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The Cambridge English Proficiency test, previously known as the CPE is the highest level of English level test organised by the Cambridge English exam suite. A student who achieves Cambridge C2 certificate of proficiency is evidence of the fact that the student has attained mastery of the English language to a near native level and is qualified to study or work in any form of English language environment. Thorough knowledge of syllabus and pattern is necessary while preparing for the C2 proficiency test. Further, C2 proficiency results can be obtained on the official website of Cambridge through which candidates had enrolled themselves for the first time. A simple login with the use of allocated credentials will be enough in order to obtain personal details and results.
The English level examination C2 is among the English language tests to study abroad. The C2 exam of competence is the highest level of general English language examination held by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Cambridge proficiency examination is administered at more than 2700 testing centres worldwide on dates according to a predetermined schedule. Cambridge English proficiency examination can either be administered as a paper or computer-based examination. The time taken for the C2 proficiency exam by both versions is 236 minutes in total. Read on to know about the eligibility, application procedure, syllabus and the pattern of Cambridge English proficiency exam.
Though there is no specific eligibility criteria to take the Cambridge proficiency exam in terms of age or qualification, an individual applying for the C2 exam must be able to understand everything that they hear or read in English. The candidate must be able to use and understand the English language, whether it is used in a formal, academic or colloquial setting.
The C2 proficiency test is for employed individuals who want to show their employers that they are capable of using the English language at a senior management level. The C2 exam is for students who wish to study a postgraduate or PhD course in a university where English is the medium of instruction.
If you pass Cambridge proficiency test, it can have a positive impact on your visa application or immigration application to English-speaking countries. The C2 proficiency is proof of your English proficiency and a good score will improve your chances of getting a visa, whether for work, study, or travel.
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The C2 proficiency exam practice becomes essential to familiarise the candidate with the text pattern and syllabus. The preparation can be done with the help of many resources, with the most significant being C2 proficiency book PDFs and sample papers. The Cambridge Proficiency test consists of four parts. Let us now understand the test pattern and syllabus in detail:
The syllabus of the C2 proficiency exam consists of four parts:
The candidate will complete the sections on reading and use of English, writing and listening in a single day, while he has to give the speaking section exam on a different day. The table below explains the exam pattern:
Cambridge proficiency exam | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
Duration | 1 hour 30 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 16 minutes for a pair of candidates |
Percentage of marks | 40% | 20% | 20% | 20% |
Candidates wishing to take the C2 proficiency test can register at the nearest certified centre and, during registration, decide on the date to take the test since the C2 proficiency exam is held throughout the year. The cost or fee of the Cambridge proficiency test is dependent on the format of the exam as well as the centre that the student has opted for. Generally, the cost of C2 proficiency exam is INR 3,500 to INR 6,700 for INdian applicants.
The overall performance of the candidate is calculated by taking the average of scores in all four sections of the test-reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The maximum score possible in Cambridge proficiency exam is 230. Candidates scoring between 220 to 230 points will receive Grade A, while those who score between 213 to 219 will receive Grade B, and those with a score between 200 and 212 will receive Grade C.
Those with Grade A, B, or C will receive a Level C2 certificate while those with a score between 180 and 199 will receive a C1 certificate. Also those with a score below 180 will only receive a score repor,t while others will receive the Cambridge C2 proficiency certificate, which is equivalent to C2 level in English on the CEFR.
Let us now understand some of the tips and tricks to prepare well for the C2 proficiency exam:
Read as much as you can; the more you read, the more familiar you will become with new English words and phrases.
Watch movies, listen to music, podcasts, debates and discussions, and this will help improve your verbal communication skills in English.
Improve your proficiency in English grammar by downloading and taking the Cambridge English test PDF.
Practice writing essays, reports, letters, etc. Get familiar with their format.
Access the free materials, Cambridge English test papers such as sample papers, worksheets, vocabulary lists and exam guides for you to download from our website. We also work in collaboration with Cambridge University Press to develop a range of official courses, support materials and practice tests which are available for you to buy.
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No, you are not required to pass each section of the exam because your total score will be the average of your scores in all the sections of the exam.
No, there is no negative marking in the C2 proficiency test. You should attempt all the questions.
If your score is above 200, the test score is valid for a lifetime and has no expiration date. However it is the discretion of institutes recognising the exam scores to accept it or not. Sometimes they may ask you to provide evidence of maintenance or improvement in your skill levels in the English language.
Cambridge English Proficiency also referred to as Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). Qualifying this test proves that you are adept at using the English language in situations that involve demanding research, academic and professional evironments.
The CPE test costs from INR 3,500 to INR 6,700 in India.
The main difference between C1 and C2 is the difficulty level in the English language proficiency. C2 Proficiency is more difficult of the two.
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