The Cambridge English: C2 Proficiency (CPE) – formerly known as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English – qualification shows that you have mastered English to an exceptional level and can use it fluently in demanding research, academic and professional situations. This is the highest Cambridge English qualification.
Level of qualification
C2 Proficient on the Common European Framework
Who should take this exam?
You should take the C2 Proficiency (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 exam. You will complete the Reading and Use of English, Writing, and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate. The exam is available in Greece in both paper-based and computer-based format.
| Reading and Use of English |
Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
1 hour 30 minutes |
40 minutes | 16 minutes per pair of candidates |
| Marks (% of total) |
40% | 20% | 20% | 20% |