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.
Candidates can choose to take C2 Proficiency (CPE) as either a paper-based or a digital exam. Similar to the paper-based version, the digital exams are offered at certified test centers across Greece. Although the format of the exams is different, digital exams test the same knowledge and skills as our paper-based exams. In C2 Proficiency (CPE)Digital, candidates use digital tools that allow them to manage the digital environment and perform to the best of their abilities. Both C2 Proficiency (CPE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE) Digital have been developed based on decades of world-leading expertise in language testing for learners.
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 – regardless of whether candidates are examined through the paper-based or digital format – is recognized by the private sector, as well as the Greek 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
Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.
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-in’ sentence 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-in’ sentence.
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
Candidates write their answers in the answer booklet using pen.
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 four contextualized writing tasks. For questions two to five, candidates may have to write an article, letter, report or review of 280-320 words. From January 2024, optional set text questions are removed.
Paper 3: Listening
Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.
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 to 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 to 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.
Paper 1: Reading And Use of English
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Number of parts: 7 parts
Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. In the Reading test, test takers can make notes, highlight text and review their answers.
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-in’ sentence 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-in’ sentence.
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
Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. The Writing test has an automatic word count and they can easily edit their work.
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 four contextualized writing tasks. For questions two to five, candidates may have to write an article, letter, report or review of 280-320 words. From January 2024, optional set text questions are removed.
Paper 3: Listening
Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
For the Listening test, headphones with volume control help test takers listen comfortably and concentrate to perform the best of their abilities. Test takers use their mouse to select and submit their answers.
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 to 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 to 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
The Speaking test is face-to-face, to help test takers develop real world communication skills.
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.
March 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
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March 2025 | 01/03/2025 | 10/04/2025 |
May 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
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May 2025 | 10/05/2025 | 20/06/2025 |
17/05/2025 | 27/06/2025 |
June 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
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June 2025 | 07/06/2025 | 17/07/2025 |
13/06/2025 | 24/07/2025 |
February 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
February 2025 | 08/02/2025 | 21/02/2025 |
March 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
March 2025 | 08/03/2025 | 21/03/2025 |
April 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
April 2025 | 12/04/2025 | 28/04/2025 |
May 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
May 2025 | 03/05/2025 | 16/05/2025 |
10/05/2025 | 23/05/2025 | |
22/05/2025 | 05/06/2025 |
June 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
June 2025 | 05/06/2025 | 19/06/2025 |
20/06/2025 | 04/07/2025 | |
22/06/2025 | 04/07/2025 |
July 2025
Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
---|---|---|
July 2025 | 03/07/2025 | 17/07/2025 |
Discover our available results and certificates services. Learn how you can request, among other things, the rescoring of your test, the notarization of a copy of a certificate, and the issuance of a certification of loss of a certificate.
There are two stages in the rescoring process by Cambridge English:
Stage 1: Full clerical re-check
- Application deadline: Within 20 calendar days from the date your results are announced
- Result notification: Within 5 to 10 working days from the date of your rescoring application
Stage 2: Re-mark of all written papers
- Application deadline: Within 40 calendar days from the date your results are announced
- Result notification: Within 15 to 20 working days from the date of your rescoring application
Find information on the terms and conditions for having one or more sections of your test rescored.
Is my certificate recognized by foreign universities?
Language proficiency certificates can be used for academic and professional purposes abroad. However, each university has its own requirements regarding the accepted certificates. Therefore, we recommend contacting the foreign universities you are interested in directly to inquire about the English language certificates they accept, as well as any potential time limitations regarding their validity.
How do I sign up for Orfeas?
If you are an individual candidate:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website.
- Navigate to “Sign In”.
- Then select “Register” and fill in your personal information.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- Click on the link and fill in your username and password. Finally, select “Sign In” to complete the registration process.
If you are a teacher or a Foreign Language School owner:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website and complete the form with your personal and/or business information, and upload the required documents.*
Please note: You will be asked to provide an email address to register for Orfeas. This address, as well as the optional secondary email address should not have been used previously to create an Orfeas account or register as an individual candidate.
- Select “Save”.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- We will process your request, and e-mail you with a temporary password for first-time access. After that, you will be asked to change your password.
*Acceptable documents (max 5 MB):
For teachers (one of the following):
- Proficiency in English certificate
- Degree from a foreign university with English as the language of instruction
- English Language and/or Literature degree
- Renewal of teaching license
- Certificate of commencement of teaching profession
- CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- English Literature document of final year studies
For Foreign Language Schools (one of the following):
- Business registry details from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ)
- Certificate of commencement of activity for individual entrepreneurs
- Certificate from the General Commercial Registry (ΓΕΜΗ)
- Company stamp
- Certification from the Organization for Certification of Qualifications & Professional Orientation (ΕΟΠΠΕΠ)
Please note that this step is required to register yourself or your students for your chosen exams at a later time.
How can I order your books?
You can place your order in the following ways:
- Completing an order form through the online store of our educational publications.
- Sending an e-mail to publications@hau.gr or calling +302103680920. Be sure to include your full name, address, Hellenic American Union collaboration number, and email address (if you have called to place your order).
Please note: Orders over €20.00 are sent free of charge; otherwise, a delivery fee of €5.00 applies.
Is my certificate recognized by the Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection (ΑΣΕΠ)?
The B1 to C2 level English language proficiency certificates issued by the Hellenic American Union are officially recognized in Greece by both the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection - ΑΣΕΠ) and the private sector.
How do I pay the examination fee?
To pay the examination fee, you must first complete the registration and application for your chosen exam.
Available payment options:
- Credit Card
- IRIS
- Reference Code
To make a payment using the Reference Code, please follow these steps:
- Use e-banking or phone banking through your bank.
- Select “HELLENIC AMERICAN UNION” in the “Payments” field.
- Select the fee amount specified in the confirmation email you received after registration.
Are there any accommodations made for candidates with disabilities or/and learning difficulties?
You can request special accommodations when you register the candidate on Orfeas.
You will need to provide the medical documentation that describes the candidate’s disability or/and learning difficulty; this must be issued by a qualified medical professional.
If the documents are not in English, you must arrange to have them translated into English, and the translation notarized (e.g., by a lawyer or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service). Either the original certified translation or its certified copy can be submitted. We can assist you by translating and notarizing the documents if needed. Please note that a processing fee will be charged for administrative expenses.
For more information on the types of accommodations, required documentation, and the application process, please visit our Nonstandard Test Accommodations page.
I have lost my certificate. Can I have it reissued?
Lost certificates cannot be reissued if more than twenty-four (24) months have passed since the exam date. However, the Hellenic American Union can provide you with a document certifying the loss of your certificate. A fee to cover administrative costs is charged for this service.
If you need to have your certificate reissued or a certification of loss issued, or if you need more information on lost or damaged certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.
How can I register for the certificate exams of my choice?
For Foreign Language Schools owners and teachers:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, select the “Applications/Registrations” section. You will be automatically redirected to the “My Students” tab.
- If this is your first time registering a student, select “New Student”, fill in their personal details (using all Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on their ID or passport), and click “Save”. If the student has already been registered, you can find them in your student list.
- Select the checkbox next to the candidate’s name (or select multiple boxes if you wish to register multiple candidates for the same exam). Then, click “Register Students”.
- When the pop-up window appears, follow the on-screen instructions. Click “Submit”, and you will be automatically directed to the “My Exams” tab.
- You will see the new group of students for registration. Click “Pay & Submit” to choose your payment method and to finalize your application.
For Individual Candidates:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, go to the “Registration” section.
- Enter your personal details using Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on your ID or passport.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Save”.
- You will be automatically redirected to “My Exams”. Select “New Application” from the top right.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, and click on “Submit” to review your application, and click “Pay & Submit” to complete the process.
Can I delete my application or my student’s application?
According to exam regulation 4.12., the examination fees paid are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you notice any mistakes in your application and need to correct them, please contact us via email at exams@hau.gr or by phone at +30 2103680000.
How do I access my exam schedule or that of my students’?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
To view your students’ exam schedules, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Choose the exam group (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window to download your students’ schedules.
For individual candidates:
To view your schedule, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Applications”.
- Choose the application of your choice (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window and select “Download Schedule” to download your schedule.
What should I bring with me on the day of the exams?
On the day of the exam, you must:
- Bring a valid national identity card, passport, driver’s license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority. If you do not have one of these documents, you will not be allowed to enter the examination room.
- Bring a watch (except for Cambridge English exams), a soft pencil (#2) or a pen (for the Writing section if taking a Cambridge exam at B1 level or above) and an eraser.
- Arrive at the test center at least thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled exam time.
On the day of the exam, you must not:
- Bring your mobile phone or any other electronic devices (smartwatches, portable media players, etc.).
- Bring books, notes, or other educational materials.
For more details, visit Exam Guidelines.
What should I do if I miss my scheduled Speaking test?
If you miss your scheduled Speaking test, please contact the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications as soon as possible:
- Athens: +30 210 368 0000 (9:00-19:00), exams@hau.gr
- Thessaloniki: +30 2310 557 600 (9:00-17:00), thessaloniki@hau.gr
How can I stay updated on the status of my application?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
Once you complete the application process for your students, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and the students’ schedules on Orfeas.
For individual candidates:
Once you complete the application process, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and your schedule.
How do I receive my certificate?
- If you registered for the exam through a Language School or teacher, your certificate will be sent directly to them.
- If you were an individual candidate at a test center outside Athens, your certificate will be mailed to the address you provided during registration. No further action is required on your part.
If your address has changed since your registration, please complete and submit the relevant form to Certificates Application Form to certificates@hau.gr. - If you were an individual candidate at a test center in Athens:
- You can pick up your certificate in person by visiting our offices, from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, from the Results and Certifications Office (Massalias 22, 10680, Athens) and presenting your identity card, passport, driving license or an identity certificate (“tautoprosopia” with a stamped photo) from the official authority.
- Υou can receive your certificate via courier service free of charge by following the steps below:
- Download, complete, and sign the application form.
- Forward the completed application together with a copy of your identity card, passport or any other legal identification document (e.g., a driver’s license or identity certificate - “tautoprosopia” - containing a photograph stamped by a Public Authority), using one of the following ways:
- By mail: Didotou 15, 10680 Athens, or Fragkon 14, 54626, Thessaloniki
- By email: certificates@hau.gr
We will notify you by email once your certificate is ready for shipment.
For more information on the receipt and shipping of original certificates, please visit our Results and Certificates Services page.
How do I access my students’ or my results?
For Foreign Language School owners and teachers:
To access your students’ results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “Statistics/Results”.
- Use the filters to choose the year, examination name, and examination period.
- Click “View” to view the results.
For individual candidates:
To access your results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Select your application (e.g., ECPE May 2023).
- Click on “Scores” in the pop-up window, and select “Download Score report” to download your detailed score report.
Note: If you wish to view your results but you did not register as an individual candidate, but rather through your teacher or Foreign Language School, you must register as a new user in the Orfeas system after 2:00 PM on the following day of the announcement of the results. Then, select “Exam Results” from the menu and, by filling in the required fields, you will have access to your results.
How do I apply for rescoring?
The exams administered by the Hellenic American Union are scored by the test developers under strict quality control conditions. These measures ensure the accuracy and validity of the results.
However, you can arrange to have your exam rescored, if you wish, for a fee and within the timeframe set by the test developer. To do so, fill out the rescoring request form (which becomes available the day of the results announcement) which we will send to the examination body. You will receive the result of the rescoring by mail.
For more information, visit the Rescoring page.
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