CPE

The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2 Proficiency) is the highest level of the Cambridge exams in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). C2 Proficiency is for learners who have achieved a high level of language skills and are able to function effectively in almost any English-speaking context.

Successful candidates at this level are approaching a standard of English similar to that of an educated native speaker. C2 Proficiency is an invaluable qualification for anyone who wants to work or study abroad, or to develop a career which requires language skills, including business, medicine, engineering and many other professions. C2 Proficiency certificates are recognised by institutions of higher education in many countries - including almost all universities in the United Kingdom and a rapidly growing number in the USA. Employers throughout the world also recognize C2 Proficiency. Studying for C2 Proficiency helps learners to improve their language skills and to learn to use them in a wide range of contexts. Because many aspects of the exams are based on realistic tasks, gaining the C2 Proficiency certificate demonstrates that learners have progressed beyond a good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar to actually using the language.

Level of qualification: Proficient = C2 on the Common European Framework.

Who should take this exam?

You should take the CPE if you want to prove to employers that you can use English at a senior management level, or if you want to study at postgraduate or PhD level at an English-speaking university.

To take the exam you should be able to:

• understand almost everything you hear or read in English
• use and understand formal, academic and colloquial language
• negotiate, argue and discuss the subtle issues of complex subjects.

How does the exam process work?

There are four parts to the CPE exam. You will complete papers Reading & Use of English, Writing and Listening on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the speaking with two examiners and one other candidate.