The Oxford Test of English Advanced is aimed at learners who are proficient at B2–C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This makes it ideal for students preparing for university, professionals aiming to demonstrate higher-level English skills, or anyone looking to achieve an advanced certificate in English.
Oxford Test of English Advanced exam format
The Oxford Test of English Advanced exam has four key sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The exam is 100% online, and can be taken at Approved Test Centres around the world. It is also a flexible exam, so if you want or need to retake it, you can retake single papers or the entire exam again.
Listening (approx. 35 minutes)
- Tasks: This section includes 4 parts, with multiple-choice questions, note completion, matching and a final task where you select responses to what you hear.
- Skills tested: Understanding spoken English in various contexts.
Reading (approx. 35 minutes)
- Tasks: This paper has multiple-choice questions, gap-fill exercises, matching sentences to paragraphs and understanding the main ideas and details in different types of texts. There are 4 parts.
- Skills tested: Comprehension of written English, including recognising the main ideas, details and the author’s purpose.
Writing (approx. 50 minutes)
- Tasks: Two parts – an essay (220–280 words) and a second task where you write a summary (80–100 words).
- Skills tested: The ability to express ideas clearly and coherently in written English, using appropriate tone, style and structure.
Speaking (approx. 15 minutes)
- Tasks: 5 parts – including a short interview with six questions, an individual long turn where you record a voice message, a summary task, a discussion/debate and follow-up questions.
- Skills tested: Fluency, coherence, pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary in spoken English.
Key Skills
To excel in the Oxford Test of English Advanced exam, it’s crucial to focus on developing a range of skills:
- Listening Comprehension: Practise listening to different types of speech, such as lectures, informal conversations and news reports, for example.
- Reading Comprehension: Enhance your ability to understand complex texts by reading a wide range of materials, from academic journals to news articles. Websites like Oxford Academic Vocabulary Practice offer exercises to help build your reading skills by developing your advanced English vocabulary.
- Writing Skills: Improve your writing by practising different formats and styles of writing. Pay attention to structure, coherence, and appropriate language use. The Oxford Practice Grammar website provides useful exercises to help you with your grammar and writing skills.
- Speaking Skills: Develop your speaking abilities by engaging in conversations in English, joining English language clubs or practising with language exchange partners. Recording yourself and listening back to yourself can also help you to reflect on your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Recommended resources
Oxford University Press offers many resources to help you prepare for the Oxford Test of English Advanced.
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- Introductory videos and test format overview: Start by familiarising yourself with the exam format through videos and overviews online. For example, in this video. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect on test day.
- Practice tests: Taking practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare. Here you can find practice tests and other preparation resources.
- Demo tests: Take a free demo test here so you can understand what to expect when you take your exam.
- Grammar and advanced English vocabulary development: You can use some of Oxford University Press’s coursebooks and supplementary materials to build your language level to B2–C1, such as Headway, Life Vision or English File.
Find the preparation materials that suit you, and get started on familiarising yourself with the Oxford Test of English Advanced. Whether you aim to excel in academics, advance your career or simply achieve a higher level of English proficiency, taking the Oxford Test of English Advanced can help you achieve your goals.
You can find out more about the Oxford Test of English Advanced here.
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known assessment titles, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development training platform and podcast. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.