Cambridge English
Cambridge English is a not-for-profit division of Cambridge University Press & Assessment providing English language assessments, AI-powered testing, and teaching qualifications to higher education institutions, employers, governments, and learners across 130+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1913
- HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Cambridge English does
Cambridge English is a not-for-profit division of Cambridge University Press & Assessment, itself part of the University of Cambridge, providing English language assessment and qualifications to learners, teachers, and institutions worldwide. Its core portfolio includes the Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQs) mapped to CEFR levels A2 through C2, the AI-powered computer-adaptive Linguaskill test for institutional and employer use, the Cambridge English Scale as a unified scoring framework, and the teaching credentials CELTA, DELTA, and TKT. It co-owns IELTS with the British Council and IDP Education, which is recognised by 25,000+ organisations globally, and also offers the Occupational English Test (OET) for healthcare professionals and the Michigan English Test (MET) via a joint venture.
Cambridge English firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Cambridge English
- Legal name
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment
- Website
- https://cambridgeenglish.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1913
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Cambridge English is a not-for-profit division of Cambridge University Press & Assessment providing English language assessments, AI-powered testing, and teaching qualifications to higher education institutions, employers, governments, and learners across 130+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Cambridge English industry classification
Industry- Product category
- English Language Assessment
- NAICS
- Language Schools (61163), Educational Support Services (61171), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691), Language Schools (611630)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- English Proficiency & International Admissions Exams (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo) Prep (EDANABAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA) (EDAIAEAI), Exam Preparation Materials (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.) (EDAGAHAE), English Test Preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, etc.) (EDAAACAJ)
Keywords
Where Cambridge English is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Cambridge English business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Examination fees: Revenue generated from test fees paid by individual candidates and institutions for Cambridge English Qualifications, IELTS, and Linguaskill assessments. Exam fees are charged per test sitting.
- Teaching qualification programmes: Revenue from CELTA and other teacher training qualifications delivered through authorized centres worldwide. Fees charged per participant for certification programmes.
- Learning materials and resources: Sale of official Cambridge English learning materials, preparation books, and digital resources for learners and teachers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Examination fees vary by exam type and country |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Cambridge English product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Cambridge English provides standardized English language assessments and qualifications for learners, teachers, employers, and governments worldwide. Its core offering includes the Cambridge English Qualifications suite (A2 Key through C2 Proficiency), the AI-powered Linguaskill test, and co-ownership of IELTS, delivered through a global network of 50,000+ authorized preparation centres and 2,800+ teaching qualification centres. The organization also issues teaching qualifications such as CELTA, DELTA, and TKT, supported by research-based assessment methodologies aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Product overview
Cambridge English offers a comprehensive portfolio of English language learning and assessment products organised as a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offerings include Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQs) - in-depth exams mapped to CEFR levels from A2 Key through C2 Proficiency, available in general, schools, young learners, and business versions. Linguaskill provides fast, AI-powered computer-adaptive online testing from B1-C2. IELTS is the globally recognised multilevel English proficiency test. Teaching qualifications include CELTA, DELTA, and TKT for teacher development. The Cambridge English Scale serves as the unified scoring framework across all products. The portfolio also includes the Results Verification Service with API integration for institutional verification, and the Cambridge Teacher's Hub for educator professional development. Over 5 million Cambridge English exams are taken annually in 130 countries, accepted by over 25,000 universities, employers, and governments worldwide.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Linguaskill: A fast, online, AI-powered English language test from B1 to C2 CEFR level for education institutions and organizations.
- Cambridge English Qualifications
- CELTA
- DELTA
- TKT
- Cambridge Teacher's Hub
Products and services
- Cambridge English Qualifications (CEQs) In-depth English language qualifications mapped to CEFR levels (A1-C2), designed for learners, schools, and professionals. The suite includes general, schools, young learners, and business versions such as A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency.
- Linguaskill Fast, online, AI-powered computer-adaptive English language test providing certification from B1 to C2 CEFR level. Modular format covering speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills with results available within 48 hours. Targeted at education institutions and organizations.
- Linguaskill Business Business English version of Linguaskill that tests workplace English communication skills for employers and professional contexts.
- IELTS International English Language Testing System - a multilevel exam identifying English proficiency from non-user to expert level, with Academic and General Training options for study, work, and migration purposes. Co-owned by Cambridge English, British Council, and IDP Education.
- CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - initial teaching qualification providing essential skills, knowledge and hands-on teaching experience for new teachers. Delivered through 2,800+ authorized teaching qualification centres worldwide.
- DELTA Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - advanced professional development qualification for experienced teachers with at least one year of teaching experience.
- TKT Teaching Knowledge Test - flexible modular teaching qualifications series demonstrating developing teaching knowledge with globally recognised certificates.
- Occupational English Test (OET) English language test for healthcare professionals requiring proof of English proficiency for registration and professional purposes.
- Michigan English Test (MET) English language proficiency test offered in partnership with Michigan Language Assessment.
- Cambridge English Skills Test Computer-adaptive English language skills test available for schools, general, and business contexts.
- Results Verification Service (RVS) Free online service enabling universities, employers, and governments to verify the authenticity of Cambridge English exam results, with API integration capabilities for institutional systems.
- Cambridge Teacher's Hub Structured platform for continuous professional development of educators, delivered at the Cambridge English Leadership Summit in April 2026.
- Cambridge English Qualifications for Young Learners English assessments for young learners comprising Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, and A2 Flyers exams, designed for primary school students.
Quantifiable outcome
- Recognized by 25,000+ organizations in 130+ countries
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Cambridge English
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Cambridge English technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
AI capability6 records
Feature2 records
Cambridge English partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- OECD/PISAcoreCambridge English serves as the official English-language assessment partner for the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), contributing to international education benchmarking and research.
- Council of EuropecoreFormal institutional relationship supporting the development and recognition of language standards aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
- ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)coreCambridge English is a founding member of ALTE, an association of European language test developers working to establish quality standards for language assessment.
- English ProfilecoreResearch programme that investigates how English is learned and used by speakers of different first languages, providing detailed descriptions of English at each CEFR level.
- SurveyLangcoreEuropean Survey on Language Competences consortium focused on measuring foreign language proficiency across European education systems.
- International HousemajorInternational House moderates IH CAM and IH CYLT (Certificate in Young Learners and Teenagers) courses, expanding the reach of Cambridge English teacher training qualifications through a global network of language schools.
- English AustraliamajorPartnership supporting the Action Research programme, providing professional development opportunities for English language teachers in Australia.
- English UKmajorPartnership supporting the Action Research Scheme, providing continuing professional development for English language teachers in the UK.
- British CouncilcoreCo-owner of IELTS alongside Cambridge English and IDP Education. Global partnership for the delivery and recognition of the world's most recognized English language test.
- IDP EducationcoreCo-owner of IELTS alongside Cambridge English and British Council. IDP operates a global network of test centres for IELTS delivery.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Cambridge English competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- British Council: Co-owner of IELTS alongside Cambridge English and IDP Education; also delivers English language teaching and other English proficiency tests globally. Directly comparable as a UK-headquartered English assessment and teaching organization with overlapping institutional channels.
- IDP Education: Co-owner of IELTS and operator of a global test centre network, primarily focused on international student placement. Highly comparable given shared IELTS revenue economics and overlapping customer base of international students and migration candidates.
- Educational Testing Service (ETS): US-based non-profit that develops and delivers TOEFL, TOEIC, and other standardized assessments. Directly competes with Cambridge English/IELTS in English proficiency testing for study and migration, serving similar higher education and institutional customers.
- Trinity College London: UK-based awarding body offering ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) qualifications and TESOL teaching certificates that compete directly with Cambridge English Qualifications and CELTA/DELTA. Comparable in assessment portfolio, teacher training credentials, and international recognition.
Broad incumbents
- Pearson: Global education and assessment company that operates PTE Academic, a direct competitor to IELTS and Linguaskill for English proficiency. Comparable in English assessment plus broader assessment portfolio (e.g., Pearson Test of English, Versant) and institutional sales motion.
- EF Education First: Global private education company offering English language courses, study abroad, and its own English assessment products. Comparable in English language teaching and assessment serving individual learners and institutions, though it operates more as a school network than a testing specialist.
- Kaplan International: Operates English language schools worldwide and offers English test preparation. Comparable as a global English language education provider serving international students, though it is a broader incumbent in language training rather than a pure assessment specialist.
Emerging players
- Duolingo: Operates the Duolingo English Test, an AI-scored, at-home English proficiency test with rapidly growing institutional acceptance. Comparable as a fast-growing, digital-first disruptor targeting the same test-taker population with a fundamentally lower-cost delivery model.
- Language Testing International (LTI): US-based provider of language proficiency tests (ACTFL assessments) serving corporate, government, and academic clients. Comparable as a niche, digital-forward language assessment player targeting enterprise and institutional customers with similar use cases to Linguaskill.
Others
- Oxford University Press (ELT division): Publishes English Language Teaching (ELT) materials and teacher resources that overlap with Cambridge English's learning materials portfolio. Comparable as a content and curriculum provider feeding the same ecosystem of learners, teachers, and institutions, but not a direct assessment competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat8 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Cambridge English social profiles
Digital presenceCambridge English compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Cambridge English financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Cambridge English leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles20 records
Cambridge English subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Cambridge English funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Cambridge English M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge English
What does Cambridge English do?
Cambridge English provides standardized English language assessments and qualifications for learners, teachers, employers, and governments worldwide. Its core offering includes the Cambridge English Qualifications suite (A2 Key through C2 Proficiency), the AI-powered Linguaskill test, and co-ownership of IELTS, delivered through a global network of 50,000+ authorized preparation centres and 2,800+ teaching qualification centres. The organization also issues teaching qualifications such as CELTA, DELTA, and TKT, supported by research-based assessment methodologies aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Is Cambridge English a public or private company?
Cambridge English is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Cambridge English founded?
Cambridge English was founded in 1913. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Cambridge English based?
Cambridge English is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Cambridge English make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Examination fees are the primary driver. The others are teaching qualification programmes and learning materials and resources.
Who are Cambridge English's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are British Council, IDP Education, Educational Testing Service (ETS) and Trinity College London. Broad incumbents are Pearson, EF Education First and Kaplan International. Emerging players are Duolingo and Language Testing International (LTI). Oxford University Press (ELT division) is listed as an others.
Does Cambridge English have an API?
Yes. The Results Verification Service (RVS) offers API integration for organisations to connect Cambridge English results verification with their own database systems. This allows institutions to programmatically verify the authenticity of Cambridge English Qualifications, Teaching Qualifications, and Linguaskill results directly within their own systems. Developer documentation is at www.cambridgeenglish.org/Images/697824-step-by-step-user-guide.pdf.
What industry is Cambridge English in?
Cambridge English's product category is English Language Assessment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDANABAC, English Proficiency & International Admissions Exams (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo) Prep, with a secondary code of EDAIAEAI, Teacher Training & Language Teaching Certifications (e.g., CELTA/DELTA). Its NAICS code is 61163 and its SIC code is 8200.