Overview
The Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam, also known as C2 Proficiency, is the highest-level qualification offered by Cambridge Assessment English. It proves that you have mastered English to an exceptional level, and is accepted globally for business and study purposes.
Exam Format
The CPE exam consists of four papers:
- Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Listening: 40 minutes
- Speaking: 16 minutes
Results and Scoring
- Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale (CES).
- You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening, and speaking) and for Use of English, as well as an overall score.
- The overall score is the average of the five individual scores, rounded to the nearest whole number.
- Grade A, B, or C: Awarded to candidates with an overall score of 200 or above.
- Level C1: If your performance is below Level C2, but falls within Level C1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at C1 level.
Exam Dates and Locations
- The CPE exam is offered several times a year, depending on the country and exam center.
- It is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats.
- You can find the nearest exam center and available dates on the Cambridge English website.
Preparation Resources
Cambridge Assessment English provides a range of resources to help you prepare for the CPE exam:
- Free sample papers and detailed information about the exam format and question types
- Official preparation materials, including coursebooks and practice tests
- Online preparation courses and webinars
- Support for teachers, including exam guides and teaching resources