C2 Proficiency

Reading and Using English (90 minutes)

This part of the exam is composed of two separate parts and consists of a total of five tasks. The first tasks are aimed at testing the candidate's knowledge of grammar and vocabulary (phrases and expressions, shades of meaning, phrasal verbs, etc.) by translating the word types in the text, selecting the appropriate word from the given options, or not selecting an option, and transforming words, phrases and sentences. The following tasks consist of three longer texts that test the ability to read and understand texts dealing with both real-world and general topics of interest, as well as light academic or work-related texts. Candidates should demonstrate a full understanding of the text - individual words, sentences, idioms, opinions, tone, development, attitudes but also the text as a whole. Tasks in this part of the examination take the form of selecting one of several answers offered, filling in gaps in the text and constructing parts of texts.
Reading and use of English account for 40% of the total score.

Writing (90 minutes)

Candidates must write two texts. The first text is an essay of 240-280 words summarising the main ideas from two short texts. For the second essay, which should be 280-320 words long, candidates may choose from the following options: an article, a letter, a proposal, a report, a testimonial, or a text based on an assignment from one of the recommended books or films for the Proficiency examination.
In 2015, the following books/films were listed as recommended: Colm Tóibín: Brooklyn (2015 film by a director named John Crowley), M.L. Stedman: The Light Between Oceans (2016 film by a director named Derek Cianfranc).

Writing accounts for 20% of the total score. Both texts have an equal share.

Listening (40 minutes)

This part of the exam tests the ability to understand spoken language in a variety of situations and to grasp main ideas, details, feelings, opinions, specific information and attitudes.
The recordings can be excerpts from job interviews, discussions, lectures or reports in different accents. Questions take the form of adding information to sentences when listening to a long speech or lecture, choosing one of the given answers for a longer discussion, and linking two answers from the options.
Listening accounts for 20% of the total score.

Speaking (16 minutes)

The candidate first speaks alone, has a discussion with the examiner or with the other candidate and then both candidates work together on a picture-based task. In the next section, the candidate is invited to make a longer independent speech relating to the information they receive on a card. The final part consists of a three-way discussion on real-world topics related to the previous tasks. The candidate's ability to express and defend his/her opinions and ideas, to speak independently, to participate in discussion, to compare, evaluate and develop the topic is tested.
Speaking accounts for 20% of the total score.

Since January 2015, a new, clearer and more accurate system of presenting exam results has been in place: Cambridge English Scale.

In order to pass the exam, you need a score of at least 200 (about 60%) after averaging the scores from all parts of the exam. Candidates who achieve a total score of 180-199 (about 45-59%) will still receive a C1 level certificate.

Check out the links below for more information:

Cambridge English Scale - VIDEO
Cambridge English Scale Chart for Proficiency (CPE)
Cambridge English Scale Chart
Cambridge English Scale explained
Cambridge English Scale exam points conversion!!!

Flyer: here
Handbook for teachers: here
Information for candidates: here
Information on how to assess Cambridge English Scale: here

Sample test: zde L1-key
Assignment of the oral part: here
Examiner's notes from the oral part: here
Video from the oral part: here