Internationally recognised English – Cambridge exams at IH Budapest
International House Budapest is an official Cambridge English Exam Centre. Everything worth knowing about the exam — in one place, in plain language.
Not just another language exam
Cambridge English exams are one of the most widely recognised systems for measuring language ability in the world. The result is more than a piece of paper: it certifies real, practical language skills accepted by universities, employers and institutions worldwide.
Valid for life
The certificate never expires. You sit the exam once, and the result is still accepted decades later.
University and career
Credible proof for university applications abroad, scholarship applications and multinational employers alike.
A real measure of ability
It isn't a set of grammar tests — it measures reading, writing, listening and speaking in real-life situations.
International prestige
The Cambridge name is known worldwide — you never have to explain what the certificate proves.
Two different questions, two different answers
In Hungary you can choose from many language exams, and most of them are useful if you need to meet a specific domestic requirement — an entry score threshold, for example. The question worth asking is not “which one is the easiest”, but “what will this certificate be good for in five or ten years' time”.
Hungarian accredited language exam
A good choice if you only need to meet a Hungarian administrative requirement and international recognition isn't needed.
Cambridge English exam
The right choice if the certificate also has to stand up abroad, at university or at work — not only in Hungary.
Many candidates take both — but if you were to choose just one for the long term, Cambridge is the one that doesn't expire along with the purpose you got it for.
There is a suitable exam for every age and every level
The Cambridge exam system is built on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), so you will know exactly which level matches your current ability.
A2 Key
B1 Preliminary
B2 First
C1 Advanced
C2 Proficiency
The ages above are indicative recommendations — none of the Cambridge exams sets a compulsory minimum age. The aim is for candidates to take an exam at a level that genuinely reflects their ability.
The Cambridge journey
Many parents and students think of a single exam — but Cambridge also offers a longer journey, built step by step. Each level builds on the one before, so the learner isn't preparing for one exam but for years of language development.
The starting point of the longer Cambridge journey.
Proof of confident, upper-intermediate English.
Advanced ability, for university and professional settings.
Putting your English to real use.
the A2 Key, B1 Preliminary and B2 First exams also come in a version for school-age candidates — the level of difficulty and the certificate awarded are exactly the same, only the topics are better suited to their age.
Where learning a language stays a playful experience
The Starters, Movers and Flyers exams are not pass-or-fail: nobody fails, and every child receives a result marked in shields. The aim is to build confidence, not to put children through the stress of being tested.
Pre A1 Starters
Nobody fails — every child receives a result marked in shields.
Paper-based: Reading and Writing 20 minutes, Listening 20 minutes, Speaking 3–5 minutes.
Computer-based: Listening 40 minutes, Reading and Writing 25 minutes, Speaking (in person) 3–5 minutes.
A1 Movers
Paper-based: Reading and Writing 30 minutes, Listening approx. 25 minutes, Speaking 5–7 minutes.
Computer-based: Listening 50 minutes, Reading and Writing 40 minutes, Speaking (in person) 5–7 minutes.
A2 Flyers
Paper-based: Reading and Writing 40 minutes, Listening approx. 25 minutes, Speaking 7–9 minutes.
Currently available with us in paper-based format only — the speaking part takes place in person.
For every Young Learners exam, the speaking part always takes place in person — whatever the exam format — in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
A more modern exam experience, more flexible dates
Alongside the traditional paper-based format, you can also choose a computer-based Cambridge exam — the same official content in a more up-to-date setting.
Flexible dates
Computer-based exams are available more often, so they are easier to fit around your own schedule.
Faster results
Results usually take less time to arrive than with paper-based exams.
On-screen interface
You type your answers — many people find this more natural and quicker.
The same official recognition
Computer-based and paper-based results are fully equivalent and accepted everywhere in the same way.
The speaking part always takes place in person, whatever the exam format. It is currently available in Budapest, and will soon start at locations across the country.
Ready to apply?
Choose the Cambridge exam that matches your level. Apply in a few minutes and take your first step towards an internationally recognised certificate.
When you can sit the exam with us
Computer-based exams: are available on frequent dates, so you can usually find a suitable one soon. Paper-based exams: a few times a year, on fixed national exam days. You'll find the exact current dates and application deadlines on our registration page.
Computer-based exam
Paper-based exam
Know where you stand — before you sit the exam
Two options help you arrive at the exam with confidence: a quick, free placement test to get your bearings, and a mock exam under real conditions to help you prepare.
1 — You sit it in computer-based format, under real exam conditions.
2 — Both the written and the speaking parts are assessed by a trained examiner.
3 — You get specific feedback: what you can already do, and what to work on next.
We recommend taking the mock exam about two months before the real one. It is available to individuals and to schools for groups.
Online placement test
Mock exam details
More than four decades of language teaching experience
International House Budapest has been part of language teaching in Hungary since 1983, teaching close to 15 languages. From July 2026 we operate as an official Cambridge English Exam Centre, in a direct contractual partnership with Cambridge University Press & Assessment.
Professional background
Our teachers have completed CELTA and DELTA training — training we deliver ourselves (teacher-training.hu).
Official, direct partnership
We have a contractual relationship directly with Cambridge, not through an intermediary.
Location: 1023 Budapest, Lajos utca 11-15. · Cambridgevizsga@ih.hu
Our FAQs cover how the exam works, results and choosing the right level. If you can't find what you're looking for, write to us — we're happy to help.
For anyone who needs to prove their English beyond Hungary — for university applications abroad, scholarship applications or an international workplace. From Pre A1 Starters to C2 Proficiency there is a suitable exam for every age and level.
You can retake the exam at any time: simply apply for the next scheduled exam date. Your statement of results always shows where you stand in each skill — a good starting point for further preparation, which our exam preparation courses can also help with.
Typically 5–10 days for a computer-based exam and around 2 months for a paper-based one. The certificate arrives about 6 weeks after a computer-based exam and about 3 months after a paper-based one.
Take our free online placement test: you'll have your result in 5–10 minutes, from A1 to C2. If you'd like a more precise picture, a real examiner assesses both your written and your spoken performance in the mock exam.
Write to us: Cambridgevizsga@ih.hu
Ready to apply?
Choose the Cambridge exam that matches your level. Apply in a few minutes and take your first step towards an internationally recognised certificate.