after receiving your CoE. Your name will then be changed and it will be printed correctly on your certificate.
Q.I did not attend a part of the exam. Can I still pass?
In order to pass a Cambridge ESOL examination, you must attend each part (paper) of the exam. If you miss a paper, you will not receive any results and therefore will not be able to pass the exam.
Q.I received my result but believe there is a mistake with my grade. Can Cambridge recheck it?
Cambridge ESOL has a system in place to check the accuracy of results should there be a query. Such checks rarely reveal an inaccuracy in the original result and do not provide feedback on the performance of candidates in particular papers.
Here is what we can do for you:
Stage 1 (full clerical recheck of papers): Cambridge will count all your points again. The cost of stage 1 is £30. The outcome will be advised within five to 10 working days.
Stage 2 (remark of papers): After there has been no change in results after stage 1, it is possible to request Cambridge to remark all exam papers (except speaking). The cost of stage 2 is £130. The outcome will be advised within approximately four weeks.
Enquiries for all exams must be received within three weeks of the result release date (for certain exams the request might be made later; please contact us for more information). All candidates wishing to request stage 2 must have completed and received their results for stage 1.
If you would like your results to be rechecked, please contact us by email at exams@ihbristol.com.
Q.I passed a Cambridge exam but I have not yet received my certificate. What can I do?
As soon as we receive your certificate from Cambridge (approximately four to six weeks after the results have been published), we will forward it to the address you gave us on your application form. This can either be an address within the UK or abroad. If you have moved recently and would like to change your address, please email us your new address at exams@ihbristol.com.