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Over five million candidates take Cambridge English exams each year, including several tens of thousands from Switzerland.
For the first time in its more than 100-year history, in 2016 Cambridge English analysed the results of 1.2 million candidates worldwide to compare the performance of learners around the world.
The Cambridge English exams are the most popular and widely used English exams in Switzerland. As the study shows, Switzerland is ranked 17 together with Germany in the country comparison. The research also found that candidates are better in Estonia, Scandinavia, Holland, and Austria (see chart).
World champions in Cambridge English: Proficiency
On average, the approximately 30,000 Swiss candidates, whose performance was examined for the study, reached level B2 (First). They are, among other things, able to understand the main content of complex texts or to communicate spontaneously and fluently. "In view of the fact that we learn several foreign languages in Switzerland, this is a very respectable result," praises Henriette Graf, Development Manager Switzerland. This average level is impressive, particularly given that a large proportion of Swiss candidates sit the higher exams such as Cambridge English: First, Advanced and Proficiency at a relatively young age. What is even more impressive is that at the very highest level, the Cambridge English: Proficiency, Swiss learners achieve the best average scores in the world, demonstrating a level of English very close to that of native speakers.
However, Henriette Graf also emphasizes that while the average level (B2) is quite good, it does not qualify for studying in an English-speaking country or working in an international environment. "According to our survey of 25 of the most important internationally active Swiss companies, the majority require an Advanced (C1) or even a Proficiency level (C2).
Have a look at the full article (in German). PDF