Rules, comparisons and data

Can you get a Cambridge English exam re-marked?

Yes, through your exam centre. Stage 1 is a full clerical re-check with an outcome within 5 working days; Stage 2, available only after Stage 1, is a full re-mark of your Writing with an outcome within 15 working days. Speaking cannot be re-checked because it is not recorded. Your centre sets the fee and deadline, and fees are refunded if your grade changes.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Enquiry on Results stages

From Cambridge's enquiries and appeals page. It applies to Cambridge English Qualifications such as B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, not to Linguaskill or IELTS.

StageWhat happensOutcome withinFee and deadline
Stage 1Full clerical re-check5 working daysSet by your exam centre
Stage 2Full re-mark of the Writing test (needs a Stage 1 outcome first)15 working daysSet by your exam centre
AppealReview of whether Cambridge followed its proceduresStage 1 appeal within 10 weeksFee via centre, refunded if upheld

Rules to know

Only the exam centre can submit an enquiry, so contact it as soon as results are out. Speaking tests are rated by two examiners and not recorded, so they cannot be re-checked. Your grade can go up, down or stay the same; if it changes, Cambridge refunds all enquiry fees and issues a new certificate and Statement of Results (Cambridge).

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Appeals

An appeal is possible only after both enquiry stages. The centre must submit it within 21 calendar days of the decision, and an appeal does not itself re-mark your work (Cambridge). For IELTS, see the separate IELTS Enquiry on Results guide. Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.

Frequently asked questions

Can I ask Cambridge directly for a re-mark?+

No. Enquiries must be submitted by your exam centre on your behalf.

Can my Speaking score be re-marked?+

No. Speaking is rated by two examiners and not recorded, so it cannot be re-checked.

How much does a Cambridge re-mark cost?+

Cambridge does not publish a central fee; your exam centre sets it. Fees are refunded if your grade changes.

Can my grade go down after an enquiry?+

Yes. It can go up, go down or stay the same.

Does this apply to Linguaskill?+

No. Cambridge says this procedure does not apply to Linguaskill, Teaching Qualifications or IELTS.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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