Overview

The Cambridge C2 Proficiency, commonly known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), is an internationally recognized English language qualification that demonstrates mastery of English at an exceptional level approaching that of an educated native speaker.

It certifies that a student can use English with sophistication, nuance, and precision in even the most demanding academic and professional contexts. This prestigious certificate is widely accepted by universities, employers, and government bodies worldwide as proof of near-native English proficiency.

Who Is the CPE-C2 For?

Academic Excellence Seekers

PhD candidates and researchers publishing in prestigious international journals

Students applying to elite universities like Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, and Stanford

Applicants for competitive scholarships requiring exceptional English proficiency

Those pursuing specialized degrees in linguistics, literature, international law, and translation studies

Academics preparing to lecture or conduct research at English-speaking institutions

lite Professionals

C-suite executives working in multinational environments

International lawyers handling complex cross-border cases

Senior diplomats and international relations specialists

Professional writers, editors, and publishers working with English texts

High-level interpreters and translators working with specialized or technical content

Senior positions in international organizations (UN, EU, WHO, etc.)

Advanced International Applicants

Individuals applying for specialized immigration programs targeting exceptional talents

Professionals seeking positions at international tribunals or courts

Applicants for prestigious international fellowships and residencies

People seeking citizenship in countries with stringent language requirements

Language Perfectionists

C1 certificate holders aiming to reach the pinnacle of language certification

Language teachers and trainers establishing their expert credentials

Bilingual professionals aiming to document their English mastery

Individuals seeking personal satisfaction in achieving the highest level of language proficiency

Language enthusiasts who enjoy the intellectual challenge of mastering English at its most sophisticated level

Exam Structure and Format

The C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam comprehensively assesses a candidate’s mastery of English at the highest level. The exam is divided into four sections:

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)

This challenging section tests your ability to understand complex, abstract, and nuanced texts, and demonstrates your sophisticated command of English grammar and vocabulary. There are seven parts with demanding tasks, including multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, key word transformations, and cross-text multiple matching.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

This section assesses your ability to write with precision, subtlety, and stylistic awareness. You must complete two writing tasks:

Task 1: Write an essay based on two texts, requiring synthesis, evaluation, and critical analysis.
Task 2: Choose one out of four questions to write an article, letter/email, report, or review that demonstrates sophisticated language use and organization.

Listening (about 40 minutes)

The listening test consists of four parts designed to evaluate your ability to understand nuanced and implicit spoken English. You will listen to complex recordings such as academic lectures, debates, interviews with specialists, and authentic conversations, and answer questions that test both detailed and inferential comprehension.

Speaking (16 minutes per pair of candidates)

This section involves a sophisticated face-to-face interview with an examiner and one or two other candidates. It includes three parts:

Part 1: Interview (conversation about your background, interests, and opinions on varied topics).
Part 2: Collaborative task (working together with your partner to discuss and evaluate written material, negotiate, and reach decisions).
Part 3: Long turn and discussion (developing an in-depth response to a written prompt followed by a broader conversation with the examiner and your partner about related themes and abstract concepts).

Scoring and Results

Scoring System: The C2 Proficiency (CPE) uses the Cambridge English Scale, with scores ranging from 180 to 230. To pass, you need to achieve a score of at least 200. The exam is graded across the four sections, with each section contributing to your overall score.

Grade A (220-230)

Indicates exceptional performance at the C2 level.

Grade B (213-219)

Reflects excellent performance at the C2 level.

Grade C (200-212)

Indicates good performance at the C2 level.

Level C1 (180-199)

Does not receive a C2 Proficiency certificate but may receive a certificate for C1 level.

Results and Certificate: Results are usually available online 2-3 weeks after the computer-based exam or 4-6 weeks after the paper-based exam. Certificates are sent out shortly after results are released.

Registration and Fees

How to Register: Register online through an authorized Cambridge exam center.
Exam Dates: Exams are typically held throughout the year. Check the Cambridge English website.
Locations: Exams can be taken at various authorized test centers worldwide. Find your nearest center on the Cambridge English website.
Exam Fees: The cost of the C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam varies depending on the location and test centre but typically ranges between $190 and $315, reflecting its status as the highest-level Cambridge qualification.

exam centres in Bulgaria:

avo.bg
britanica-edu.org
britishcouncil.bg

FAQs

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