CPE EXAM

Exam:

Certificate of Proficiency in English Exam

Industry:

Language

Country:

Global

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

Who is the CPE Exam Suitable For?

The Cambridge CPE exam is suitable for individuals who:
  • Have a high level of proficiency in English, equivalent to C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
  • Need to demonstrate their mastery of English for academic or professional purposes
  • Want to pursue higher education or work in an English-speaking environment

Related Exams and Certifications

Other Cambridge English Qualifications at different CEFR levels:
  • B2 First (FCE): Level B2
  • C1 Advanced (CAE): Level C1
  • B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary): Level B1
  • B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage): Level B2
  • C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher): Level C1

Recognition and Acceptance

The CPE exam is widely recognized and accepted by:
  • Universities and colleges worldwide
  • Government bodies and international organizations
  • Employers in various industries
Passing the CPE exam demonstrates that you have the language skills necessary to:
  • Study demanding subjects at the highest level, including postgraduate and PhD programs
  • Negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings
  • Understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
  • Talk about complex or sensitive issues, and deal confidently with difficult questions
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