C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Results:

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Level:

Language:

English

Frequency:

Multiple exam administrations

Good to Know:

ASEP Correlation:

C2 level - Excellent knowledge

Units:

Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking

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C2 Proficiency (CPE) is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the highest level of the CEFR (C2 level). It is made up of five parts and designed to prove that students have mastered English to an exceptional level. C2 Proficiency (CPE) is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.

C2 Proficiency (CPE), also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is a high-level qualification that is officially recognized by universities, employers and governments around the world. Since its introduction in 1913, the test has undergone several revisions, most recently in 2002. These changes, which were based on the results of extensive research in English-language testing, have enabled the test to keep pace with changes in language teaching and testing while ensuring that the test remain reliable, relevant and candidate-friendly.

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is targeted at Level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. Candidates can choose to take C2 Proficiency (CPE) as either a paper-based or a computer-based exam.

It is aimed at learners who have achieved an extremely high level of skill in the English language and want to:

study demanding subjects at the highest levels including postgraduate and PhD programs
actively engage in academic life by participating confidently in tutorials and seminars
lead on complex and challenging research projects
negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is recognized by the private sector. It is also officially recognized in Greece by the state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:

Level of recognition	Overall score
C2	200-230
C1	180-199

C2 Proficiency (CPE) is accepted by thousands of organizations, employers and governments around the world as a reliable, accurate and fair test of English.

PAPER 1: READING AND USE OF ENGLISH

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 7 parts

(Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil)

Number of questions: 53 questions in total

Part 1 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; mainly lexical) One short gapped text with eight multiple-choice questions. Candidates must choose one word or phrase from a set of four to fill each gap.

Part 2 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; mainly grammatical) One modified open close of a text with eight gaps. Candidates have to identify the right single word which best fits each gap.

Part 3 (8 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Use of English component; affixation) One short text with eight gaps, each of which corresponds to a word. The stems of the missing words are given beside the text and candidates have to change them to form the missing words.

Part 4 (6 questions - up to 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Use of English component) Six discrete items with a ‘lead-in’ sentence followed by a key word and a response sentence with a gap. Using the key word, candidates have to complete the response sentence in 3–8 words so that it means the same as the ‘lead-in’ sentence.

Part 5 (6 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One long text (700-750 words) with six four-option multiple-choice comprehension questions.

Part 6 (7 questions - 2 marks for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One gapped text from which paragraphs have been removed and placed in jumbled order after the text. Candidates must decide from where in the text the paragraphs have been removed.

Part 7 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

(Reading component) One long text (or several short texts) followed by multiple-matching questions. Candidates must match a prompt to elements in the text.

PAPER 2: WRITING

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Number of parts: 2 parts

(Candidates write their answers in the answer booklet using pen)

Question 1

Candidates are required to write an essay summarizing and evaluating the key ideas contained in two texts of approximately 100 words each.

1 task (240-280 words)

Questions 2-5

Candidates choose one of four contextualized writing tasks. For questions 2-5, candidates may have to write an article, letter, report or review (280-320 words). From January 2024, optional set text questions are removed.

PAPER 3: LISTENING

Duration: about 40 minutes, including 5 minutes’ transfer time

Number of parts: 4 parts

(Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil)

Number of questions: 30 questions

Part 1 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

Three short, unrelated recording lasting approximately 1 minute each, consisting of either monologues or exchanges between interacting speakers. Candidates have to listen to the recordings and answer two multiple-choice questions for each recording. Each question has three options (A, B or C).

Part 2 (9 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)

A monologue lasting 3–4 minutes. The questions are a series of incomplete sentences. Candidates have to listen to the recording and identify the information needed (single words or noun groups) to fill each gap.

Part 3 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

A recording involving interacting speakers lasting 3–4 minutes. Candidates have to listen to the recording and answer a series of multiple-choice questions, each with four options.

Part 4 (10 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)

Five short themed monologues, of approximately 35 seconds each. There are two multiple-matching tasks, each requiring selection of the five correct options from a list of eight.

PAPER 4: SPEAKING

Duration: 16 minutes per pair of candidates

Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates

Number of parts: 3 parts

Part 1

A conversation between the interlocutor and each candidate (spoken questions).

Part 2

A two-way conversation between the candidates. The candidates are given instructions with written and visual stimuli, which are used in a decision-making task.

Part 3

An individual “long turn” from each candidate followed by a discussion on topics related to the long turns. Each candidate in turn is given a written question to respond to. The interlocutor leads a discussion to explore further the topics of the long turns.

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.

C2 Proficiency results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Although the parts are 4, candidates will receive 5 scores on their Statement of Results (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking) which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These five scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

For C2 Proficiency, the following scores will be used to report results:

Cambridge English Scale Score	Grade	CEFR level
220-230	Grade A	C2
213–219	Grade B	C2
200–212	Grade C	C2
180–199	Level C1	C1

Scores between 162 and 179 are also reported for C2 Proficiency. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 162 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.

The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.

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.

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.

Cambridge English Rescoring Procedure

Candidates who wish to have their exam rescored may do so at a fee, as follows:

Stage 1

1. Candidates submit the appropriate Rescoring Request Form requesting a full clerical re-check of all papers of the examination they participated in.

2. Requests are sent by the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications to Cambridge Assessment English.

3. Candidates receive by e-mail the result upon completion of the clerical re-check procedure.

Stage 2

4. In the case that their results do not change after the full clerical re-check, candidates may submit the appropriate Rescoring Request Form requesting a re-mark of papers.

5. Requests are sent by the Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications to Cambridge Assessment English.

6. Candidates receive by e-mail the rescoring result upon completion of the rescoring procedure.

Please note the following:

Dates of submission of Rescoring Request Forms vary for each examinations administration period. After these dates, no rescore requests are accepted.
Candidates wishing to request Stage 2 rescoring (re-mark of papers) must have completed and received their results for Stage 1 (clerical re-check), before requesting Stage 2 rescoring.
Stage 2 rescoring (re-mark of papers) includes a review of the listening paper where available but does not apply to any speaking test component.
Any scores resulting after rescoring at Stage 2 are final and irrevocable.
In the case that a rescoring request leads to a change of result, rescore fees will be refunded.