Rules, comparisons and data

Do Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency certificates expire?

No. Cambridge English says its certificates do not expire. Universities, colleges, employers and governments decide for themselves how long they accept results. Australia, for example, wants C1 Advanced scores achieved within the 3 years before a skilled visa application, depending on the subclass, and the UK visa system does not use Cambridge qualifications as SELTs at all.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

What Cambridge says

Cambridge's results page answers the question directly: your Cambridge English certificate does not expire, and recognising organisations such as universities, colleges and employers can choose how long to accept results for. It advises checking each organisation's requirements.

Organisations can check a result online using your reference number and date of birth, or you can share it through the Results Service for Candidates (Cambridge).

How long common users accept results

The certificate stays valid, but the organisation you apply to may still want a recent result.

OrganisationRuleSource
Cambridge EnglishCertificates do not expireCambridge
Australian visas (Home Affairs)C1 Advanced accepted; competent and proficient English need the score in the 3 years before applying, depending on the visaHome Affairs
UK visas (SELT)Cambridge is not an approved SELT provider; SELT results last 2 yearsgov.uk
Universities and employersSet their own limitCambridge

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Practical points

For B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency, a photo is taken on exam day, and you may not be allowed to sit without one. Cambridge recommends the photo if you plan to use the result for university, work or visas, because it helps organisations confirm your identity (Cambridge).

If a university quotes IELTS and you hold a Cambridge result, see Cambridge English to IELTS for the official conversion. 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

Is my C1 Advanced certificate valid for life?+

Cambridge says certificates do not expire. Each organisation decides how old a result it will accept.

Will a university accept a Cambridge result from five years ago?+

It depends on the university. Check its English requirements page for a time limit.

How long is C1 Advanced valid for an Australian visa?+

For competent and proficient English, Home Affairs wants the score achieved within the 3 years before you apply, depending on the visa subclass.

Can I use C1 Advanced for a UK visa?+

Not as a SELT. Cambridge is not on gov.uk's list of approved SELT providers.

How can a university check my Cambridge result?+

Online with your reference number and date of birth, or through the Results Service for Candidates.

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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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