Cambridge English Exams: PaperBased vs Computer-Based

21 mayo, 2015Luis PW
As you already know, Keep Smiling English focuses primarily on providing resources for people who work
with Cambridge English exams (Preliminary, First, Advanced). All the handouts you can find on this website are
downloadable as pdf documents, and they all follow the format of Cambridge English paper-based exams.
However, you must know that official C.E. exams can also be taken in a computer-based format. What does this
mean? We are going to see the different pros, cons, similarities and differences of each format.

How do I register for an exam?

For both paper- and computer-based exams you have to find a local registration centre near you. They will
inform you about the dates, prices, courses, etc. that are available, so you can choose what suits you best. You
can find your nearest exam centres here.

Where will I take the exam?

Kelington Institute (Granada). Computer-based Exam Venue. www.kelington.es

The fact that an exam is computer-based does not mean you can take it at home on your computer! Both paperand computer-based exams take place in a venue arranged by the centre you registered with. In my experience
as an invigilator and test-sitting administrator of Cambridge English exams, the venues are usually different for
each exam format:

Paper-based exams (PB): these usually take place in a relatively large venue, depending on the number
of candidates. In my case, I have usually invigilated paper-based exams in hotel conference rooms, with
200+ candidates. However, this may also take place in another kind of venue.
Computer-based exams (CB): these exams are usually arranged to take place in smaller venues, as they
require places with a computer per candidate. These venues are normally language schools,
academies or colleges that have previously been authorised by the local examination centre.

Where and when will I do the speaking test?

PET for Schools. Speaking Paper.

Again, this depends on your exam centre. Sometimes speaking tests take place on the same day of the exam.
However, for long exams, such as First, Advanced or Proficiency, the speaking paper may take place on a
different day. No matter what, the speaking test will be with two examiners, not on the computer. As for the
venue, it will be chosen by your local exam centre.

Is the exam different? Is it easier or harder?

No, absolutely not. The exam is the same, it has the same format, same number of papers, items, etc. Is it
easier? No. The difficulty of the content is the same. However, you may find it easier to carry out certain tasks on
a computer or on paper, so it is up to you. For this reason, I strongly recommend trying both paper- and
computer-based mock tests before taking the exam, as you want to feel as confident as possible on the day of
the exam. For instance, some people dont like typing on the computer. For these, I wouldnt recommend doing
the exam on a computer, as they will have to type quickly, at times during the Writing, Use of English and
Listening papers. Other people love underlining and making hand-written notes on the margins of the exam
paper. For these people, doing the Reading paper on a computer might not be very comfortable. However, if you
feel confident typing and reading on a screen, computer-based exams will be just for you!

What about the timing?

The timing for each part of the exam is the same, regardless of the format you take it in. However, in my
experience, candidates usually find that time is less limited during the writing paper on a computer, as typing is
generally quicker than writing by hand. Furthermore, on a PC you can edit your text more easily than on paper.
On paper, candidates usually write a draft and then rewrite a final version, whereas on a computer, all this
happens at the same time, so it is more time-saving. However, this depends on your preference!
Countdown Clock. CB Exam

Something that I would point out here is that during computer-based exams you have a countdown clock on
your screen that tells you how much time you have left. During a paper-based exam you will have
a clock somewhere in the room, and the supervisor will warn you about the time near the end of each part.
You can also ask the nearest invigilator. But remember, the timing is exactly the same.

Which is more expensive?

This depends on the exam centre you register with. So do check if theres a difference in price before you
register. In Granada (Andalusia, Spain), where I have worked as invigilator and test-sitting administrator, they
both cost the same.

When do I get my results?

Example of results sheet.

This is, in my view, a great advantage of computer-based exams, as the results take only 2 weeks to come out.
When you take a paper-based exam, this usually takes around 4-6 weeks. Therefore, if you are in a bit of a
hurry to get a certificate, you should definitely go for the computer-based format.

How do my answers reach Cambridge English Language

Assessment?
When you do your exam on a computer, your answers are stored automatically every time you make a change
(e.g.: answer a question, edit a sentence, etc.). These answers are stored on your computer anduploaded to
Cambridge English servers at the end of each part of the exam (i.e. Reading and Use of English, Listening,
etc.). When you do it on paper, you have an answer sheet that you have to fill in while you do the exam or at the
end of each part. The invigilators collect this answer sheet at the end of every part, and store safely. This is
later sent to a Cambridge marking facility. Personally, I believe this is an advantage of computer-based over
paper-based exams, since you can make mistakes like skipping a number, marking the wrong answer, etc.,
while transferring your answers onto your answer sheet.

Other important considerations

Listening: during paper-based exams the listening

is played on the sound system of the venue. Some people complain about the quality of the audio, or
maybe because they were seated far from one of the speakers, etc. During computer-based exams each
candidate has a pair ofheadphones, which ensures better audio quality and, at least, the fact that you have
total control over the volume during the whole exam.

Results: in my experience, students tend to get better results in computer-based exams. This is probably
only due to the fact that it suits their needs better, as the difficulty is exactly the same.

Technical

problems:

although

they

shouldnt

occur

frequently,

technical

proble

ms are more common during computer-based exams.

Computers are subject to hardware and software performance, while paper-based exams can hardly be
affected by any technical issues besides blackouts and problems with the audio. However, in all
fairness, Cambridge English takes during-exam issues very seriously, and every problem occurred during
an exam is thoroughly reported and assessed in order to ensure that this does not affect the mark of any of
the candidates. This, for instance, may lead to some questions being invalidated.

Highlighting and taking notes: while on paper you can take all your notes on the exam paper with a
pencil, on the computer you have the possibility of highlighting, taking notes and flagging some questions

for you to revisit later. Besides, in both cases you are provided with separate sheet of paper to take handwritten notes.

Exam samples
Find both exam formats here: Preliminary First Advanced

Exam day tips

Download these: Computer-based exam day tips Paper-based exam day tips

Any questions? Ask them below.

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