C2 Proficiency Exam – what is it for and why is it worth having?
Do you dream of studying at an English-speaking university and working in an international business environment? The C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam will help you to make these dreams come true! In this article, you will learn what the exam looks like as well as the benefits of completing it.
The prestigious Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam from the group of Cambridge exams is now more commonly known as C2 Proficiency. The name change has been made to better reflect the levels of the European System for the Description of Languages Education (CEFR). Completion of the C2 Proficiency certificate shows that you have mastered the English language at an exceptionally high level, similar to that of native speakers. It proves that you are able to communicate fluently in demanding situations in academia and at work.
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Preparation for the C2 Proficiency exam in choices® >>
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Why is it worth obtaining the C2 Proficiency certificate?
The C2 Proficiency certificate is the best way to certify your complete command of the English language. It allows you to undertake postgraduate or doctoral studies at English-speaking universities as it is accepted by the most prominent universities and educational institutions around the world. In addition, it may also exempt your from mandatory English language courses during your studies in Poland, as well as final exams (including the English matriculation examination). The certificate is a express pass to be able to work in an international business environment, also making it easier to find a better job or get promoted. In addition, it is accepted by government institutions as a confirmation of the language qualifications of Polish civil servants, ministry employees, tour leaders and tourist guides. Importantly, the C2 Proficiency certificate is valid indefinitely, so there is no need to renew it.
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Structure of the C2 Proficiency exam
The C2 Proficiency examination may be taken traditionally, on paper, or in computerized form. In both cases, it consists of four parts and lasts approximately four hours in total. During the first session, the exam includes listening, writing, and reading comprehension combined with grammar and a lexical test (reading and use of English). The next session, speaking, may take place at a different time, depending on the examination centre.
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- Reading and Use of English consists of seven tasks that test the candidate’s ability to use linguistic structures as well as their reading skills and comprehension using various types of literary works, magazines, newspapers and textbooks.
In this part of the exam, the candidate has approximately 3,000 words to read. You can be expected to:
- Supplement or fill in an appropriate word in the text.
- Rework a sentence.
- Fill in multiple-choice questions based on the text.
- Match deleted sections to the available text.
- Complete tasks which indicate where an element or a statement occurs in the text.
- Writing consists of two parts that test your ability to write in English. The first section is made up of two short texts where the candidate is asked to write an essay summarizing the arguments contained in both texts and express their own opinion about them (240 to 280 words). In the second part, you should write a longer article, essay, letter, report or review (from 280 to 320 words) to one of the five questions.
- Listening verifies the candidate’s ability to understand a variety of spoken texts in English, e.g. lectures, speeches, radio broadcasts and interviews. The candidate must listen carefully and properly understand the statements, as they are recorded in different accents and speaking styles – each recording is played twice. In this part, you can expect multiple-choice questions, fill in the black questions based on the recording, or matching the speakers with their opinion.
- Speaking consists of three parts that test the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in direct conversation with another candidate and the examiner.
During the first part of the oral exam, there is a short (2-minute) exchange of opinions with the examiner – candidates take turns to answer the questions asked. Then, after a short introductory conversation, the candidates perform the task together and discuss the photos that are shown to them. During the last part of the exam, each candidate expresses him/herself for two minutes in response to the question asked and comments on his partner’s statement. At the very end, there is a short (6-minute) summary discussion between the examiner and the candidates.
The cost of taking the traditional form of the C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam is £180.
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C2 Proficiency exam grading system
Exam results are presented on the Cambridge English point scale. In order to obtain the C2 Proficiency (CPE) certificate, it is necessary to gain between 200 and 230 points during the exam. On the other hand, candidates who achieve a lower result from 180 to 199 points receive the C1 Advanced (CAE) certificate that confirms their English language skills at a C1 level.
Cambridge English point scale:
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Candidates with less than 180 points only receive a statement of results.
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Pass your C2 Proficiency exam with choices®!
We encourage you to take part in our C2 Proficiency exam preparation course if you are interested in obtaining a certificate confirming your knowledge of English at the highest level of advancement. Our course focuses both on improving language skills and mastering the most effective strategies for solving examination tasks. Remember, proper preparation for you exam is your key to success!
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Paulina Talaga
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