C2 Proficiency preparation

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.

Free: Digital sample tests

Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an C2 Proficiency digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Listening

Time: approximately 40 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are 30 questions in this test.
• Each question carries one mark.
• You will hear each recording twice.
• For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.

C2 Proficiency Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading and Use of English

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer all the questions.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.

Information for candidates

• There are 53 questions in this test.
• Each question in Parts 1, 2, 3 and 7 carries one mark.
• Each question in Part 4 carries up to two marks.
• Each question in Parts 5 and 6 carries two marks.

C2 Proficiency Digital Reading and Use of English Sample Test

Writing

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates

• Answer the Part 1 question, and one question from Part 2.
• You can change your answers at any time during the test.
• The test clock will show you when there are 10 minutes and 5 minutes remaining.

Information for candidates

• There are two parts to this test.
• Each question carries equal marks.

C2 Proficiency Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript:

C2 Proficiency Listening Sample 1 answer key

C2 Proficiency Listening Sample 1 tapescript

C2 Proficiency Reading & Use of English Test Sample 1 Answer key

Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folder in the paper-based sample test section below.

Free: Paper-based sample test

C2 Proficiency sample papers

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Watch Sofia on the day of her exam, and learn what it’s like to take a Cambridge English Qualification, from B1 Preliminary for Schools to C2 Proficiency.

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and FAQs to help you prepare.

This video will help your students understand what happens during a C2 Proficiency speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Laura and Alejandro’s speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Manuel, Jules and Thiago’s speaking test

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

The C2 Proficiency handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

C2 Proficiency Handbook for teachers

C2 Proficiency Handbook for teachers listening audio files (ZIP, 25MB)
These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Handbook for teachers.

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

C2 Proficiency lesson plans

Developing listening skills for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Assessing speaking for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Webinars help you keep up to date with developments in learning and assessment. Our programme covers a wide range of topics, focusing on exam information, teaching tips, pedagogical approaches and professional development.

Webinars for teachers

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions and host live events.

We have hundreds of free English learning activities to help you prepare for your C2 Proficiency exam.

Find out more

A guide to preparing for the exam, with study tips, frequently asked questions and exam day advice.

C2 Proficiency: Information for candidates

C2 Proficiency Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria, and useful questions about each writing type in the C2 Proficiency Writing paper.

Facebook

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.

YouTube

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.