C2 Proficiency

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C2 Proficiency is our most advanced qualification. It shows that students have the English skills to study demanding subjects at the highest level, including postgraduate and PhD programmes.

This exam is the logical next step in a student’s language-learning journey after C1 Advanced.

Key facts

CEFR level:	C2 What's this?
Scale score:	200–230 What's this?
Test format:	Computer or paper-based
No. of papers:	4

Who accepts C2 Proficiency?

These are just a few of the leading organisations that accept C2 Proficiency:

University of Oxford
University of Queensland
University of British Columbia

A C2 Proficiency qualification demonstrates that students have mastered English to an exceptional level, and are able to communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.

C2 Proficiency helped me get into my dream drama school and gave me the confidence to perform in English in front of thousands of people

Alberto Prandini
Actor, director and C2 Proficiency certiﬁcate holder

What can students with C2 Proficiency do?

Talk about complex or sensitive issues, and deal confidently with difficult questions.
Understand colloquial asides and cultural allusions.
Write confidently on any given topic.
Make accurate and complete notes during a lecture, seminar or tutorial.
Negotiate and persuade effectively at senior management level in international business settings.

Test format

C2 Proficiency is a test of all areas of language ability and uses tasks that reflect situations found in everyday life or study.

Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

What does it test?	Questions	Timing
The ability to understand various documents, including the finer points of complex texts. Students are also expected to show their control of grammar and use of vocabulary.	7 parts/53 questions	1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 2: Writing

What does it test?	Questions	Timing
The ability to write on any subject with good expression and accuracy. The paper includes a compulsory essay.	2 parts	1 hour 30 minutes

Paper 3: Listening

What does it test?	Questions	Timing
The ability to understand a range of spoken materials, such as lectures, speeches and interviews.	4 parts/30 questions	40 minutes

Paper 4: Speaking

What does it test?	Questions	Timing
The ability to express themselves confidently and effectively in a range of situations.	3 parts	16 minutes

Download C2 Proficiency sample papers

Test delivery

Our global network of test centres allows students to typically take C2 Proficiency in their own country. This means your selection procedure is accessible to all applicants, wherever they may be, and quick and convenient for your staff.

Students can choose to take the paper-based or the computer-based version of the exam. The Speaking test is face-to-face with at least one other candidate. The paired format means candidates experience a more authentic exercise in communication, which gives a more reliable measure of their ability to use English.

C2 Proficiency results

C2 Proficiency is targeted at CEFR Level C2 (Cambridge English Scale: 200–230). The exam also provides reliable assessment at the level below C2 (Level C1).

The following scores are used to report results.

Cambridge English Scale score	Grade/CEFR	CEFR level
220–230	Grade A	C2
213–219	Grade B	C2
200–212	Grade C	C2
180–199	Level C1	C1

The overall score is calculated by averaging the scores achieved in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English. The weighting of each of the four skills and Use of English is equal.

What do C2 Proficiency exam results look like?

The Statement of Results contains the following information:

a score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and use of English
a score on the Cambridge English Scale for the overall exam
a grade (A, B, C, Level C1) for the overall exam
a CEFR level for the overall exam.

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