Cambridge

English Placement Test (CEPT)

The CEPT test is a computer-based, online test divided for Reading and Listening. In the test,
you will have to answer questions on screen. These can be variety of different types.
Reading Tasks

Candidates read a notice, diagram, label, memo or letter containing a short text and
Read and select choose the sentence or phrase that most closely matches the meaning of the text.
There are three possible answers.

Gapped Candidates read a sentence with a missing word (gap) and choose the correct word
sentences to fill the gap. There are four choices for each gap.

Multiple-choice Candidates choose the right word or phrase to fill the gaps in a text. There are four
gap-fill choices for each gap.

Candidates read a short text in which there are some missing words (gaps) and write
Open gap-fill
in the missing word in each gap.

Candidates read a longer text and answer a series of multiple-choice questions. The
Extended reading
questions are in the same order as the information in the text.

Listening Tasks

Listen and Candidates listen to a short audio recording and answer a multiple-choice question
select with three options.

Candidates listen to a longer recording and answer a series of multiple-choice

Extended
questions based on it. The questions are in the same order as the information they
listening hear in the recording.

Technical and Hardware Requirements

The minimum technical requirements that each computer must have to be able to run a test
correctly, are shown in the table below:
Processor Pentium III 800 MHz or equivalent

RAM 512 MB

Free hard drive space 4 GB

Screen Resolution 1280 x 1024

Windows 7 or later.
Note: The Cambridge English Test portal and any tests
Operating System
run through it are not currently supported
on iOS or Android devices.

2 Mbps
The minimum bandwidth requirements are for each
computer running the test. When running multiple tests
Internet bandwidth
concurrently on the same internet connection you
should ensure this bandwidth is available to each
computer.

Chrome, Internet Explorer or Firefox

Web browser Browser must be the latest version and have Flash
enabled

Adobe Reader Latest version (must be able to read PDFs).

Adobe Flash Player Version 26 or later

Sound Card Yes

Over-ear and closed back – the earpieces of the

Headphones headphones should cover the entire ear, preferably with
good padding for comfort.

There is no preference on plugs (that is, USB or standard

stereo) but please note that the use of USB means that
Headphone connections
appropriate drivers must be installed and confirmed as
working before the test day.

Candidate Test Experience

1. Log into the Cambridge English Test Portal
URL: https://metritests.com/metrica
Candidates log into the test using the details provided by their institution. This login
may be an Entry code or a Username and Password.

2. The candidate will need to check the tick-box to accept the term and conditions, and
then click the continue button to proceed.

All of the tests available for the candidate to take using the login provided by the agent
will appear here.

3. The candidate clicks the arrow to begin.

The candidate can view a sample test that demonstrates how to answer the different
types of questions. This is accessed by clicking on the CEPT sample test button on the
right-hand side of the page.

4. When the candidate is ready to continue, they click the Open button.

5. The candidate will be asked to complete a sound check to ensure their headphones are
working correctly.

6. Once complete, the candidate clicks the Right Arrow at the bottom of the screen to
continue.

The introduction page appears giving them some instructions for the test.

7. Once the candidate is ready to continue they should click the Right Arrow at the
bottom of the screen to continue.

The Candidate Information Screen will appear.

8. Once all relevant fields are completed, click the Right Arrow to continue. If the
candidate has entered their details elsewhere this screen will be populated already.

9. The candidate will be taken to a new page before the test starts. To start the test the
candidate clicks on start at the bottom of the screen.

The test will then begin. We are unable to display any of the test here.

10. Once the candidate has completed the test, they are brought back to the Timeline page.
The candidate can click Back to return to the Home page.

11. The Reading and Listening test now shows as Completed.

FAQ

How long does CEPT take?
The test takes approximately 30 minutes - it is not possible to set a specific time limit and no
timer is displayed. The test will not end abruptly and will allow the candidate to complete
the task they are on. The test ends once the candidate's level has been determined,
specifically when the candidate clicks on the arrow to go to the next task.

Is the test invigilated?
CEPT is a self-access test, meaning that no invigilation/proctoring is required. However,
institutions using the test may well decide to invigilate/proctor the test to meet their own
requirements and this can be done at their own discretion.

How is the test marked?
The Reading and Listening test is auto marked and the results are made available instantly.

How can candidates access their results?
Candidates are able to access their results on the test portal providing the Session has been
set up to allow this.

Why are no results available in the test portal for my session?
If your candidates' results are not available, it's possible that they have not completed the
test. In the first instance, please check your candidates' status. If their status is Incomplete,
they will need to log back in and finish the test.

What CEFR levels does CEPT cover?
The majority of candidates taking CEPT fall within the A1 - B2 proficiency bracket on the
Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). As a result, the test has
been designed to test these levels of the CEFR most robustly.
For most of our customers, the differentiation between C1 and C2 is not important, and
therefore we feel it is sufficient to indicate that highly proficient candidates have reached
the "C1 and above" level.

Has the scoring methodology changed?

As of the 5th July 2017 CEPT scoring has been improved to provide candidates with a score
out of 50, instead of 100. This will ensure the results are as easy to use as possible, as now
each CEFR level is given 10 points (whereas previously it varied from between 10 to 20
points).
This table shows the conversion between the old 100 point scale and the new 50 point
scale.

New 50
CEFR Level Old 100 Point Scale Point
Scale

Below A1 0 - 9 0 - 9

A1 10 - 19 10 - 19

A2 20 - 39 20 - 29

B1 40 - 59 30 - 39

B2 60 - 74 40 - 49

C1 or above 75 - 100 50