Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Difficulty level: C2 / advanced

The Cambridge Proficiency exam is the hardest of the Cambridge exams.

Who is it for?
Do this test if you really love English. If you pass this test your English is good enough for you to teach English to others. Your English will be good enough to study at any British university. Over 45,000 people in more than 80 countries take the CPE exam each year.

What is the C2 Proficiency test like?
The test has five sections:

1. Reading - 4 parts, 90 minutes
   • part 1, 3 texts with 18 gaps
   • part 2, 4 related texts with 2 questions each
   • part 3, text with missing paragraphs
   • part 4, text with multiple choice questions
2. Composition - 2 tasks, 2 hours
3. Use of English - 90 minutes
   • part 1: text with 15 gaps
   • part 2: word formation
   • part 3: gapped sentences
4. Listening - 3 or 4 recordings, 40 minutes
   • part 1: 4 passages with multiple choice questions
   • part 2: 1 long passage with gapped text
5. Interview - normally with another candidate, 15 minutes

Score
A, B, C (pass), D, E or U (fail)

Level
C2. Super advanced. Click here to see a table comparing CPE with other exams.

Where do I take the test?
At a test centre.

When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. The test can only be taken twice a year, in June and December.

How much does it cost to take C2 Proficiency?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around €150 euros.

 

 

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