C2 Proficiency preparation

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

Free: Paper-based sample test

C2 Proficiency sample papers

Free: Digital sample tests

(Digital exams are available from February 2024. For more information please visit the Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page.)

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

Computer-based exams are available until the end of January 2024. For more information please visit the Computer-based Cambridge English Qualifications 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

Have you thought about taking computer-based exams? Find out more about the benefits of computer-based exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a computer-based exam.

Watch the video tutorial below for help on how to complete a C2 Proficiency computer-based exam.

Help your students prepare for computer-based exams with our Teaching tips for computer-based Cambridge English qualifications.

Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking computer-based exams.

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.

C2 Proficiency Speaking test examiner comments

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

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.

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

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 regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

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.