Cambridge Assessment English, or Cambridge English, is the biggest of three main exam boards forming Cambridge Assessment, a non-teaching department of the University of Cambridge. The Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment English is Francesca Woodward.
The organisation contributed to the development of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the standard used around the world to benchmark language skills. Its qualifications and tests are aligned with the levels of the CEFR.
Cambridge Assessment English develops and produces Cambridge English Qualifications, courses and tests and IELTS, of which Cambridge Assessment English is an owner.
Cambridge Assessment English was involved in the early development of the CEFR and all Cambridge English qualifications and tests are aligned with the levels described by the CEFR.
Cambridge English Qualifications target particular levels of the CEFR and candidates are encouraged to take the exam most suitable to their needs and level of ability. While each exam focuses on a particular CEFR level, the exam also contains test material at the adjacent levels (e.g. B2 First is aimed at B2, but there are also test items that cover B1 and C1). This allows for inferences to be drawn about candidates’ abilities if they are a level below or above the one targeted.
