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English Language Assessment

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  1. Cambridge English
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  5. C2 Proficiency

C2 Proficiency

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See exam results online

Our free Results Verification Service is the quickest and easiest way to check your applicants' results.

Find out more

Already accepting our exams?

Let us know so we can add you to our global online recognition database, which is accessible to the millions of people who visit our website every year.

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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

Share


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.

View sample Statement of Results for C2 Proficiency

 


Find out how to officially accept Cambridge English Qualifications

Accept C2 Proficiency

Need an exam at a lower level?

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woman in wheelchair sitting at computer C1 Advanced

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