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 at undergraduate, postgraduate or PHD level.

What is the C2 Proficiency test like?
The test has four papers:

2. Reading and Use of English - 7 parts, 53 questions, 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
• use of English part 1: text with 15 gaps
• use of English part 2: word formation
• use of English part 3: gapped sentences
3. Writing - 2 tasks, 2 hours
   
   
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. Speaking - with another candidate, 15 minutes

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

• 220–230 = Grade A = C2
• 213–219 = Grade B = C2
• 200–212 = Grade C = C2
• 180–199 = Level C1

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. It is possible to do the test on a computer or on paper.

How much does it cost to take C2 Proficiency?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around €240 euros.

 

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