Paper or Computer?

For many people taking a Cambridge English Exam, the most important decision is whether to do the exam on paper or on computer. Here are some of the reasons why more and more candidates are taking Computer Based (CB) exams for KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE.

1) Listening.

Make sure your exam isn't hard to hear

One thing all candidates fear is poor sound quality in their listening exam. There are many stories of one pair of speakers for 100 candidates and a hall full of echos. With the CB exam each candidate has their own pair of headphones to ensure sound is crystal clear and at the perfect volume.


2) Writing

If you're worried that your handwriting isn't neat enough for the examiner to read the CB exam is for you. Setting out and organising your writing is a lot easier on a computer where you work automatically appears relatively neat and tidy.

3) Crowds

As every candidate must have their own computer in CB exams, numbers are limited so centres are less crowded and less stressful on exam days. It's an altogether less stressful way to sit your exam!

4) Results

We all know that waiting for exam results can drive you mad and with paper based (PB) exams you'll be waiting 4-6 weeks!!With the CB exam you'll have your result in around 2 weeks, a crucial difference if your entrance to university or job application depends on the result.

It's important to remember that PB and CB exams are exactly the same exam presented in a different way. The speaking format is identical for PB and CB. At ELA-Edinburgh our newly refurbished Exam Centre offers you great conditions for CB exams from A2 to C2.

Our newly refurbished exam centre