IELTS vs Cambridge C1/C2 2026 — Which English Test Should You Choose?
Take IELTS if you need a UK or Canadian visa, or a result within days. Take C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency if your university or employer accepts it and you want a certificate that does not expire.
Visa rules checked against the official lists on September 23, 2026. Fees, dates and results times change often, so check the official site before you book.
At a glance
| IELTS | Cambridge C1/C2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Computer or paper | Computer or paper |
| Length | About 2 h 45 min | About 4 hours |
| Sections | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking (face to face) | Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking (in pairs) |
| Score scale | Bands 1–9, in half bands | Cambridge English Scale 80–230, with a CEFR grade |
| Fee | Set by country, often US$200–270 | Set by centre, roughly US$200–290 |
| Results | 3–5 days on computer, about 13 on paper | 2–5 weeks |
| Validity | Usually 2 years | Certificate does not expire, but some institutions want a recent one |
| Where you sit it | Test centre | Test centre |
| Who accepts it | Universities worldwide, plus UK, Canadian, Australian and NZ visas | Universities and employers, strongest in the UK and Europe. Limited use for visas. |
Which should you take?
Start with the organisation you need the score for. It decides which tests count.
UK visaUKVI
- IELTS
- AcceptedTake IELTS for UKVI
- Cambridge C1/C2
- Not accepted
Cambridge exams are not on the UK's approved SELT list. For a visa, take IELTS for UKVI.
Canada immigrationIRCC, Express Entry
- IELTS
- AcceptedTake General Training
- Cambridge C1/C2
- Not accepted
IRCC does not accept Cambridge exams for immigration.
Australian visaDepartment of Home Affairs
- IELTS
- AcceptedAcademic or General Training
- Cambridge C1/C2
- Accepted
Home Affairs accepts C1 Advanced for tests taken from 7 August 2025, as well as IELTS. Check the score your visa needs.
US universitiesAdmissions offices
- IELTS
- AcceptedWidely accepted
- Cambridge C1/C2
- Some routes
Some US universities accept C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency, but TOEFL and IELTS are far more common.
Score equivalence
| IELTS | Cambridge C1/C2 |
|---|---|
| 6.0 | B2 FCE: 169–175 |
| 6.5 | C1 CAE: 176–184 |
| 7.0 | C1 CAE: 185–190 |
| 7.5 | C1 CAE: 191–199 |
| 8.0 | C2 CPE: 200–229 |
These equivalences are approximate. Each university or visa route sets its own minimum for each test. Full IELTS score equivalency chart →
Common questions
Is Cambridge harder than IELTS?
They test different things. Cambridge C1 Advanced is designed specifically for C1-level candidates, while IELTS tests all levels with the same exam. Many candidates find Cambridge more challenging because it includes a 'Use of English' component that tests grammar and vocabulary knowledge explicitly. However, difficulty is subjective and depends on your strengths.
Do Cambridge certificates ever expire?
No. Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates are valid for life. However, some institutions may prefer a recent result, so check with your target organisation.
Can I retake just one section of Cambridge?
No. Unlike IELTS, which offers the One Skill Retake, Cambridge exams require a full retake if you want to improve your score. You must sit all papers again.