Who is this programme for?
Advanced learners of English preparing for the external Cambridge C1 Advanced examination.
Curriculum & Assessment Programme
Cambridge C1 Advanced Preparation – Curriculum and Academy Check
Develop the skills and strategies relevant to C1 Advanced. The final Academy check identifies tasks you already handle confidently and priorities to address before taking an external examination.
Audience and entry requirements
What are the entry requirements?
A short diagnostic task and discussion establish advanced English skills before booking. Learners who cannot yet work independently with longer English texts or explain a position coherently receive recommendations for preparatory steps. An external entry certificate is not mandatory.
Scope and learning format
14 weeks with initial diagnosis, modular examination preparation and an internal readiness check. Tuition hours, session distribution and the assessment window are confirmed in writing before booking. The internal check lasts 100 minutes and is not a complete simulation of the official Cambridge examination.
Which competencies will you demonstrate?
- Extract information and relationships from demanding English texts.
- Make contextual grammar and vocabulary choices.
- Write a coherent text suited to its task, genre and audience.
- Identify key information and speaker intentions in listening material.
- Develop a spoken position and respond to other speakers.
- Use a documented readiness check to prioritise further learning.
The curriculum
1. Starting point and examination strategy
Identify strengths and gaps, understand the four examination areas and set a realistic learning and practice plan.
Scope / allocation
Week 1; hours as specified in the course plan.
Evidence and output
A personal competence profile with prioritised learning goals.
2. Reading and Use of English
Identify structure, main ideas and detail; apply vocabulary, collocations and grammar in contextual tasks.
Scope / allocation
Weeks 2–4; hours as specified in the course plan.
Evidence and output
Completed text and language tasks with a reasoned error analysis.
3. Writing and revision
Analyse audience, task and text type; plan, produce and revise coherent texts.
Scope / allocation
Weeks 5–7; hours as specified in the course plan.
Evidence and output
Original writing samples in at least two practised text types, with documented revision.
4. Listening and information processing
Identify main ideas, detail, attitudes and speaker intentions; manage distraction and uncertainty.
Scope / allocation
Weeks 8–9; hours as specified in the course plan.
Evidence and output
Responses to listening material with a traceable review.
5. Speaking and interaction
Compare information, develop views, include a partner and work towards a joint decision.
Scope / allocation
Weeks 10–12; hours as specified in the course plan.
Evidence and output
Individual and paired speaking tasks with an observation rubric and personal feedback.
6. Time management and readiness check
Work within time limits, evaluate results and plan further preparation for an external examination.
Scope / allocation
Weeks 13–14; a 100-minute internal assessment window as scheduled.
Evidence and output
Four internal assessment components and an individual result profile with learning recommendations.
How your work is assessed
Weighting: 30 %
Reading / Use of English
20 original items on one or more texts, vocabulary and language use; unambiguous answer keys must be technically reviewed before use.
35 minutes
- 20 items worth one point each; no negative marking.
- Reading and Use of English must be separately identified in the assessment blueprint.
- The component score is calculated as a percentage of 20 available points.
Weighting: 30 %
Writing
An original text of approximately 180–220 words responding to a professional or general-language task.
30 minutes
- Task fulfilment and communicative effect:30%.
- Organisation and cohesion:25%.
- Appropriate language range:25%.
- Language accuracy:20%.
Weighting: 20 %
Listening
10 original items based on provided recordings; playback rules are communicated and applied consistently.
20 minutes
- 10 items worth one point each; no negative marking.
- Main ideas, detail or speaker intentions as specified in the assessment blueprint.
- The component score is calculated as a percentage of 10 available points.
Weighting: 20 %
Speaking
An extended response and an interactive task with follow-up questions.
15 minutes
- Task fulfilment and development of ideas:25%.
- Interaction and response:25%.
- Language range and accuracy:25%.
- Intelligibility and fluency:25%.
Pass requirements
The Academy assessment certificate requires at least 70 out of 100 weighted overall points and at least 60% in every assessment component. The initial diagnostic task is not graded. These thresholds are Academy programme rules, not pass marks prescribed by ISO/IEC17024. Failed components may be retaken under the general Academy assessment rules.
Language work samples use a 0–4 scale for each criterion: 0 = not demonstrated; 1 = severely limited and task not achieved; 2 = partly achieved with substantial ambiguity; 3 = mostly achieved independently and intelligibly; 4 = achieved confidently, clearly and appropriately. The component result is the weighted criterion score divided by 4 and expressed as a percentage. Accent-free speech is not a criterion; intelligibility and task achievement matter.
Permitted resources and AI
Task materials and blank note paper are permitted. Dictionaries, automatic translation, generative AI, prepared third-party answers and outside assistance are not permitted during the internal readiness check. These are the rules of the Academy check; they do not replace an external Cambridge examination centre’s regulations.
Identity and independent work
Before the final check, the invigilator verifies identity against a valid photo identification document. For live-online assessment, this is checked personally during the video appointment. A copy of the document or a recording is not required solely for this check.
The common assessment rules also cover retakes, reasonable adjustments, appeals, confidentiality and certificate authorisation.
Assessment and Certificate RulesWhat your certificate demonstrates
Academy Assessment Certificate – Cambridge C1 Advanced Preparation
- Scope of the credential
- Records course completion and a passed internal readiness check under ELA-PRG-C1P. Results for the four internal components are stated.
- How to interpret the qualification
- The internal check uses an original, shortened task format and an Academy scoring system. It is not a Cambridge examination, Cambridge Scale result or independent CEFR C1 level award. An external examination, registration and certificate are handled separately through the relevant examination centre.
- Assessment date and currency
- Under Academy policy, this certificate is valid for a maximum of three years from its date of issue. It is issued only after all programme and assessment requirements have been met and the award decision has been documented. The validity period does not start on enrolment or at the beginning of the course. The actual validity period and expiry date are stated on the certificate; a shorter period applies only when expressly specified in the relevant course or assessment programme. There is no automatic extension. Renewal requires a documented review of current knowledge and application appropriate to the programme, using recent evidence and/or a suitable update or competence assessment. Repurchasing the entire course is not a blanket requirement. A renewed Academy certificate is also valid for no more than three years from its issue date. Attendance and passing an assessment remain verifiable historical facts tied to their dates; they do not provide indefinite validity as evidence of current competence. This rule applies only to the Academy-owned award; external certificates remain subject to their respective issuers’ conditions.
This programme applies to deliveries whose agreed course and assessment plan explicitly references this revision. Existing bookings retain their agreed terms.
Programme questions
Does the Academy issue the Cambridge certificate?
No. The Academy records its own course completion and internal check. A Cambridge certificate requires the relevant external examination.
Is the readiness check a full mock examination?
No. It is a 100-minute internal check using original tasks. It gives feedback across four areas and replaces neither the complete official format nor its assessment procedures.
Does passing the Academy check guarantee a Cambridge pass?
No. The external examination has its own tasks, conditions and assessment. The check helps prioritise learning; it is not a pass guarantee.
What if my listening is much weaker than my other skills?
Each component is reported separately. A component below 60% cannot be offset solely by stronger results elsewhere. You receive targeted feedback for further preparation.
Are external examination fees included?
An external examination and its fees are included only when expressly stated in your specific offer. Confirm the centre, date and costs before making a binding registration.
Advice & course planning
Solo self-employed in Germany? Discuss potential KOMPASS support with an official advisory centre before booking. We can help you select a suitable programme in a consultation.
An Academy-owned assessed competence credential. The assessment programme refers to selected principles of ISO/IEC 17024:2026. This is not a claim of accreditation or fully demonstrated conformity.