The difference between IELTS and Cambridge exams - Which one to choose?

Which is better? IELTS vs. Cambridge C1/C2

For advanced English learners, choosing the right exam is essential for advancing in academic or professional settings. Which exam is better? What is the difference between Cambridge and IELTS?

Although IELTS and Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE) are both internationally acknowledged, they vary considerably in format, scoring methods, and purpose.

Level

Cambridge exams are explicitly level-oriented, targeting specific CEFR levels: from A2 to C2 (proficiency).

IELTS, however, uses a single exam for all levels from A1 to C2, with band scores reflecting the candidate’s level of English.

Focus 

Cambridge exams takes a broad testing approach, with no specific focus, evaluating every day and academic English. It reflects real-world language use beyond strictly academic settings. Due to this wide variety of topics and formats, many candidates find preparing for Cambridge exams engaging and enjoyable.

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IELTS has 2 types with 2 focuses: General Training is geared towards everyday and workplace English, emphasizing practical communication skills needed for social and professional environments. Academic Training is more academic in tone, designed to assess readiness for university study, with tasks like interpreting charts and academic essay writing.

Scoring 

Cambridge exams provide a certificate upon passing (minimum 60%), with scores mapped to CEFR levels.  You are only tested at the level you applied for! But you can receive a certificate at a higher level if your performance exceeds expectations. Falling slightly below the target score doesn’t necessarily mean failing – you may still be awarded a certificate at the level below.

IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 bands and there is no pass/fail result, as the exam is designed to assess levels from A1 to C2. . The tasks in each section reflect different levels of difficulty, which means candidates are tested across multiple CEFR levels within the same paper.

Validity 

Cambridge certificates do not expire, they are valid for life, offering lifelong proof of proficiency.

IELTS expires after 2 years, after which candidates need to retake the exam to prove their current English proficiency.

Recognition and Use 

Cambridge qualifications are highly respected, especially in Europe, accepted by over 25,000 institutions and organisations valued for professional and academic purposes where a stable, lifelong certification is preferred

IELTS is globally recognized by over 12,000 organizations including universities, and immigration authorities worldwide, making it essential for immigration and academic admissions in many countries.

Exam Format and Components

Both tests assess four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Cambridge adds a unique ‘Use of English’ paper that tests grammar and vocabulary in depth.

SPEAKING

The Cambridge speaking exam is  done face-to-face with a fellow candidate in pairs, conducted by an examiner, simulating natural interaction and requiring collaborative communication. It lasts about 15 minutes, has four parts: a personal interview, individual long turns (C1 - contrasting pictures or C2 - giving a short presentation) a collaborative task where candidates discuss and make decisions together, and a discussion on more complex topics.

IELTS speaking is a one-on-one, recorded interview with a single examiner, lasting 11–14 minutes. It consists of three parts: an introduction and general questions, a short individual speech on a given topic, and a two-way discussion related to that topic. The focus is on fluency, coherence, vocabulary, pronunciation, and the ability to express ideas clearly in a formal interview setting.

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READING

Cambridge C1/C2 reading exams are 90 minutes long and integrated with the Use of English paper, featuring a variety of texts that assess detailed comprehension, vocabulary and grammar through diverse task types. This format evaluates deep language knowledge and reading skills across multiple text genres.

IELTS reading is 60 minutes, has three sections with 40 questions. Academic reading uses longer, complex texts focused on academic language, while General Training includes shorter, practical texts related to everyday and workplace contexts. IELTS reading emphasizes comprehension and inference without a separate grammar or vocabulary component.

LISTENING

Cambridge listening lasts about 40 minutes and includes a variety of recordings such as interviews, discussions, lectures, and everyday conversations. It tests detailed understanding, inference, and the ability to follow complex spoken language in different accents and contexts.

IELTS Listening lasts 30 minutes and is structured into four sections, each containing 10 questions, for a total of 40 questions. The recordings are played only once (!), covering everyday and academic contexts. It tests practical listening skills like identifying main ideas and details. This format is the same for both Academic and General Training.

WRITING

Cambridge writing lasts 90 minutes and includes two tasks: Task 1 is always an essay, and Task 2 offers a choice between an email, proposal/report, or review, (+ article for C2) covering various formal and semi-formal styles.

IELTS writing has two fixed tasks in 60 minutes. Academic Task 1 requires describing visual data, and Task 2 is a formal essay. General Training Task 1 is a letter, and Task 2 is an essay on a general topic.

In summary:

IELTS is a one-size-fits-all test for general English proficiency, while

Cambridge exams offer a more tiered approach to assessing specific levels of English ability. Choosing the right exam depends on your specific goals and needs.

For advanced learners aiming for a robust, internationally respected English qualification, the Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams are the superior choice. Unlike IELTS, Cambridge certificates never expire, providing lifelong proof of your language skills - a critical advantage for career and academic mobility.

The Cambridge exams are rigorously designed to assess not only practical communication but also deeper grammatical and lexical competence through the Use of English paper, ensuring a more comprehensive mastery of the language, making them a powerful asset on your CV and a trusted benchmark for professional and academic excellence.

While preparation is demanding, the clear structure and targeted skills development offered by Cambridge exams build confidence and linguistic precision that go beyond passing a test - they prepare you for real-world success in English-speaking environments. For those seeking a permanent, prestigious certification that opens doors globally, Cambridge is the better investment.

Aspect	Cambridge C1 / C2	IELTS Academic	IELTS General Training
Level	Level-specific (C1 or C2)	Single exam, band scored A1 to C2	Single exam, band scored A1 to C2
Focus	General English, broad real-world use	Academic, university readiness	General English, workplace and everyday contexts
Reading	Fixed format and texts; 5 or 4 parts, tests detailed comprehension and language accuracy - 90 minutes together with Use of English	Tasks types can vary; 3 long academic texts with complex vocabulary and analytical content; 40 questions in 60 minutes	Task types can vary: 3 sections: shorter texts (notices, advertisements, workplace documents); one longer text on a general topic (60 minutes)
Additional Paper	Use of English - 3 parts (grammar & vocabulary)	None	None
Speaking	One-on-one with examiner, monologue + interactive with partner	One-on-one interview, recorded	One-on-one interview, recorded
Writing	2 tasks including an essay and 1 report or proposal, review or letter - 90 minutes total	Task 1: Describe /interpret graphs, charts, diagrams; Task 2: essay; (formal, academic style); 60 minutes total	Task 1: Letter (formal/informal);; Task 2: essay (general topics); 60 minutes total
Scoring	Certificate issued with CEFR level; can score 1 level above or below	Band score 1-9, no pass/fail	Band score 1-9, no pass/fail
Validity	Lifetime	2 years	2 years
Recognition	Europe-focused, academic and professional	Global, immigration, academic	Global, immigration, general work/study

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