Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to the many questions you may have. If you have a question that is not answered below, please feel free to contact us.

  • At CES DUBLIN, we offer the Cambridge Preliminary (B1), the Cambridge First (B2) and the Cambridge Advanced (C1) exams.

  • We deliver the tests on multiple dates throughout the year. To view our full list of dates you can view our calendar or visit our booking page.

  • The Result Certificate, content, timing and structure of the test is the same whether you take the test on paper or on computer. The computer- delivered test requires test takers to sit the Listening, Reading and Use of English and Writing sections in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen in our test centre. With the paper-delivered Cambridge test, the test taker writes their answers for the Listening, Reading and Writing on a paper answer sheet, using a pencil. The Speaking section is carried out face-to-face with a trained Cambridge examiner in both the paper and computer-delivered tests.

  • The Cambridge examinations cover a wide range of levels. Choosing the right exam is important. If the level of the exam is too high, you may not reach the mark you aim for. A teacher can help advise on which level might be best. Alternatively you could try past papers to see which test would suit you best. There is more information on this in our Preparation Section.

  • You can use the calendar to go to our booking page or by clicking Book Tests. Booking is quite straightforward.

    1. Complete the application form.

    2. You will receive an email confirming receipt of application and asking you to send us a scan/photo of your ID document. We accept either valid EU National ID cards or valid in date passports.

    3. We will send you a secure payment link via worldpay.

    4. Once we receive payment of the test fee and the scan/photo of the main page of your ID document, your test is confirmed.

  • You can take the examination as many times as you wish. However, to minimise the amount of times required to take the examination, we recommend either taking a preparation course or using official practice materials.

  • The format differs slightly between Preliminary, First and Advanced. However, the universal points are that there are four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking. Each of these represents 25% of the overall grade.

  • The written sections of the test (Reading, Writing, Listening) are typically done in the morning between 09.00 and 13.00. There are short breaks between each section. The speaking is held in the afternoon (usually on the same day but in rare instances, it may be held in the five day period before the test). The speaking test lasts approximately 15 minutes. You are given a scheduled time for your speaking test.

  • The Cambridge Preliminary Exam is €155. The Cambridge First Exam is €195. The Cambridge Advanced Exam is €200.

  • Once we receive your application, we will send a secure payment link via Worldpay. This will arrive in your inbox and you have 3 days to pay the test fee. Alternativey, you can pay in person at our office - 31 Dame Street, Dublin 2.

  • Yes. It is a good idea to book your test as early as possible. For paper Cambridge tests, the closing date to submit applications is approximately one month before the test date. The closing date for entries is specified on each test date when you apply. Applications received after this date incur a €30 late entry charge in addition to the test fee. The closing date for entries to computer delivered Cambridge tests is two weeks before the test date. Entries after this date incur a €30 late entry charge.

  • If your test is more than 5 weeks away, you can cancel your test and receive a full refund or transfer to a different test date that is more than 5 weeks away at no cost. Contact us at exams@ces-schools.com If your test is less than 5 weeks away, it is not possible to cancel your test or transfer your test date without losing the test fee. If you are unable to attend your test because you have extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness or family trauma such as the serious illness or death of a close family memeber), please contact us. Please note that in order to process a refund or test date transfer, Cambridge will require supporting evidence (e.g. a letter from a doctor) received no later than 5 days after the test date.

  • Unfortunately, if you arrive late, you may not be allowed sit the test and you will lose the test fee. If you miss the test, you will lose the test fee unless you have extenuating circumstances (such as illness or family tragedy). To qualify for a refund or test date transfer, you must contact the exam centre within 5 days of the test with written proof of the extenuating circumstance.

  • Results from paper tests are available online approximately 4-5 weeks after the test date. Certificates are sent to you by registered post approximately 6 weeks after the test date. Results from computer tests are available online approximately 3-4 weeks after the test date. Certificates are sent to you by registered post approximately 5 weeks after the test date. You can learn more about viewing your results online here.

  • The most important thing you need is your ID document. We accept either valid, in-date passports or valid, in-date EU National ID cards. We cannot accept any other form of ID - we cannot accept driver licences, GNIB cards, etc.

    You can bring pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, but we also have these so if you forget, it is not a problem.

    You might also want to bring some refreshment - a bottle of water in a transparent bottle with the label removed.

    You are not allowed to bring any electronic equipment into the test room - no phones, watches, earbuds, headphones, tablets, etc. You will be asked to switch these off and leave them in the cloakroom.

  • You will be welcomed by a staff member. We will ask you to store your belongings. We will then check your ID document and take your photograph. You will then be taken into the test room. There are short breaks between each section - you can use the bathroom or have a drink but you cannot access your personal items. If you access your phone during these breaks, you may be disqualified from the test. You will do Reading first, then Writing, then Listening. After the Listening test, there will be a lunch break. You can take your belongings during the lunch break and leave the building if you wish. Speaking tests are then held in the afternoon. Speaking tests are done with two candidates together and two examiners.

  • Yes, if you believe that there may have been an error in the grading of your test, you can contact us to request an enquiry about results. There are two stages to this process.

    • Stage 1 - A full clerical recheck. Cambridge will check that all of the marks on your exam papers have been correctly counted, to make sure there have been no mistakes when calculating your final grade. At this stage, your exam papers will not be re-marked. This costs €30.

    • Stage 2 - A full re-mark of all papers*. If you are still not satisfied after completing Stage 1, Cambridge will arrange for an examiner to re-mark your entire exam for you. This costs €135 euro.

  • If you want to make a complaint regarding the conduct of your test, you must do so before you leave the test venue on the test day. Please speak to the Test Day Supervisor about your complaint. They will give you a form to complete.

    If you have a complaint that does not relate to the conduct of the test please contact the exams office .

    For information about the Cambridge English Complaints Policy please visit their website.

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