COMPUTER-BASED OR PAPER-BASED CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH EXAM - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

*My Online B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency Cambridge English exam preparation courses:

Should you take the Computer-based Cambridge English exam or the Paper-based Cambridge English exam? Whether you preparing for the B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (FCE, CAE or CPE) this is a question you'll probably be asking yourself.

In this video, I explain the most important differences between the two options in order to help you take your decision.

Share your experiences and tips in the comments if you've taken either of these Cambridge English exam options before.

Ben Gill
English teacher

Instagram: to_the_point_English
Facebook page: Ben Gill English to the Point

Recommended self-study Cambridge exam preparation books;

B2 FIRST:

🇪🇸 Spain;

🇮🇹 Italy;

🇫🇷 France;

🇩🇪 Germany;

🇬🇧 UK;

C1 ADVANCED:

🇪🇸 Spain;

🇮🇹 Italy;

🇫🇷 France;

🇩🇪 Germany;

🇬🇧 UK

C2 PROFICIENCY:

🇪🇸 Spain;

🇮🇹 Italy;

🇫🇷 France;

🇩🇪 Germany;

🇬🇧 UK;

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[laranegri]

In addition in the writing part there is word count and words you type can't be misinterpreted!

[georginaydenov]

Another huge advantage of taking the computer-based exam is that what you've written in the "Writing" task wouldn't be considered unreadable right off the bat.

[Hryi]

Well, I'd argue that the computer based exam is quite easier in comparison to the paper exam. When I first attended the C2 Proficiency exam, I went to the paper based one, and to my surprise it wasn't that hard, BUT there comes a serious but: which is that the time for the reading and use of english at least for me was not enough and I ended up 10 points short for C2 and reasoning behind it was that I didn't have enough time to paste my answers on the answer sheet I turned in a bit over half the exercises and ended up failing, while there is no answer sheet for the computer based one. That was the biggest game changer at least for me.

[dromerboi]

I chose the computer-based exam because I need the results as soon as possible, but I was worried and had many questions about it. Now I know it was the best option, I can't thank you enough.

[erikachagas]

I passed the FCE, thanks for the tips.🎉I did the computer-based exam.

[judotomek]

Hi Ben, I would add a small difference between that what you said and my expierience of taking FCE computer-based exam this year. A possibility of adjustment of volume level and sizing of letters is available only at the begining of the exam. If you don't adjust your preferences at that time, you won't have a chance to do it later. Take care! T.

[anacassia]

Ben, thanks for clarifying those CBased and PBased differences!
I would never know that by myself

[silcaldera]

Thanks for your advice. My biggest concern is time management. Even though I have been practicing for a while I am still not able to finish the reading/writing parts in the allotted time. That’s why I feel that the computer-based exam may be the best option for me. Anyway, I still have a long way before I need to make that decision!

[francocarrieri]

As a candidate who sat for the FCE exam, I can tell you Ben that the listening part was a nightmare. I was unlucky because I had another candidate who was caughing all the time. I couldn't even hear the audios clearly. That's why I think I didn't do well at Listening. Thank God I passed my FCE. But I didn't fulfil my expectations as I wanted.

[cronopiooroz]

As always, thank you for your advice. I'm taking the CB CPE within a couple of weeks and your videos have reassured me and served me as a study guide. Just wanted to tell you. Keep it up!!

[prisciladossantos]

I think for people who use a lot of computer, which are must of us, all that tips are really important. But, I´m a kind of person who still read a physical book and write down on a paper. I think, I would be lost about all this buttons hahahaha.
I believe, it´s all about personality and how you get to be more comfortable doing the exam. Thanks for the video.

[nayomifernando]

I like the paper base because you don't want to be stressed by seeing the time, how much u left and all of the stuff. on the other hand, the computer-based exam has that time thing and it always stresses me out. anyways, I've gotta do what my institute has recommended so, basically, I've to go no options rather than doing the computer-based exam. I've got my exam tmrw and with your tips Ben I'm sure I'll get a good passing grade. Thank you.

[EOUNAOEVERDADE]

I'm a little old fashioned and I'm going ALWAYS prefer paper-based. However I'm truly considering to choose Online for my C1 test, mainly because of the writing, where I think it's utterly better to manage the time, manage the text, etc and because of the listening, where we can use our own headphone (I have a Hi-Res one), of course it's not a miracle, but I want to guarantee as many vantages as possible

[crissVinn]

Hello Ben! I am doing the computer based C2 this weekend and I was wondering if they give you or let you have a blank paper sheet during the exam.
Thank you very much for all the advice you give in each video, very helpful!! :)

[IngleseconAnna]

I've already signed up for the paper-based exam. I'm an old-fashioned person... I like the feel of the paper... 😅 Besides, the computer screen makes me tire faster... Good video though.

[everybodywants]

Unfortunately I had no option but to choose the paper-based one (CPE). I hope it works out. I've been practising and preparing for a while now and I'll take the exam in December.

[craigwealand]

Some great tips here, Ben. An excellent video.

[mariaradulovic]

A beautiful dog! i am still thinking about doing exam on paper, I am from little older generation and somehow I trust paper more, Idk why 😄

[piedadlorenserrano]

Hello teacher Ben, and everybody here. From my experience few days ago I took an English Exam with Cambridge University online name CEPTO it assessment my listening and reading it an adaptation Exam. First listening was easy after it was difficult but God help me. It doesn't have timer. However, from my view point it kind of exam is useful to take for knowing our English level before taking other Cambridge Exams. The several pieces of advice of the teacher Ben here in YouTube were useful for me. I got C1 in that part. And I am waiting the score of speaking and writing. I had to describe a picture in detail but it had to be only during five seconds and for me it is a short time. Dispite of that I did the best. I don't know how is in the others English exams. Furthermore, I need to improve my agility for writing since I had to do an English essay of five paragraphs on paper and to be 300 words. But how can I do how many words are written on paper. While in word file it is possible. So I have been praying with to God.

[amayagz]

I really appreciate your advice. Thanks a lot!