Free: Paper-based sample test
C2 Proficiency sample papers
Free: Digital sample tests
During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which offer you even more benefits.
If you are planning to take your exam during March 2024, please contact your chosen exam centre to discuss their schedules.
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
Free: Computer-based sample tests
During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which will offer you even more benefits. Information on the switch and what this means for you can be found on our Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page.
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete a C2 Proficiency computer-based exam.
The computer-based sample test does not mark your exam, so check your answers as you do the test using the answer keys below. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.
Computer-based Reading and Use of English sample test
Computer-based Writing sample test (requires Firefox web browser)
Computer-based Listening sample test (requires Firefox web browser)
Use the answer keys below:
Reading and Writing answer key
Listening answer key
There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments on the relevant pages of the C2 Proficiency handbook.
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.