Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Exam overview

What's in the exam?

Proof of exceptional English ability

The Cambridge English: Proficiency exam uses real-life situations that are especially designed to help you communicate more effectively and learn the language skills you need to function at the very highest levels of professional and academic life.

Real-life language skills

Cambridge English: Proficiency is set at Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). C2 is the level of English needed to:

• study demanding subjects at the highest levels, including postgraduate and PhD programmes
• 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.

It shows that you have mastered English to an exceptional level.

For example, at C2 level you can expect to:

• understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
• understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex pieces of writing
• advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions
• write on any subject and take full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.

Preparing for Cambridge English: Proficiency will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

Globally accepted

Introduced in 1913, Cambridge English: Proficiency was the world’s first public English examination designed for speakers of other languages at this level. Employers, universities and government departments around the world have trusted and accepted Cambridge English: Proficiency for almost 100 years. Your certificate is proof of your ability to use English with fluency and sophistication at a level approaching that of a native speaker.

Reliable

Backed by the largest research programme of its kind, Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable reflection of your language skills.

Fair

Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of English and are designed to be fair to users of all nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.

A Cambridge English qualification

Once you have earned a Cambridge English certificate, you hold one of the most valuable English qualifications in the world.

Exam format

• Reading

  Available as a paper-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Reading paper?

  The Cambridge English: Proficiency Reading paper has different types of text and questions. In one part, you may have to read one long text or two or more shorter, related texts. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour 30 minutes
  Number of parts:	4
  Number of questions:	40
  Marks:	20% of total
  Lengths of texts:	2,475–3,350 words to read in total
  Texts may be from:	Books, non-specialist articles from journals, magazines and newspapers, promotional and informational materials (e.g. advertisements, guide books, manuals)

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  Parts 1–4

  Part 1 (Multiple-choice lexical cloze)

  What's in Part 1?	Three unrelated texts from a range of sources, each with six gaps. You must choose one word or phrase from a set of four (A, B, C or D) to fill each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	Idioms, collocations, fixed phrases, complementation, phrasal verbs, semantic precision.
  How many questions are there?	18
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Reading paper.

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  Part 2 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 2?	Four texts on the same theme from a range of sources. Each text is followed by two multiple-choice questions. You have to choose the correct answer from four options (A, B, C or D).
  What do I have to practise?	How to identify detail, opinion, attitude, tone, purpose, main idea, implication, text organisation features (exemplification, comparison, reference).
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks do I get?	Two marks for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Reading paper.

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  Part 3 (Gapped text)

  What's in Part 3?	A text from which some paragraphs have been removed and placed in jumbled order after the text. You have to identify the correct paragraph for each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	How to understand the structure, development, and global meaning of a text.
  How many questions are there?	7
  How many marks do I get?	Two marks for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Reading paper.

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  Part 4 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 4?	A long text followed by some multiple-choice questions, each with four options (A, B, C or D).
  What do I have to practise?	Identifying detail, opinion, attitude, tone, purpose, main idea, implication and how a text is organised.
  How many questions are there?	7
  How many marks do I get?	Two marks for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Reading paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts where given; they are there to help you.
  2. Read each text carefully before you answer the questions to get an overall impression and understanding of it. This includes Part 3, the gapped text task. (Parts 1 & 3)
  3. Remember, the missing word(s) may be forming part of an idiom, fixed phrase or collocation, so always check the words around the gap carefully. (Part 1)
  4. Remember, the missing word(s) must fit the context of the passage, so always check that the completed sentence makes sense in the passage as a whole. (Part 1)
  5. Read the questions carefully and check each option against the text before rejecting it. (Parts 2 & 4)
  6. Keep an overall idea of the development of the text. You will need to check that the extracts chosen to fit the gaps in the base text fit the progression of the argument or narrative as a whole. (Part 3)

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't try to answer any questions without referring carefully to the text.
  2. Don't spend too much time on any one part of the paper.
  3. Don't forget to record your answers on the separate answer sheet.
  4. Don't assume that if the same word appears in the text as well as in an option, this means you have located the answer. (Parts 2 & 4)

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What kind of texts appear in the Reading paper?

  The texts come from a range of different sources and are written for different purposes. They are mainly contemporary and include material from fiction and non-fiction books and journalism (a wide range of newspapers, magazines and journals). Parts 1 and 2 may include marketing materials (e.g. brochures or advertising information) and correspondence.

  What aspects of reading are being tested in the Reading paper?

  The Reading paper aims to test comprehension at word, phrase, sentence, paragraph and whole text level. Each part tests different aspects of reading, including the use of vocabulary in context, such as idioms and collocations, understanding detail, opinion and attitude, text organisation and structure, global meaning and main idea, and cohesion and coherence.

  How can I best prepare myself for the Reading paper?

  It is essential for you to engage with a substantial and varied range of written English and to read extensively (preferably for pleasure, not simply for the purposes of studying) as well as intensively. This enables you to become familiar with a wide range of language and text types, and is also helpful when you are working on the longer texts in Parts 3 and 4. You should also be familiar with the technique of indicating your answers on the separate answer sheet so that you can do this quickly and accurately.

  How long should I spend on each part of the Reading paper?

  This will depend on your abilities. When preparing for the examination, it is helpful to spend time going through a sample paper and to consider how to divide up the time between the different tasks. The Reading paper has a standard structure and format so that you will know what to expect in each part of the paper. You should be aware that answers must be marked on the answer sheet within the time allowed for the Reading paper. Some students prefer to transfer their answers at the end of each task rather than wait until they have completed the whole paper.

  How many marks is the Reading paper worth?

  The paper is worth 40 marks (after weighting) out of a total of 200 marks for the five Cambridge English: Proficiency papers. However, your overall Cambridge English: Proficiency grade is based on the total score gained in all five papers. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in all five papers in order to pass the examination.

  What if I make a mistake on the answer sheet?

  If more than one lozenge has been completed for one question, the computer rejects the answer sheet, which is then dealt with on an individual basis. Checks are in place to identify incomplete answer sheets, which are also then checked.

  Cases where all the answers have been entered incorrectly, e.g. by putting answer 1 to question 2, answer 2 to question 3, etc., cannot be identified.

  You should be careful when filling in your answer sheet.

• Writing

  Available as a paper-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Writing paper?

  In the two parts of the Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	2 hours
  Number of parts:	2
  Number of questions:	Part 1: one compulsory question Part 2: one question from a choice of four
  Marks:	20% of total

  Set texts

  Set texts for Cambridge English: Proficiency until December 2013:

  1. Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees (2002); film directed by Gina Prince-Byrewood (2008)
     Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film as well as, or instead of, the novel.
  2. Harold Pinter: The Birthday Party (1958)

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  Parts 1–2

  Part 1

  What's in Part 1?	Some material to read (approximately 100 words). Using the information in this material, you have to write an article, an essay, a letter or a proposal.
  What do I have to practise?	Writing a discursive text in which you may have to present and defend an argument, express and justify an opinion, explain a problem and suggest a solution or evaluate ideas and express recommendations.
  How many questions are there?	One compulsory question.
  How much do I have to write?	300–350 words

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing paper.

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  Part 2

  What's in Part 2?	A choice of four questions (2–5). For Questions 2–4, you may have to write an article, letter, proposal, report or review.
  What about Question 5?	If you read one of the set books and want to write about it, you may decide to try Question 5. You have a choice of three tasks 5 (a), 5 (b) or 5 (c) for this question. You may have to write an article, essay, letter, report or review.
  What do I have to practise?	Writing different types of text as specified above, based on a given context.
  How many questions are there?	One question from a choice of four.
  How much do I have to write?	300–350 words

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Read each question very carefully.
  2. Remember that Question 1 is compulsory.
  3. Choose Part 2 questions on the basis of what interests you the most but also bear in mind the task type.
  4. Decide exactly what information you are being asked to give.
  5. Identify the target reader, your role as writer and your purpose in writing.
  6. Check which task type you are being asked to write.
  7. Organise your ideas and make a plan before you write.
  8. Use a pen, not a pencil.
  9. Write your answers in the booklet provided.
  10. Write in an appropriate style.
  11. Remember in Part 1 to use all the content points and to add your own ideas.
  12. Make sure in Part 2 that you deal with all parts of the question.
  13. Calculate how many words on average you write on a line and multiply this average by the number of lines to estimate how much you have written – don't waste time counting words individually.
  14. Follow the plan and keep in mind your purpose for writing.
  15. Use as wide a range of structure and vocabulary as you can but think carefully about when to use idioms.
  16. Use paragraphs and indent when you start a new paragraph.
  17. Check for spelling errors and the use of punctuation such as capital letters, apostrophes, commas, etc.
  18. Cross out errors with a single line through the word/s.
  19. Check structures: subject-verb agreement, tenses, word order, singular and plural nouns.
  20. Make sure that your handwriting can be read by the examiner.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't attempt a set text question if you have not read the book.
  2. Don't attempt a question if you feel unsure about the format.
  3. Don't include irrelevant material.
  4. Don't write out a rough version and then try to write a good copy – you will not have time.

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  There are some similarities in the writing tasks in Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), and Cambridge English: Proficiency. What is different?

  Cambridge English: Proficiency questions are designed to generate language that requires you to use more abstract functions such as hypothesising, interpreting and evaluating and to move away from just factually based responses. This raises the expected language level not only in terms of structure but also range of vocabulary and appropriacy of style and register.

  Are there any differences in the way the Part 1 and Part 2 questions are assessed?

  Examiners apply the same assessment criteria for both language and content to both parts. However, the focus in Part 1 is always discursive so examiners will be looking for your ability to present and develop an argument. All answers are assessed using both the Task-specific Mark Scheme and the General Impression Mark Scheme. In the Task-specific Mark Scheme the language functions required to answer the question are specified under Range. In Part 1 these will be the discursive functions such as presenting and developing an argument. In Part 2 they will be mainly non-discursive such as describing, narrating, evaluating and hypothesising. The Task-specific Mark Scheme is used in conjunction with the General Impression Mark Scheme. This assesses your performance under realisation of the task. There are six bands from 0–5. In each band there are statements indicating how successfully the task has been realised in terms of content, organisation and coherence; range of structures and vocabulary; appropriacy of register and format; accuracy and effect on the target reader indicated in the task.

  At Cambridge English: Proficiency level, is more emphasis placed on language rather than the content in the assessment process?

  Both language and content are assessed together in the General Impression Mark Scheme. However, if some of the content points in the question are not covered, there will be an inadequate development of the topic and this will result in a lower band score.

  If I write in a text type, such as a letter, report, proposal or essay, that is different from the one asked for in the question, how will the writing be assessed?

  The text type is a very important aspect of Cambridge English: Proficiency Writing as it is a major factor in the choice of style and register for the piece of writing. For example, if you write an essay when the question has asked for an article the register will not be totally appropriate for an article. This will have a negative effect on the target reader and will be penalised.

  Will I be penalised for writing an answer that is over the word limit stated in the question?

  You will not be penalised just because the text is over the word limit. However, over-length writing is likely to lead to irrelevance, repetition and poor organisation. These factors have a negative effect on the target reader and will be penalised.

  How is the writing assessed if the candidate has obviously run out of time and the answer is incomplete?

  Examiners will only assess what is on the page and will not make assumptions about what you might have written. For example, if the conclusion is missing, this will affect the organisation and coherence and will be penalised.

  How severely are poor spelling and punctuation penalised?

  You do not lose a mark every time you make a spelling mistake, so it is still possible to get a high band score with occasional native speaker type lapses. However, spelling and punctuation are an important aspect of accuracy and frequent errors will have a negative effect on the target reader. This is likely to lead to a lower band score.

  Do I have to study all the set texts?

  The set text questions are optional. If you decide to answer on a set text, it is only necessary to study one of the texts as there is always a question on each of them. Information on what the set texts are for this year can be found above.

  Can any edition of the set texts be used for study?

  Any full-length edition can be used for study. At Cambridge English: Proficiencylevel you should not be reading simplified editions.

  Will there always be a narrative question?

  There will sometimes be the opportunity to write a narrative, but it will be embedded in a letter or article, as in the sample papers. Such a question will not necessarily be on every paper.

  Are addresses to be omitted ONLY when stated in the task?

  As a matter of policy, where the genre is given as a letter, 'You do not need to include postal addresses' is added to the instructions. Where other genres are given (e.g. report, article), you could choose to use a letter format to answer the question, if appropriate to the task. In no case will the address, if you include it, be subject to assessment, either negative or positive.

  Is report or proposal format obligatory for such questions on the Writing paper?

  Reports and proposals should be clearly organised and may contain headings. The report/proposal format is not obligatory, but will make a good impression on the target reader if used appropriately. The mark awarded to the report/proposal will, however, depend on how the writing meets the requirements.

• Use of English

  Available as a paper-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Use of English paper?

  The Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper has four parts with different types of tasks which test grammar and vocabulary.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour 30 minutes
  Number of parts:	5
  Number of questions:	44
  Marks:	20% of total

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  Parts 1–5

  Part 1 (Open cloze)

  What's in Part 1?	A text in which there are some numbered gaps. You have to identify the right single word to fill each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	Grammar and vocabulary.
  How many questions are there?	15
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper.

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  Part 2 (Word formation)

  What's in Part 2?	A text containing numbered gaps, each of which represents a word. At the end of the line is a ‘prompt’ word which you have to change in some way to complete the sentence correctly.
  What do I have to practise?	Vocabulary – word-building.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper.

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  Part 3 (Gapped sentences)

  What's in Part 3?	Each question contains three sentences, each with a missing word which you have to identify. For all three sentences the missing word is the same and it must be the same part of speech.
  What do I have to practise?	Vocabulary – collocation, phrasal verbs and word combinations.
  How many questions are there?	6
  How many marks are there?	Two marks for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper.

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  Part 4 (Key word transformations)

  What's in Part 4?	For each question, you have a ‘lead-in’ sentence followed by a key word. There is then a response sentence with a gap. Using the key word, you have to complete the response sentence in 3–8 words so that it means the same as the ‘lead-in’ sentence.
  What do I have to practise?	Grammar and vocabulary.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks are there?	Up to two marks for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper.

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  Part 5 (Comprehension questions and summary writing task)

  What's in Part 5?	Two texts with two comprehension questions (Questions 40–43) for each text. For the last question (Question 44) you have to write a summary of both texts in 50–70 words.
  What do I have to practise?	Questions 40–43: vocabulary, recognising and understanding rhetorical and stylistic devices and referencing. Question 44: selecting information, linking and sentence construction.
  How many questions are there?	4 + 1 summary writing task
  How many marks are there?	Questions 40–43: two marks for each correct answer. Question 44: a total of 14 marks (up to 4 marks for content and up to 10 marks for summary writing skills).

  Practise Part 5
  Now try Part 5 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Read the instructions, texts and questions very carefully.
  2. Decide on one answer and avoid writing alternative answers to a question.
  3. Check your spelling in all parts.
  4. Feel free to do the parts of the paper in the order that suits you best.
  5. Re-read all your gap-filling work and check that the sentences you have created sound natural.
  6. Re-read your summary, paying particular attention to the errors you know you make.
  7. Read the whole text to make sure you understand the writer's arguments before trying to answer questions. (Part 1, 2 & 5)
  8. Remember that the missing words are more likely to have a grammatical focus rather than a lexical one. (Part 1)
  9. Make sure you transfer your answers accurately from the question paper to the answer sheet; correct spelling is essential. (Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4)
  10. Use the local and global context to help you decide what fills the gaps. (Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4)
  11. Make sure that you think about all the changes a word may require: suffix, prefix, internal, more than one, singular, plural or negative, change of word class. (Part 2)
  12. Make sure the same word fits all three sentences. (Part 3)
  13. Make sure you haven't left out any information from the prompt sentence. (Part 4)
  14. Look carefully at the kind of question you are being asked to answer, especially if the question has more than one focus to it (Part 5).
  15. Select relevant information from the texts for your summary. (Part 5)
  16. Plan your summary before you write it. (Part 5)

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't write too little or too much when answering the summary question.
  2. Don't only include three content points in your summary.
  3. Don't write a draft of the summary if you are running out of time.
  4. Don't copy from the texts when writing the summary or answering a question that tells you to write 'in your own words'.
  5. Don't include examples in your summary.
  6. Don't use too many linking devices in your summary because of the word limit.
  7. Don't leave any question unanswered – you don't lose marks for incorrect answers.
  8. Don't alter the word given. (Part 4)
  9. Don't write more than eight words, including the given word. (Part 4)
  10. Don't write out the full sentence. (Part 4)

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What kind of tasks are there in the Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper?

  There is an open cloze, a word formation task, some gapped sentences focusing on collocation and fixed word combinations, some key word transformations and two short texts with comprehension questions which are followed by a summary writing task.

  I know about Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), and Cambridge English: Advanced. What's different about Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English?

  The open cloze, key word transformations and word formation tasks will be familiar to you. However, the gapped sentence collocation, text comprehension and summary writing tasks are unique to the Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English.

  How many marks is the Use of English paper worth?

  The Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English paper, like the other four papers, is worth 40 marks or 20% of the total for the exam. These 40 marks are arrived at by weighting the raw marks from the paper.

  How long is each part of the Cambridge English: Proficiency Use of English?

  There is no fixed answer to this question. The overall time allowed for the Use of English paper is 90 minutes. Candidates in a class preparing for the exam will almost certainly find that, as each part is a different task and tests different skills, they do not all spend the same amount of time on each part. This is normal and you should practise extensively before the exam to see how you need to distribute your time. Most candidates will probably find that the text comprehension and summary writing tasks (Part 5) will need more time than other parts of the paper.

  Are marks deducted for incorrect answers?

  No, they are not. All marking is positive in the sense that you will get marks for your correct answers and nothing if the answer is incorrect. The actual marks available vary from question to question. For example, 2 marks are given for each correct answer in Part 3.

  If I write two possible answers to a question, how are they marked?

  If both answers are correct, you will be given the mark(s) for the question. If one of the answers is incorrect, you will not be given any marks.

  How important is spelling in the Use of English paper?

  In Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 spelling must be correct. In Part 5 some minor misspellings are allowed provided that the message is communicated.

  Do contractions count as one word or two?

  Contracted words count as the number of words they would be if they were not contracted. For example, isn’t, didn’t, I’m, I’ll are counted as two words (replacing is not, did not, I am, I will). Where the contraction replaces one word (e.g. can’t for cannot), it is counted as one word.

  What happens if I miss a negative in the transformations, thereby giving the opposite meaning to the original?

  The instructions state that the second sentence must have a similar meaning to the first. However, in the mark scheme the answer is divided into two parts (see below). The two parts of the sentence (either side of the dividing line) are always treated separately, so you will receive one mark for correctly completing one part of the sentence, even if a negative has been omitted from the other part.

  e.g. I've never thought of asking the hotel staff for advice about restaurants.

  OCCURRED
  It has ............. the hotel staff for advice about restaurants.
  never occurred to me (1) | to ask (1)

• Listening

  Available as a paper-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Listening paper?

  The Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening paper has four parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	about 40 minutes
  Number of parts:	4
  Number of questions:	28
  Marks:	20% of total

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  Parts 1–4

  Part 1 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 1?	Four short, unrelated recordings lasting approximately 1 minute each. You have to listen to the recordings and answer two multiple-choice questions for each recording. Each question has three options (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for gist, detail, function, purpose, topic, speaker, addressee, feeling, attitude, opinion, etc.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening paper.

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  Part 2 (Sentence completion)

  What's in Part 2?	A monologue or prompted monologue lasting 3–4 minutes. The questions are a series of incomplete sentences. You have to listen to the recording and identify the information you need (one to three words) to fill each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for specific information, stated opinion.
  How many questions are there?	9
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening paper.

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  Part 3 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 3?	A recording involving interacting speakers lasting 3–4 minutes. You have to listen to the recording and answer a series of multiple-choice questions, each with four options (A, B, C or D).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for opinion, gist, detail, inference.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening paper.

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  Part 4 (Multiple matching)

  What's in Part 4?	A recording with interacting speakers which lasts 2–3 minutes in which the speakers exchange opinions and agree/disagree. The questions are a series of statements which summarise the main points of the recording. For each statement, you have to say which speaker agrees with it or indicate if both speakers agree.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for agreement, disagreement, stated and non-stated opinion.
  How many questions are there?	6
  How many marks are there?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Listen to and read the instructions. Make sure you know what kind of text you will hear, what it is about and what you have to do in each part.
  2. Think about the topic, the development of ideas and the context as you read the questions. This will help you when you listen.
  3. Answer all the questions. Even if you are not 100% sure, you have probably understood enough to make a good attempt!
  4. Be careful of 'word-spotting' (when answers in options appear on the recording but in a different context).
  5. Remember to pay attention to the role of stress and intonation in supporting meaning.
  6. Write the actual word you hear. (Part 2)
  7. Remember to check your spelling. (Part 2)
  8. Look carefully at what is printed before and after the gap and think about the words which could fit both logically and grammatically. (Part 2)

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't spend too much time on a difficult question. Move on to the next question and come back to the difficult one again later.
  2. Don't complicate an answer by changing or adding extra information. (Part 2)

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What aspects of listening are tested in the Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening test?

  The range of texts and task types reflects the variety of listening situations which you need to be able to cope with at this level.

  Variety of accents:

  Recordings will contain a variety of accents corresponding to standard variants of native-speaker accent, and to non-native accents that approximate to the norms of native-speaker accents.

  Text types:

  Texts vary in terms of length and interaction. Text types used include: interviews, discussions, conversations, talks, speeches, lectures, documentaries, instructions.

  Task types:

  A variety of task types are used. These reflect the different reasons for, and focuses of, listening: understanding opinion, attitude, gist, detail, main idea, speaker's purpose; gathering information about the speaker, the person being spoken to, the place or situation; inferring meaning, agreement and opinion. Three and four-option multiple-choice exercises, sentence completion and three-way matching are used.

  Will I have enough time to complete the paper?

  All Cambridge English Listening tests are trialled on students to see that they have enough time to answer and complete the answer sheet. The test is designed to be as user-friendly as possible but it is useful to remind yourself of the following points:

  Before listening:

  The instructions for each task are heard on the tape and are followed by a pause for you to study the task for that section. You can and should use this time to study the questions printed on the page for this task to help you predict both what you will hear and what kind of information you will be required to identify and understand in order to be able to answer.

  While listening:

  The questions in the Listening paper follow the order of the information found in the text, and you should not waste time on a question you are having difficulty with as you might miss the answer to the following question. Each text is heard twice.

  After listening:

  Five minutes are provided at the end of the recording for you to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet.

  What might I hear on the recording apart from the actual dialogues and monologues?

  Before speaking begins, background sounds may be included to provide contextual information. As in real life, these sounds will help candidates to identify the context and situation of the spoken language they are about to listen to. There is no background noise while people are speaking.

  How do I record my answers?

  You must write all your answers on a separate answer sheet. You may write on the question paper as you listen, but must transfer answers to the answer sheet. Five minutes are allocated at the end of the test for you to do this.

  Is spelling important?

  Part 2 is the only part of Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening where you have to write words for your answers. (In the other parts, you indicate your choice of answer by writing a letter.) Answers for Part 2 (which are generally short) must be spelled correctly and must fit into the grammatical structure of the sentence. Both US and British English spellings are accepted. Spelling must be correct for a mark to be given.

  How many marks are given in the Cambridge English: Proficiency Listening test?

  There are 28 questions in this paper. The total score is adjusted once the paper has been corrected to give a mark out of 40.

  Am I supposed to write the words I hear on the recording in answers to Part 2, or do I get more marks if I use my own words?

  You should try to use the actual words you hear on the CD. You do not get more marks for using your own words.

  Can I wear headphones in the Listening paper?

  Ask your centre whether you can use headphones or not – it depends how they choose to run the exam.

• Speaking

  Face-to-face Speaking test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Speaking paper?

  The Cambridge English: Proficiency Speaking test contains three parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners (the interlocutor) conducts the test and the other examiner (the assessor) listens to what you say and takes notes.

  Summary

  Time allowed:	19 minutes per pair of candidates
  Number of parts:	3
  Marks:	20% of total
  You have to talk:	with the examiner with the other candidate on your own

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  Parts 1–3

  Part 1 (Interview)

  What's in Part 1?	Conversation between the interlocutor and each candidate. The examiner asks each of you a series of questions, addressing a question to each of you in turn, to give you an opportunity to talk about yourselves.
  What do I have to practise?	Giving information about yourself and expressing your opinion or speculating about various topics.
  How long do I have to speak?	3 minutes

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Speaking paper.

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  Part 2 (Collaborative task)

  What's in Part 2?	The interlocutor gives you some spoken instructions and one or more pictures to look at. First, you have to answer a question which focuses on your reaction to aspects of one or more pictures (1 minute). The second part is a decision-making task which you have to do with the other candidate.
  What do I have to practise?	Sustaining an interaction; exchanging ideas, expressing and justifying opinions, agreeing and/or disagreeing, suggesting, speculating, evaluating, reaching a decision through negotiation, etc.
  How long do I have to speak?	4 minutes

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Speaking paper.

  ---

  Part 3 (Long turn and discussion)

  What's in Part 3?	The interlocutor gives you a card with a question and some ideas on it and you have to speak for about 2 minutes on your own. After you finish, your partner has to comment and the interlocutor then asks you both a question on the same topic. The interlocutor follows the same procedure with your partner and then leads a discussion with both of you.
  What do I have to practise?	Speaking on your own for a longer time, expressing and justifying opinions, developing topics.
  How long do we have to speak?	12 minutes (2-minute long turn for each candidate and then approximately 8 minutes for the discussion)

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Proficiency Speaking paper.

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  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Make sure you know what you have to do in each part of the test and the timing involved.
  2. Raise the level of the conversation and discussion above the everyday and purely descriptive.
  3. Make sure you listen to the instructions carefully and focus on the task set.
  4. Listen actively to your partner, develop their ideas and opinions and work with them.
  5. Show interest in and respect for your partner's ideas and views.
  6. Make use of the prompts in your long turn if you want to.
  7. Respond as fully as possible and extend your ideas and opinions, giving reasons where possible.
  8. Remember your partner's name and use it when referring to them.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't let your partner always 'take the lead' – you also must initiate.
  2. Don't waffle – be direct, get to the point and say what you mean.
  3. Don't speak during your partner's long turn.
  4. Don't waste your opportunities to show the examiners what you can do.
  5. Don't ask the examiners how you have done.
  6. Don't use all the time given for the introductory phase – share the time with your partner. (Part 2)

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Can I do the Speaking test with my friend(s) or classmates?

  This depends on the centre where you take the exam. In some centres candidates from the same school are paired together. However, where candidates from a number of different schools are entered at the same centre, you may find that you are paired with a candidate from another school. You should check with the centre through which you are entered for the local procedure. Research has shown that there are both advantages and disadvantages in taking the test with someone you know and that in the end it doesn't matter. What is important is that the test judges you on your own performance.

  Why can't I do the test alone?

  Research studies have shown that in order to test a wide range of language and interactive ability with different people (here the examiner and the candidate's partner), and where the test targets a particular level of ability (e.g. Cambridge English: Proficiency as opposed to IELTS) it is better to have pairs. Thus the standard format is two candidates and two examiners. If there is an uneven number of candidates at the end of the session, the candidates will be asked to take the test in a group of three, never alone.

  Can I choose who will examine me?

  No. The centre decides which candidates will be examined by which examiners. Examiners are specially recruited and trained to assess impartially and to the same standard so it doesn't matter which examiner examines you. Also, examiners are never allowed to examine their own students or anybody they know socially. And do remember there are always two examiners, both of whom make an assessment.

  Do I have to prepare a talk on a topic in advance?

  No, the examiner will give you a card with a question on it for you to talk about.

  Can I choose which topics to talk about?

  No. You will have to discuss several topics during the Speaking test and these will be ones which you should have covered in class when preparing for the exam. None of the topics require specialised knowledge – they are all accessible to the average student.

  What should I do if I don't understand the examiner?

  You can always ask the examiner to repeat the question or the instructions. However, you should listen carefully and try to understand the first time.

Cambridge English: Proficiency preparation resources

Cambridge ESOL offers a comprehensive range of printed and online exam preparation and support products and services for teachers and learners for all Cambridge English exams.

Materials to buy

Past Paper Packs

Past Paper Packs

Each pack provides teachers with everything they need to give students authentic practice for the exams:

1. 10 copies of each of the papers with photocopiable answer sheets
2. CD with audio recordings for the Listening paper
3. comprehensive Teacher Booklet.

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Speaking Test Preparation Pack

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

This comprehensive teacher resource pack from Cambridge ESOL is designed to help teachers who are preparing students for their Speaking test. It includes:

1. Student Worksheets and candidate visuals
2. Teacher’s Notes
3. DVD showing real students taking a Speaking test.

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More official preparation materials

A huge range of official Cambridge English preparation materials are also available from the Cambridge University Press website. Materials include printed and digital resources to support teachers and help learners prepare for their exam.

Books for study

Books for study

A huge range of coursebooks, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Find books for study

Free materials

To help you get started, Cambridge ESOL has some free materials which you can download:

Sample papers
Download sample papers for Cambridge English: Proficiency.

Download now

CPE Information for Candidates
A handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.

Read now

Understanding your Statement of Results
Shows you the detailed, meaningful information you will receive once you have taken your exam.

Read now

Summary Regulations for Candidates
All the important information you need to know when taking the exam.

Read now

Exam dates

Exam dates for 2012

Note: Not all centres offer the exam on all dates below.
Please contact your centre to find out what dates they offer.

The Speaking paper is held by separate arrangement within a specified period or ‘window’.
Please contact your centre for more details.

View a summary of all exam dates for 2012 | 2013 (PDF).

Results

Your results

Cambridge English: Proficiency gives detailed, meaningful results. All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose performance ranges between CEFR Levels C2 and C1 will also receive a certificate.

Statement of Results

This document outlines:

• Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all three papers.
  
• A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
• A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed. It has set values for each grade, allowing comparison across sessions of the exam.

Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge English: Proficiency

You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Results Online access details are provided by exam centres.

Your certificate

• Cambridge English: Proficiency – Level C2

If you achieve grade A, B or C in your exam, you will receive the Certificate of Proficiency in English at Level C2.

• Level C1 Certificate

If your performance is below Level C2, but falls within Level C1, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at C1 level.

If students need to allow employers, universities or other organisations to verify their examination results, they can send them the Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number (printed on the Confirmation of Entry) and institutions can check their results quickly and securely online at http://verification.CambridgeESOLonline.org.

Further information on results

• Results enquiries and appeals
• Malpractice
• Lost certificates