ECPE

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Level:

Language:

English

Frequency:

Twice a Year

The Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) is a standardized, 4-skill English test at the high-advanced level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR C2). It is a secure exam developed by Michigan Language Assessment and administered by authorized test centers worldwide.

The Certificate of Proficiency (ECPE) constitutes an official certification of knowledge of the English language at the C2 level, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is awarded by Michigan Language Assessment, a joint venture between Cambridge Assessment English and the University of Michigan. The University of Michigan is one of the leading U.S. Universities in the field of linguistic research and has lengthy experience in establishing and developing a broad range of English language examinations. The ECPE is recognized in several countries as official proof of advanced proficiency in the English language and can be used for academic and professional purposes. An ECPE certificate is valid for life. The ECPE is officially recognized in Greece by the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) and the private sector as a C2 level certification of English language competence.

In 1957, the Michigan Language Assessment designated the Hellenic American Union as the official representative in Greece for the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Since then, the Hellenic American Union has been administering the examination not only in Greece but also in many other countries.

WRITING

From a choice of two options—an article/proposal or an essay— test takers write one response considering and presenting multiple points of view. For the article/ proposal, a situation and a purpose for writing is briefly described, followed by instructions on what to write. For the essay, a topic is briefly set up, followed by instructions on what to write. Three sources in the form of simple charts, graphs, figures, and quotations are provided, at least one of which should be incorporated into the test taker’s response.

Length requirement: about 2 A4 pages. There is a designated area for note-taking in the test booklet. Candidates must use pencil in this section.

Writing section duration: 45 minutes

Required task: 1

This section is scored at Michigan Language Assessment.

LISTENING (50 items)

Part 1 (20 items): Each item consists of a short recorded conversation followed by a question. The question is printed in the booklet. There are four answer options for each item.

Part 1 is heard once.

Part 2 (18 items): It consists of three short talks -each of which delivered by a single speaker- followed by six questions each. The questions are printed in the booklet. Test takers are given preparation time before they hear each talk. There are four answer options for each item. Test takers can take notes in the test booklet

Part 2 is heard once.

Part 3 (12 items): It consists of two recorded radio program segments followed by six comprehension questions each. The questions are printed in the booklet. Test takers are given preparation time before they hear each talk.There are three answer options for each item. Test takers can take notes in the test booklet.

Part 3 is heard twice.

Listening section duration: 50 min.

Candidates must write their answers on the answer sheet provided using pencil. Extra time to transfer answers from the test booklet onto the answer sheet is not given. This section is scored Michigan Language Assessment.

READING (70 items)

Grammar (16 items): Each item consists of a sentence with a deletion followed by choices of words or phrases to complete it. There are four answer options for each item. Only one choice is grammatically correct.

Cloze (20 items): Two passages with ten deletions each are followed by choices of words or phrases to complete the text. There are four answer options for each item. Test takers must choose the option that best fills each blank in terms of grammar and meaning.

Vocabulary (16 items): Each item consists of a sentence with a deletion followed by choices of words or phrases to complete it. There are four answer options for each item. Only one word has the correct meaning in that context.

Reading (18 items): Each set consists of a reading passage followed by six comprehension questions. There are four answer options for each item.

Reading section (GCVR) duration: 55 min.

SPEAKING

The ECPE Speaking Section lets test takers demonstrate their ability to perform various tasks during its five stages. In the first stages (1-3), test takers using informal register, ask and answer questions, orally explain and paraphrase from written sources provided, make recommendations, negotiate a decision and reach a consensus. Later on, in the final stages (4-5), they switch into more formal register, present a position or decision and justify it. The five stages of the proficiency test build on each other. As the test progresses, the linguistic and interactional demands become increasingly more challenging.

Duration:

25-35 minutes (2 examiners – 2 test takers)
35-45 minutes (2 examiners – 3 test takers)

Test format: 2 examiners - 2 or 3 candidates (candidates are assessed separately and individually).

General

The three first parts (Writing, Listening, and GCVR) comprise the written section of the examination and they are all administered on the same day. The fourth part, the Speaking Test, is administered before or after or even at the same day of the written examination.

Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.

You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.

The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.

Nonstandard Test Accommodations

Listening & GCVR
How	By computer and the application of specialized software, using an advanced mathematical model based on Item Response Theory (IRT). The model used to produce IRT scores ensures that the ability required to pass a section or to receive a high score, remains the same from year to year.
Where	The United States of America
By whom	The University of Michigan (U-M).
Writing
How	By two independent raters, using scales and procedures established by the U-M. In the case of significant difference between the scores of the two raters, a third rater is called to determine the final score. The final raw score is the total of rater’s independent scores. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score.
Where	The United States of America
By whom	Raters trained and certified according to U-M standards.
Speaking
How	By two independent speaking examiners, using scales and procedures established by the U-M. The final raw score is the total of both examiner’s independent scores. The raw score is then converted to a scaled score.
Where	During the test, by local speaking examiners. The final scaled score is determined by the U-M in the United States of America.
By whom	Trained speaking examiners, certified directly by U-M. Each candidate’s performance is assessed by two examiners.

Assessment principles of the ECPE:

All ECPE section scores are reported in the following five band scores and corresponding scaled numeric scores:

Band score	Scaled numeric score
Honors (H)	840-1000
Pass (P)	750-835
Low Pass (LP)	650-745
Borderline Fail (BF)	610-645
Fail (F)	0-605

Candidates whose average score for all four sections is equal to 650 or higher are awarded an ECPE certificate.
Candidates whose score in all four sections is equal to 840 or higher are awarded an ECPE certificate with Honors.
Candidates whose average score for all four sections is below 650 are not awarded an ECPE certificate.
Candidates who have been absent from one or more sections are not awarded an ECPE certificate. Any passing score they may have received for whichever section they were not absent from does not affect the final result.
The University of Michigan allows candidates with disabilities to request special examination accommodations or modifications.

Learn more

Visit MLA website

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How can I apply?

Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.

Nonstandard Test Accommodations

What if I have a question about the procedure?

If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 7 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.

Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?

Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.

The results for the May 2024 ECPE are available on Orfeas.