CPE
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the CPE exam represents the highest possible level of English proficiency. At this level a candidate should understand various texts with ease; be able to convey the core meaning of information from both written and spoken sources; and argue their point of view persuasively.
If you want to work or study abroad, or dream of a career at an international company or organisation, CPE will help you reach your goal. The CPE certificate demonstrates English proficiency sufficient for admission to master's and doctoral programmes at British universities.
The main benefit of the CPE exam is, of course, that the certificate is recognised by many institutions worldwide. Taking the exam also lets you assess your strengths and weaknesses and helps build your confidence
On the international scale the CPE exam level is C2 (Advanced). Taking the exam requires advanced English knowledge, the ability to understand linguistically challenging texts, including their implied meaning, and to communicate with ease, express opinions and discuss complex topics, using a range of language resources effectively.
| CPE | Reading and Use of English | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 h 30 min | 1 h 30 min | 40 min | 16 min |
| Weighting % | 40% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
- Reading and Use of English lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of 7 parts and 35 questions. Tasks include word-building, filling gaps in a text, sentence transformation; filling gaps with no answer options, and matching questions to sections of text or to individual short texts.
- Writing lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of 2 parts. The writing section includes 2 tasks: the first task - writing an article, essay, letter or proposal of 240-280 words; the second task - a choice of article, essay, letter, review or report of 280-320 words. The second part includes a task requiring prior reading of so-called "set text options" books. This essay must reflect details of the book the candidate has read beforehand: e.g. character names, plot, etc. The book list is the same for all countries and changes every two years. From January 2014 to December 2014, the following texts could be used: E.M. Forster: Howards End, or Nick Hornby: An Education (screenplay, and Lone Scherfig's 2009 film).
- Listening lasts 40 minutes and consists of 4 parts and 30 questions. Possible tasks: multiple choice, sentence completion, matching against options, etc.
- Speaking lasts 16 minutes (paired with another candidate) and consists of 3 parts. At the start of the speaking section, the examiner talks with one of the candidates, then invites both candidates to discuss a task; at the end of one candidate's monologue, the other candidate gives their opinion, and the examiner asks questions.
Each part of the exam counts for 20% of the total score. Candidates who pass receive the following grades:
- A - level C2
- B - level C2
- C - level C2
- CEFR Level C1
Results can be checked online.
More information: CPE website.