C2 Proficiency

C2 Proficiency (CPE)

A C2 Proficiency (CPE) certificate is Cambridge's highest-level qualification. With this certificate you can show the world that you have mastered English at an exceptional level and that you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.

Preparing for and passing the exam means you have the level of English that is needed to study or work in a very senior professional or academic environment, for example on a postgraduate or PhD programme.

The C2 Proficiency certificate shows that you can:

study demanding subjects at the highest level, including postgraduate and PhD programmes
negotiate and persuade effectively at a senior management level in international business settings
understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
talk about complex or sensitive issues, and deal confidently with difficult questions

Exam Format

C2 Proficiency is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. The formats below are the same for both the paper-based and computer-based exams.

Reading & Use of English

Writing

Listening

Speaking

The C2 Proficiency Reading and Use of English paper has different types of text and questions. In one part, you may have to read one long text or three or more shorter, related texts. Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and manuals.

1 hour 30 minutes

53 questions

About 3,000 words to read in total

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Differences between sample test and exam

In the two parts of the C2 Proficiency Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English. It requires you to be able to write a variety of text types, such as essays, reports and reviews.

1 hour 30 minutes

Part 1: Write an essay (240-280 words)

Part 2: Write an article, a letter, a report, a review... (280-320 words)

There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but you should take a look at the Writing checklist.

Sample Test Writing Checklist Differences between sample test and exam

The C2 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. It requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as lectures, speeches and interviews.

About 40 minutes

30 questions

Listening for gist, detail, feeling, attitude, opinion, specific information, interpreting context, etc.

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Differences between sample test and exam

The C2 Proficiency Speaking test has 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. It shows how good your spoken English is as you take part in conversation by asking/answering questions and discussing topics.

16 minutes (per pair of candidates)

One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens

Two or three candidates, two examiners

Check out this example video to see what happens during a C2 Proficiency Speaking test.

C2 Proficiency Speaking test examiner comments

C2 Proficiency Digital tutorial

Please watch the tutorial to familiarise yourself with the functions of the platform and to be well prepared for the exam day.

Preparation needed?

Are you interested in a proper preparation for the exam? Simply give us a call or fill out the contact form to make a free appointment for a detailed consultation. You can do a full course to increase your language level or just a few hours to prepare for the exam. Together we will find out your right level and can start planning your course immediately!

Dates and Fees

Click to expand and see all exam dates as well as the registration deadlines and prices. Please note that real-time availability will only be checked once you clicked on the button “Registration”.

C2 Proficiency (CPE)

Date

Type

Registration Deadline

Results Release Window

Price

Details

Date:
Sat 07.06.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
28.05.2025

Results:
13.06.2025 -
20.06.2025 13.06 - 20.06

Price:
285 €

Registration

Date:
Sat 28.06.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
18.06.2025

Results:
04.07.2025 -
11.07.2025 04.07 - 11.07

Price:
285 €

Registration

Date:
Sat 05.07.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
25.06.2025

Results:
11.07.2025 -
18.07.2025 11.07 - 18.07

Price:
285 €

Registration

Date:
Sat 23.08.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
13.08.2025

Results:
29.08.2025 -
05.09.2025 29.08 - 05.09

Price:
285 €

Registration

Date:
Sat 20.09.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
10.09.2025

Results:
26.09.2025 -
03.10.2025 26.09 - 03.10

Price:
285 €

Registration

Here you can book your Cambridge English exam in Vienna. Please note that you will need a valid ID document to complete your booking. You will get all payment details to pay the exam fee (via bank transfer) at the end of this booking process.

C2 Proficiency Scores

You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and Use of English, giving you a clear understanding of your performance.

The weighting of all four skills and Use of English is the same (20%). These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam.

Depending on which university, college or organisation you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. 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	Grade D (Level C1)	C1

Scores between 162 and 179 are also reported for C2 Proficiency. You will not receive a certificate, but your Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on your Statement of Results.

Results and Certificates

Your results will be available online within 5-10 working days for digital exams and approximately 4-6 weeks after paper-based exams. About 2-3 weeks later, your certificate will be sent from Cambridge/UK to Vienna – you will be automatically informed once your certificate has arrived and is ready to be picked up at the Institute.

In order to access your results, you have to register using the ID Number and Secret Number provided on your Confirmation of Entry. After that you can login and check as well as share your results. Online Results Service for Candidates

Standardised Exams

Cambridge exams are designed to ensure standardised test conditions for people of all linguistic backgrounds and nationalities and are supported by a dedicated global research programme.

The exam covers all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary (Use of English).

Worldwide Recognition

Cambridge English certificates are recognised by Universities and leading employers globally. For example: Deloitte. Ernst and Young, Marks and Spencer, HSBC, Juilliard and Freie Universität Berlin.

Being the highest achievable proof of language competence, the C2 Proficiency (CPE) is accepted by thousands of employers, governments, professional bodies, and universities globally.