Cambridge grades explained: what Grade A, B and C mean
Your Cambridge result gives you a score on the Cambridge English Scale and, if you pass, a grade: A, B or C. Here is what each grade means for B1 Preliminary, B2 First and C1 Advanced, the score you need for each one, and what happens below a pass.
Grade A, B and C are all passes. Grade C is the lowest pass, Grade B is a good pass, and Grade A is so high that your certificate shows the level above. The pass score is 140 for B1 Preliminary, 160 for B2 First and 180 for C1 Advanced.
Score and grade for each exam
Your overall score is the average of your scores in each paper. This is how it turns into a grade:
| Exam | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Fail, but certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B1 Preliminary | 160–170 · B2 | 153–159 | 140–152 | 120–139 · A2 |
| B2 First | 180–190 · C1 | 173–179 | 160–172 | 140–159 · B1 |
| C1 Advanced | 200–210 · C2 | 193–199 | 180–192 | 160–179 · B2 |
Grade A also gives you a certificate at the level above: for example, Grade A in B2 First means a C1 certificate. If your score is a little below a pass, you still get a certificate at the level below (see the last column). Lower than that, there is no certificate, but you still get your scores.
Is Grade C a pass?
Yes. Grade C is a full pass at the level of the exam. A Grade C certificate in B2 First is a B2 certificate, just like Grade A or B. Universities and employers usually ask for a level (B2, C1) or a minimum score, not a grade. If they ask for a score, check your overall score and sometimes the score in each paper.
What percentage do you need?
Cambridge doesn’t give marks out of 100. As a guide, using Cambridge’s conversion tables for practice tests, this is what you need in each paper to reach the pass score in C1 Advanced (180):
- Reading: about 32 out of 50 (64%)
- Use of English: about 16 out of 28 (57%)
- Writing: about 24 out of 40 (60%)
- Listening: about 18 out of 30 (60%)
- Speaking: about 45 out of 75 (60%)
In B2 First, the numbers for 160 are similar: around 60% in each paper. Try it with your own marks in the B2 First or C1 Advanced score calculator.
How to move up a grade
- Start with your weakest paper. All papers count the same, so 10 more points there move your overall score the most.
- Do a timed mock exam every two or three weeks: B2 First, C1 Advanced.
- See if you would pass today, with an estimate from your practice on Levoop.
Frequent questions
Is Grade C a pass in Cambridge exams?
Yes. Grade C is the lowest pass grade. It gives you a certificate at the level of the exam, for example B2 in B2 First.
What is a good Cambridge English score?
Any score from the pass mark is a pass: 140 in B1 Preliminary, 160 in B2 First, 180 in C1 Advanced. Around 13 points above that is Grade B, and 20 points above is Grade A.
What does Grade A mean?
It is the highest grade. In B2 First (180+) you also get a C1 certificate; in C1 Advanced (200+) a C2 certificate; in B1 Preliminary (160+) a B2 certificate.
Do I get a certificate if I fail?
If you are a little below the pass mark, yes: a certificate at the level below. For example, 140–159 in B2 First gives you a B1 certificate.
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