Pre-A1
Pre-A1 Starters
The very first step
A gentle, playful introduction to written and spoken English that turns the first words into the first certificate.
ListeningReading & WritingSpeaking
Register Cambridge English Qualifications
The right qualification for every step of your journey.
From Pre-A1 Starters to C1 Advanced, a seamless pathway built around the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), prepared and assessed at JPI's island-wide venues.
Why Cambridge English
Qualifications the world trusts.
A Cambridge English qualification is more than a certificate, it is proof of real, usable English, assessed to a standard that universities, employers and governments recognise instantly. Every JPI candidate sits the same exam, marked to the same global benchmark, wherever they are in Sri Lanka.
17,000+universities & organisations worldwide accept Cambridge English
50,000preparation centres across 130+ countries
6.3massessments taken every single year
95%of teachers agree Cambridge improves students’ English
“A Cambridge English qualification opens doors, to education, to employment, and to confidence. It travels with the learner for life.”Cambridge University Press & Assessment · part of the University of Cambridge
The Learning Pathway
Where are you on the CEFR scale?
The Common European Framework of Reference describes language ability on a single six-level scale from A1 to C2. Every Cambridge English exam targets a level on that scale, so your next step is always clear, and your progress is always comparable.
C2C2 ProficiencyMasteryNot offered at JPI
C1C1 Advanced (CAE)Effective operational proficiency
B2B2 First (FCE)Independent user
B1B1 Preliminary (PET)Independent user
A2A2 Key (KET) · A2 FlyersBasic userYoung Learners
A1A1 MoversBasic userYoung Learners
Pre-A1Pre-A1 StartersFirst wordsYoung Learners
Better progression
A seamless journey from Pre-A1 to C1, each exam builds on the last, so learners always know what comes next.
Real-life communication
Every level assesses all four skills, speaking, writing, reading and listening, the way English is actually used.
The world's most trusted
Recognised by more than 17,000 universities, employers and governments in over 130 countries.
Reliable assessments
Backed by more than 100 years of research from the University of Cambridge, fair, accurate and consistent.
Young Learners English Tests
Built for children. Loved by learners.
Cambridge English Qualifications for Young Learners are a series of fun, motivating tests that introduce children aged 6–12 to everyday written and spoken English. Each level rewards effort with a certificate of achievement, and a love of learning that lasts.
A1
A1 Movers
Building momentum
The second step, building everyday vocabulary and the confidence to understand and use simple English.
ListeningReading & WritingSpeaking
Register A2
A2 Flyers
Ready to fly
The final Young Learners step, equal to A2 Key, proof a child can cope with everyday written and spoken English.
ListeningReading & WritingSpeaking
Register Smart Kids English(ages 2½–6) is JPI's pre-Starters preparation programme, songs, stories and play that grow naturally into Pre-A1 Starters.Learn more
Main Suite · CEFR A2
A2 Key (KET)
Prove your English is improving
A2 Key shows that a learner can use English to communicate in simple, everyday situations. It is a logical first step on the Main Suite, the ideal qualification for school students moving on from Young Learners, and a confidence-building milestone for adult beginners.
Understand simple written information, signs and notices.
Introduce yourself and answer basic questions about yourself.
Write short, simple notes and communicate in routine situations.
| Paper | Time | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Writing | 60 min | Comprehension & short writing tasks |
| Listening | 30 min | Recordings on everyday topics |
| Speaking | 8–10 min | Face-to-face, in pairs |
A2
Main Suite · CEFR B1
B1 Preliminary (PET)
Real progress in real-world English
B1 Preliminary shows that a learner can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level. It proves the practical language skills needed for work, study and travel, and is a strong stepping stone towards B2 First.
Read simple textbooks and articles in English.
Write letters and emails on everyday subjects.
Take notes in a meeting and follow the gist of a conversation.
| Paper | Time | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 45 min | Texts from signs to articles |
| Writing | 45 min | Emails, stories & articles |
| Listening | 30 min | Everyday recordings |
| Speaking | 12–14 min | Face-to-face, in pairs |
B1
Main Suite · CEFR B2
B2 First (FCE)
Open doors to universities and careers
B2 First proves that a learner can use English confidently and effectively for work and study at an upper-intermediate level. It is one of the world's most widely recognised qualifications, accepted for university admission, visa applications and professional employment.
Follow an academic course in the English language.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and customers.
Write clear, detailed text expressing opinions and arguments.
| Paper | Time | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Use of English | 75 min | Grammar, vocabulary & reading |
| Writing | 80 min | Essays, reports & reviews |
| Listening | 40 min | Lectures, interviews & talks |
| Speaking | 14 min | Face-to-face, in pairs |
University admission Visa applications Employment
B2
Main Suite · CEFR C1
C1 Advanced (CAE)
The qualification for ambitious professionals
C1 Advanced proves a high level of English for demanding academic and professional environments. It is accepted by leading universities and global employers as evidence that a candidate has the language skills to succeed at the highest level.
Follow and contribute to complex academic and professional discussions.
Express ideas fluently, spontaneously and precisely.
Produce clear, well-structured and detailed writing on complex subjects.
Use English effectively for research, study and senior roles.
| Paper | Time | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Reading & Use of English | 90 min | Advanced grammar & reading |
| Writing | 90 min | Essays, reports & proposals |
| Listening | 40 min | Lectures & extended talks |
| Speaking | 15 min | Face-to-face, in pairs |
C1
“C1 Advanced is accepted by thousands of universities and employers worldwide as proof of the English needed to succeed.”
Recognised globally · Cambridge University Press & AssessmentExam Day
What to expect on exam day.
From the moment you register to the day your certificate arrives, JPI guides you through every stage. Here is the journey, start to finish.
Step 1
Register
Choose your level, session date and venue online, by phone or at any JPI branch.
Step 2
Prepare
Join a preparation course and practise with official Cambridge materials and mock exams.
Step 3
Sit the exam
Take your written and speaking papers at a Cambridge Authorised venue near you.
Step 4
Receive results
Get your Statement of Results online, followed by your official Cambridge certificate.
Not sure which qualification is right for you?
Talk to our team, we'll help you find the right starting level for you or your child, and the nearest venue to sit your exam.
