Hello Exam Seekers,

Recently, when I was talking to a colleague of mine, she mentioned that Cambridge had changed the names of their exams, and she didn’t know that. She hasn’t been teaching candidates for certificates, so she hasn’t been so much in contact with this nomenclature. Therefore, I figured that many people who are studying for these certificates and teachers might also not know that. So, I decided to contribute and share some knowledge.

Over the past decade, Cambridge English qualifications have gone through several changes in name, branding, and visual identity. In 2025, Cambridge announced another update that caught the attention of candidates, schools, and institutions worldwide.

However, this is not the first rebranding — and understanding this history helps candidates avoid confusion and better understand how Cambridge qualifications have evolved.

Timeline: the evolution of Cambridge English branding
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• BEFORE 2013:

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL)

For many years, Cambridge English exams were administered by a department known as Cambridge ESOL. This name appeared on certificates for exams such as FCE, CAE, and CPE, as well as on other certificates, including the CELTA and the TKTs. Here is an example of my own TKT: Module 2.

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• 2013: FIRST MAJOR REBRANDING

Cambridge English Language Assessment

In 2013, Cambridge introduced the name Cambridge English Language Assessment, placing greater emphasis on the word English and making the brand clearer for international audiences. Here is an example of my own CELTA Certificate.

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• 2017: SECOND REBRANDING

Cambridge Assessment English

In 2017, the name was shortened to Cambridge Assessment English, aligning the English exams more closely with the broader Cambridge Assessment organisation.

September 2017: Cambridge English announced the name change and introduction of the CEFR levels to exam titles (transition from FCE, CAE, and CPE to B2 First, C1 Advanced, and C2 Proficiency).

While the new names are the official standard for 2026, the old acronyms (FCE, CAE, CPE) are still frequently used in brackets by many preparation centers and the British Council for candidate familiarity.

Here is an example of my own ICELT Certificate.

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• 2025: CURRENT UPDATE

Cambridge English

In June 2025, Cambridge University Press & Assessment announced a new branding update. The most recent update simplifies the brand by using Cambridge English. Also, new security features have been added. Here is an example of my own TKT: CLIL Certificate.

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Why does Cambridge keep changing its branding?

These branding updates are part of a long-term communication strategy. Over time, Cambridge has been working to make its English qualifications easier to recognise worldwide, while keeping pace with modern design and security standards.

In practice, these updates aim to:

• strengthen global brand recognition;
• reduce confusion around institutional and departmental names;
• modernise the visual appearance of certificates;
• ensure certificates continue to meet high security requirements.

Despite changes in name and design, the academic standards, level descriptors, and international reputation of Cambridge English exams remain exactly the same..

What does this mean for candidates?

If you are currently preparing for a Cambridge exam — or if you already hold a certificate — there is no reason for concern. Older certificates remain fully valid, CEFR levels and scores have not changed, and universities and employers continue to recognise all Cambridge qualifications worldwide.

The 2025 update is institutional and visual, not academic. In reality, most candidates barely notice these changes. They tend to matter more to teachers, exam preparation providers, and authorised exam centres, who work closely with official documentation and branding.

For new candidates, the only visible difference will be a certificate that reflects updated branding and a more modern design, without any impact on exam content or recognition.

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Remember that, despite all changes, official communications will only come from email addresses ending in “@cambridge.org” to ensure security and authenticity.

Well, I hope I have cleared some questions that might have come up during the past few years.

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Have a great week,
Patricia Moura