Your browser is not supported any more. Download your preferred modern browser and STAY secure!

C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Level:
C2
Language:
English
Frequency:
Twice a Year

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the highest level of the CEFR (C2 level). It is made up of five parts and designed to prove that students have mastered English to an exceptional level. C2 Proficiency (CPE) is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.

C2 Proficiency (CPE), also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is a high-level qualification that is officially recognized by universities, employers and governments around the world. Since its introduction in 1913, the test has undergone several revisions, most recently in 2002. These changes, which were based on the results of extensive research in English-language testing, have enabled the test to keep pace with changes in language teaching and testing while ensuring that the test remain reliable, relevant and candidate-friendly.

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is targeted at Level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. Candidates can choose to take C2 Proficiency (CPE) as either a paper-based or a computer-based exam.

It is aimed at learners who have achieved an extremely high level of skill in the English language and want to:

  • study demanding subjects at the highest levels including postgraduate and PhD programs
  • actively engage in academic life by participating confidently in tutorials and seminars
  • lead on complex and challenging research projects
  • negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is recognized by the private sector. It is also officially recognized in Greece by the state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:

Level of recognition

Overall score

C2

200-230

C1

180-199

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is accepted by thousands of organizations, employers and governments around the world as a reliable, accurate and fair test of English.



PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 7 parts

Number of questions: 53 questions in total

Part 1 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; mainly lexical) One short gapped text with eight multiple-choice questions. Candidates must choose one word or phrase from a set of four to fill each gap.

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; mainly grammatical) One modified open close of a text with eight gaps. Candidates have to identify the right single word which best fits each gap.

Part 3 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; affixation) One short text with eight gaps, each of which corresponds to a word. The stems of the missing words are given beside the text and candidates have to change them to form the missing words.

Part 4 (6 questions - up to 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Use of English component) Six discrete items with a lead-insentence followed by a key word and a response sentence with a gap.  Using the key word, candidates have to complete the response sentence in 3–8 words so that it means the same as the lead-insentence.

Part 5 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One long text (700-750 words) with six four-option multiple-choice comprehension questions.

Part 6 (7 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One gapped text from which paragraphs have been removed and placed in jumbled order after the text. Candidates must decide from where in the text the paragraphs have been removed.         

Part 7 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One long text (or several short texts) followed by multiple-matching questions. Candidates must match a prompt to elements in the text. 

PAPER 2: WRITING

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 2 parts

Question 1

Candidates are required to write an essay summarizing and evaluating the key ideas contained in two texts of approximately 100 words each.

1 task (240-280 words)

Questions 2-5

Candidates choose one of five contextualized writing tasks, each specified in no more than 70 words.

1 task (280-320 words)

For questions 2-4, candidates may have to write an article, letter, report or review. For question 5, candidates may have to write an article, essay, letter, report or review, based on reading one from a prescribed list of two books.

Set texts for C2 Proficiency January 2020 - December 2021:

  • Nick Hornby: About a Boy (any edition)
  • Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz (2002) as well as, or instead of, the novel.
  • Dodie Smith: I Capture the Castle (any edition)
  • Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Tim Fywell (2000) as well as, or instead of, the novel.

Set texts for C2 Proficiency January 2022 – December 2023:

  • Jane Austen: Northanger Abbey (any edition)
  • Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film directed by Jon Jones (2007) as well as, or instead of, the novel.
  • David Nicholls: Us (any edition)
  • Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the BBC television mini-series directed by Geoffrey Sax (2020) as well as, or instead of, the novel. 

PAPER 3: LISTENING

Duration: about 40 minutes

Number of parts: 4 parts

Number of questions: 30 questions

Part 1 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Three short, unrelated recording lasting approximately 1 minute each, consisting of either monologues or exchanges between interacting speakers. Candidates have to listen to the recordings and answer two multiple-choice questions for each recording. Each question has three options (A, B or C).

Part 2 (9 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

A monologue lasting 3–4 minutes. The questions are a series of incomplete sentences. Candidates have to listen to the recording and identify the information needed (single words or noun groups) to fill each gap.

Part 3 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A recording involving interacting speakers lasting 3–4 minutes. Candidates have to listen to the recording and answer a series of multiple-choice questions, each with four options.        

Part 4 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

Five short themed monologues, of approximately 35 seconds each. There are two multiple-matching tasks, each requiring selection of the five correct options from a list of eight. 

PAPER 4: SPEAKING

Duration: 16 minutes per pair of candidates

Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates

Number of parts: 3 parts

Part 1

A conversation between the interlocutor and each candidate (spoken questions).

Part 2

A two-way conversation between the candidates. The candidates are given instructions with written and visual stimuli, which are used in a decision-making task.

Part 3

An individual long turn” from each candidate followed by a discussion on topics related to the long turns. Each candidate in turn is given a written question to respond to. The interlocutor leads a discussion to explore further the topics of the long turns.


Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.

You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.

The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.


C2 Proficiency results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Although the parts are 4, candidates will receive 5 scores on their Statement of Results (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking) which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These five scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

For C2 Proficiency, the following scores will be used to report results:

Cambridge English Scale Score

Grade

CEFR level

220-230

Grade A

C2

213–219

Grade B

C2

200–212

Grade C

C2

180–199

Level C1

C1

Scores between 162 and 179 are also reported for C2 Proficiency. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 162 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.

The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.


How can I apply?

Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.

What if I have a question about the procedure?

If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.

Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?

Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.


Additional services:


Schedule

  • Cambridge Assessment English
Exam Date: Exam Administration: Test Centers: Registration Period:
Registration Period:

Support

Find useful information for your exams or existing certifications, tips and advice, free preparation material and more.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Announcements

Back to top