The CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency Examination), also known as Cambridge C2 English, is the highest level English standardized test administered by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Candidates who pass this test have demonstrated that they have a near-native level of English fluency. They can communicate at the level required in a very senior academic environment. This test is used by many postgraduate and doctoral programs in the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world, as a filter to check the language proficiency of students from non-English speaking nations.
The Cambridge C2 examination has four sections that collectively test the candidate’s ability to understand complex English passages, make crucial grammar and spelling decisions, speak persuasively in high level discussions, and listen while processing information in real time. There is a mixture of multiple choice and long form questions, and the entire examination takes approximately four hours to complete. This test is offered only in the offline mode.
| Exam Name | CPE (Cambridge English Proficiency Examination) |
| Governing Organization | Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| Official Website | https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/ |
| Registration Date | (for exam date 30 November 2023) 23 November 2023 |
| Registration Fee | INR 7,125 |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (both pen & paper and computer-based) |
| Accepted in | Postgraduate programs in leading Universities worldwide |
| Exam Frequency | 7 times per year |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 56 minutes |
| Total Questions | 88 |
In order to register for the CPE Examination, candidates must locate the nearest test center and contact the authorities at the location, in order to understand the exact application procedure. Some test centers have mandatory offline application processes, while others allow online and offline registration.
In this method, candidates must visit the center and fill up a physical application form, while paying the registration fee via any one of the allowed methods.
There are no specific eligibility criteria that restrict certain candidates from attempting the Cambridge C2 examination. Most test takers are in their 20s, and applying for either Postgraduate degrees or employment opportunities abroad. No candidates will be disqualified based on age, gender, or nationality.
The structure of the CPE exam is similar to that of the CAE test, with four sections that last for a total of approximately four hours.
| Sections | Time (Minutes) | Questions/Tasks |
| Reading and Use of English | 90 | 53 |
| Writing | 90 | 2 |
| Listening | 40 | 30 |
| Speaking | 16 | 3 |
| Total | 236 | 88 |
Unlike in the CAE, the CPE Speaking Test usually has two candidates (rather than three in some cases of the C1 Exam), and the total exam time does not normally vary for any two test takers.
The syllabus of the CPE examination is similar to that of CAE. However, the level of questions is slightly higher, and the amount of preparation required is correspondingly more.
The CPE Reading Section is based on seven main pieces of writing, with approximately eight multiple choice questions based on each. The passages are similar to reading comprehension paragraphs in other English standardized tests; however, the level is far higher in the CPE. Candidates may expect questions related to grammatical improvements, style corrections, logical interpretations, and overall themes. The best way to improve one’s score in this section is to work out at least 5 sample tests within the 90 minutes allotted, taking care to have them evaluated by an expert and seek feedback on potential improvements.
The CPE Writing Section has two major tasks, with a total time of 1.5 hours. The tasks may require candidates to write long-form content e.g. essays, reviews, and informative reports. It is important for candidates to read the questions carefully; submitting a piece of writing in a different format than the one specified will lead to a lower score, as there are specific style requirements for each type of descriptive writing. To perform well in this section, test takers should ensure that they read editorials and scholarly essays, in order to internalize habits of engaging and logical writing. Several Artificial Intelligence tools online can be used to grade one’s CPE practice essays.
The Listening Section of the CPE tests the candidate’s ability to follow and analyze different formats of spoken English passages, including speeches, lectures, and broadcasts. These are usually in formal English, and there are two major challenges: following the high level vocabulary used, and keeping up with the logical flow of each sentence. Candidates should make notes during the 4 main passages; there are 7-8 questions to be answered based on each. In order to improve their score in this section, test takers can take up regular listening habits like podcasts based on their areas of interest, and try to summarize the main themes of each episode immediately after listening to it. Working out sample questions is also a great way to boost one’s confidence.
The CPE Speaking Section is a test of the candidate’s ability to carry on a high level conversation with multiple senior stakeholders. Two test takers are part of each test group, along with two examiners, one of which speaks to the candidates, and the other observes their ability to communicate with each other. It is as important to give others space and listen as it is to speak; candidates will get high points if they are able to communicate respectfully, and make reasoned logical arguments, rather than monopolizing the flow of conversation. There are several common questions covered in the Speaking test, from basic candidate introductions to segments where test takers have to describe charts and situations. In rare cases, there may be three candidates in the Speaking group, with a total time of 24 minutes.
The Cambridge C2 dates given below are valid in most test centers worldwide; however, there may be some local variations. The exact dates must be verified with the exam venue at the time of registration for the CPE examination.
| CPE Test Date | Last Date for Registration | Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration |
| 30 November 2023 | 23 November 2023 | 28 November 2023 |
| 2 December 2023 | 25 November 2023 | 30 November 2023 |
| 2 March 2024 | 24 February 2024 | 29 February 2024 |
| 4 May 2024 | 27 April 2024 | 2 May 2024 |
| 18 May 2024 | 11 May 2024 | 16 May 2024 |
| 7 June 2024 | 31 May 2024 | 5 June 2024 |
| 8 June 2024 | 1 June 2024 | 6 June 2024 |
The test centers for the CPE examination are similar to those for the CAE and IELTS. The Cambridge English website allows candidates to search for a test center; most prominent countries, including India, have 2-3 exam venues in each major city.
Cambridge C2 (CPE) examination fees depend on the country and exam venue, and test takers should contact their nearest center in order to find the exact amount payable. There are additional fees if a candidate wishes to cancel their test appointment, or shift to a different date / venue.
| Service | CAE Exam Fees (INR) |
| Registration Fee | 7,125 |
| Refund / Transfer Fee (Within deadline) | 1,000 |
| Refund / Transfer Fee (After deadline) | 3,825 |
The Cambridge C2 examination is extremely challenging, and candidates should spend a few dedicated months to prepare for it. CPE test takers should first view the official Cambridge English preparation materials on their website; these can be downloaded and printed as per the requirement. These should be used between six and three months before the test, to revise the syllabus. There are also free printable and computer-based CPE sample tests available on the Cambridge English website. The computer-based test has one difference from the final exam: it does not provide an automatic scoring service, and candidates must check their scores manually using an answer key provided.
The Cambridge English YouTube channel also provides several helpful tips and tricks so that test takers know exactly what to expect on the day of the exam. Many candidates also choose to attend coaching classes to improve their speaking and writing skills.
Like the other Cambridge certificates of English, the CPE test certificate has no expiry date. Therefore, it is valid throughout a candidate's lifetime. However, it is recommended that test takers apply to an degree program or a job within two years of completing the CPE test, because there may be additional criteria applied by Universities which mandate that no test score should be more than 2/3 years old.
There is no negative marking in the CPE examination. There is no direct conversion of number of correct answers into the final score, but incorrect answers do not lead to a lower overall score. Therefore, test takers should attempt all questions.
The Listening Section of the CPE features passages in different English accents, so as to give a fair representation to international candidates. All passages will be read out slowly and distinctly, and test takers should have no trouble understanding the words used.
Even though there is no separate section devoted to spelling, it forms an important component of the Reading and Use of English paper, with incorrect spellings penalized. The Writing section also requires correct spelling and grammar; the overall score will go down if there are multiple spelling errors, even if the overall flow of the essay or article is coherent and logical. This is because spelling is an important component of professional success, and this is reflected in the examination.
The Cambridge C1 (CAE) exam requires candidates to have high proficiency in English to achieve a pass certificate, while the C2 (CPE) exam requires almost a native level of fluency. Therefore, CPE has more challenging questions, and even candidates who have English as their mother tongue may find several options confusing. The difference can easily be seen in the Sentence Correction and Cloze formats, where the C2 test has very high difficulty. In the Speaking section, CPE candidates will be judged according to a less forgiving scale, and small errors will lead to loss of marks.
A candidate cannot achieve a C2 certification by appearing for the C1 level test, as the questions for CPE and CAE are different. Though a test taker can score below the lowest acceptable C1 score and thereby be given a B2 certificate in the CAE, it is not possible to upgrade one's certificate to C2 level by performing exceptionally well in the CAE. The only route to the C2 certificate is the CPE examination.
