What is the difference between Aptis General and Aptis Advanced?

They share the same format (the same five components, on a computer) but are calibrated for different level ranges. Aptis General certifies A1 to B2 and awards C1 if you perform above B2 — its ceiling is C1. Aptis Advanced certifies B1 to C2 and is the only variant that can certify C2.

Which Aptis can certify C2?

Only Aptis ESOL Advanced. It is specifically designed to discriminate between C1 and C2 using a double-marking system: Speaking and Writing are marked, and candidates scoring at C level are re-rated by a specially trained senior UK examiner who awards the final C1 or C2.

Can Aptis General give me a C1?

Yes. If you perform above B2 in Aptis General, the certificate awards C1. Since 1 September 2024 the certificate states 'Aptis ESOL C1' directly (it used to say 'Level C'). However, General does not separate C1 from C2 — for C2 you need the Advanced.

Which Aptis should I take?

If you need to certify B1 or B2, take Aptis General (cheaper and designed for those levels). If your target is C2, or a C1 that some institutions specifically require via the Advanced, take Aptis Advanced. Always check what your specific recipient asks for before booking.

Is a B2 from Advanced the same as a B2 from General?

On the CEFR scale a B2 is a B2 regardless of the variant. But some recipients are literal about the exact certificate named in their requirements, so if they ask for a specific variant, take that one.

Aptis General vs Advanced: what each one certifies (2026)

Aptis ESOL General

Certifies A1 to B2. If you perform above B2, the certificate awards C1.
Ceiling: C1. It does not distinguish C1 from C2 — everything high is grouped as C1.
Since 1 September 2024, exceeding B2 produces a certificate that says "Aptis ESOL C1" directly (it previously said "Level C", which caused confusion). Older "Level C" certificates remain valid.
Best for: certifying B1 or B2, or a C1 by the most affordable route.

Aptis ESOL Advanced

Certifies B1 to C2.
It is the only Aptis variant that can certify C2.
Its value is that it distinguishes C1 from C2 through double-marking: Speaking and Writing are marked, and candidates scoring at C level are re-rated by a specially trained senior UK examiner with a finer scale, who awards the final C1 or C2 (rarely B2).
Best for: a target of C2, or a strong C1 that some institutions specifically require via the Advanced.

Side by side

Feature	Aptis General	Aptis Advanced
CEFR range	A1 → B2 (C1 if you exceed B2)	B1 → C2
Can certify C2?	No (ceiling C1)	Yes — the only one
C1 vs C2 distinction	No — grouped as C1	Yes — double-marked by a senior examiner
Best for	Certifying B1 / B2	Certifying C1 / C2
Components	Both: Grammar & Vocabulary (Core) + Reading + Listening + Speaking + Writing · scored 0-50 per component + CEFR per skill and overall · results in 48-72h

There is no pass or fail: if you take the Advanced aiming for C1 but perform at B2, you still receive a valid B2 certificate.

How to choose

Need B1 or B2? → Aptis General. It is cheaper and designed for those levels.
Need C2? → Aptis Advanced. There is no other option within Aptis.
Need C1? → either can work, but if your recipient specifically asks for the Advanced (some do), take the Advanced.

Whatever the requirement, read your recipient's exact wording before booking — the certificate you need is decided by the university, employer or authority that asks for it.

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