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C2 Proficiency

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The Certificate of Proficiency in English or CPE (as it is usually referred to) is the most advanced general English exam provided by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The English level of those who have passed the CPE is supposed to be similar to that of a fairly educated native speaker of English. This certificate ranks the highest among the other general Cambridge certificates (CAE, FCE).

Examination parts

The exam comprises five parts/components:

  • Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes)

The Reading paper assesses the ability of the candidates to read and understand texts taken from a wide range of sources, including fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. They are expected to understand the meaning of written English at word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and whole text level. It includes understanding of text content, organisation and structure, and the development of ideas, opinions and attitudes.

  • Writing (2 hours)

The Writing paper assesses the ability to write non-specialised texts types such as letters, articles, reports and reviews for a given purpose and target reader, covering a wide range of topics. The paper also includes questions on set texts. Responses are of 300–350 words in length.

  • Use of English (1 hour and 30 minutes)

In the Use of English paper, candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and control of the language system by completing various tasks at word, sentence and text level. These include gap-filling and word formation exercises, comprehension questions and a summary writing task.

  • Listening (approx. 40 minutes)

The Listening paper assesses the ability to listen to and understand texts taken from a variety of text types including interviews, discussions, lectures and conversations. It tests the ability to understand the meaning of spoken English, to extract information from a spoken text and to understand speakers' attitudes and opinions.

  • Speaking (approx. 19 minutes)

The Speaking Test assesses the ability to interact in conversational English in a range of contexts. The paper contains three parts, which take the form of an interview section, a collaborative task and individual long turns with follow-up discussion. Candidates are provided with picture and written stimuli and they normally take the Speaking Test in pairs. In case a candidate doesn't have a partner, they are to join another pair and take speaking part in a group of three or, alternatively, take it with another unpaired candidate.

Results and Grading

Each component carries 20% of the total marks. There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for CPE.

Exam scripts are sent to Cambridge ESOL for marking and grading and the results are sent back to the centres.

Once awarded, Cambridge ESOL CPE certificates are valid for life. Currently, only a paper-based version of the exam is available, but from 2013 a computer-based form of examination will be introduced. [1]

New version from 2013

From 2013, the exam switches to a new version consisting of the following four parts, each of which carries 25% of the total marks. [2]

  • Reading (1 hour and 30 minutes)
  • Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)
  • Listening (approx. 40 minutes)
  • Speaking (approx. 16 minutes)

Purpose

The CPE can be used by those who want to work or study abroad, or to develop a career which requires language skills (e.g., business, medicine, engineering & TESOL etc.). The CPE is recognised by many universities and employers throughout the world, and hence it serves as objective evidence of a person's English skills.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

In the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CPE is ranked at the C2 level. Like all the other Cambridge exams, once the candidate has passed the exam this qualification never expires. It is considered to be very valuable for professional purposes, since a large number of companies and employers use it as an indicator of the would-be employee's English skills.

See also

References

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