C2 Proficiency facts for kids

The C2 Proficiency exam, also known as Cambridge English: Proficiency, is a very advanced English language test. It's offered by Cambridge Assessment English, a well-known organization that creates English exams. This test shows that someone has mastered English at an amazing level. It matches the C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the highest level.

C2 Proficiency is part of the Cambridge English Qualifications, a series of exams that help people improve their English step-by-step. This certificate has also helped people become English teachers in some schools and language centers. The University of Michigan also offers a similar exam called the ECPE, which is just as good as the Cambridge one.

A Look Back: The History of C2 Proficiency

The C2 Proficiency exam first started in 1913. Back then, it was called the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). It was created for students from other countries who wanted to prove their English skills, especially if they planned to teach English abroad.

The first exam was very long, taking about 12 hours to complete. It cost £3, which was a lot of money at the time. Only people aged 20 or older could take it. The exam had two main parts: written and oral.

In 1913, the written part included:

• Translating between English and other languages like French or German.
• An essay in English.
• Questions about English literature and phonetics (the study of speech sounds).

The oral part included:

• Dictation (writing down what was said).
• Reading and conversation.

The essay topics in the early days were very focused on British history and culture. For example, topics included "The Indian Mutiny" or "English Pre-Raphaelitism." Only three people took the first exam in 1913, and none of them passed! For many years, only a small number of people took the test.

Over time, the exam changed a lot.

• By 1926, the exam was a bit shorter, and more languages were added for translation.
• In 1930, essay topics became more general, like "The best month in the year" or "Fascism," making them suitable for more students.
• In 1932, the phonetics part was removed. The exam became open to all foreign students who wanted to show their practical English skills, not just future teachers.
• More and more people started taking the exam. By 1939, 752 candidates took it.
• Universities like the University of Cambridge and University of Oxford began accepting this certificate as proof of English ability for their students.

More changes happened in the following years.

• In 1953, the exam was shortened to 9 hours. Students could choose a "Use of English" paper instead of translation. This "Use of English" section is still part of the exam today, though it has changed.
• In the 1960s, the exam started to focus more on how people actually use language, rather than just knowing about literature or culture.
• By 1975, the exam included separate listening and speaking tests. This made it similar to the exam we know today, with sections for Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
• In 1984, the exam time was cut to less than 6 hours, which was half the length of the original 1913 test.
• In 2002, they introduced a speaking test where two candidates talked together. This helped people show a wider range of their language skills.
• In 2013, C2 Proficiency celebrated its 100th anniversary. The "Use of English" paper became part of the "Reading" paper. The revised exam now takes about 4 hours.

What Does the C2 Proficiency Exam Look Like?

The C2 Proficiency exam has four main parts, called "papers." These papers test all the important English language skills: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

You take the Speaking paper face-to-face with examiners. For the Reading and Use of English, Writing, and Listening papers, you can choose to take them on a computer or on paper.

Reading and Use of English

(1 hour 30 minutes – 40% of total marks) This paper has seven parts. You need to read and understand different types of texts, like books, newspapers, and manuals. You'll show skills like:

• Skimming: Quickly getting the main idea.
• Detailed reading: Understanding specific information.
• Following an argument: Seeing how ideas are connected.
• Finding specific information: Locating particular facts.

• Part 1: You fill in eight missing words in a text by choosing from four options. This tests your vocabulary and grammar.
• Parts 2-4: These focus on "Use of English." You might fill in missing words, create new words from given ones, or rewrite sentences.
• Parts 5-7: These focus on "Reading." You answer multiple-choice questions, fill in gaps in paragraphs, or match information.

Writing

(1 hour 30 minutes – 20% of total marks) The Writing paper has two parts.

• Part 1: You must write an essay (240–280 words). You'll summarize and evaluate key points from two short texts.
• Part 2: You choose one question out of four. You might write an article, a letter, a report, or a review. Before 2023, one choice involved writing about a specific book or text chosen by Cambridge each year. You write 280-320 words. Examiners look at how you organize your ideas, how well you communicate your message, and your use of language.

Listening

(About 40 minutes – 20% of total marks) The Listening paper has four parts. You'll hear different types of spoken English, like lectures, speeches, and interviews. These are like what you might hear at work, university, or in daily life. You'll show skills like:

• Understanding the main idea.
• Getting specific details.
• Noting speakers' opinions or feelings.

• Part 1: You listen to three short recordings and answer six multiple-choice questions.
• Part 2: You hear one person speaking for 3-4 minutes and fill in nine missing words in sentences.
• Part 3: You listen to people talking together for 3-4 minutes and answer five multiple-choice questions.
• Part 4: You hear five short monologues (one person speaking) and complete two matching tasks.

Speaking

(16 minutes – 20% of total marks) The Speaking paper has three parts. You usually take this test with another candidate. There are two examiners: one asks questions and sets tasks, and the other listens and assesses.

• Part 1: A short conversation with the examiner. You talk about yourself.
• Part 2: A task with the other candidate. The examiner gives you pictures and instructions. You discuss the pictures and make a decision together.
• Part 3: A longer talk by yourself and a group discussion. The examiner gives you a card with a question and ideas. You speak for about 2 minutes. Then the other candidate comments, and the examiner leads a discussion with both of you.

You'll show how well you can organize your thoughts, discuss ideas, and speak clearly with good pronunciation.

How is C2 Proficiency Scored?

Since January 2015, scores for C2 Proficiency are given using the Cambridge English Scale. All candidates receive a Statement of Results. If you score high enough, you also get a certificate.

Scoring from January 2015

Your Statement of Results and certificate will show:

• A score on the Cambridge English Scale for each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) and for Use of English.
• An overall score on the Cambridge English Scale for the whole exam.
• A grade (A, B, C, or Level C1) for the overall exam.
• A CEFR level for the overall exam.

Your overall score is an average of your scores for each skill. C2 Proficiency aims for CEFR Level C2, but it can also show if you are at Level C1.

If you score between 162 and 179, your score will be on the Statement of Results, but you won't receive a certificate.

Scoring Before January 2015

Before 2015, the Statement of Results showed:

• A grade (A, B, C, or Level C1) for the overall exam.
• A score (out of 100) for the overall exam.
• A CEFR level for the overall exam.

Before 2015, candidates who scored 45 or more (out of 100) received a certificate.

When Do You Take the Exam and Get Results?

You usually take the Reading and Use of English, Writing, and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking paper might be on a different day, either before or after the other papers, or sometimes on the same day.

If you pass (score above 180), you get two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Universities, employers, and other organizations might ask for one or both of these to prove your English skills.

Why is C2 Proficiency Useful?

C2 Proficiency shows that you have mastered English at an exceptional level, matching CEFR Level C2. This qualification is very helpful for many things:

• Advanced Studies: It can help you study advanced courses at universities.
• Important Projects: It shows you can work on high-level research projects.
• International Work: It helps you communicate effectively with top leaders in international companies.

Many employers, universities, and government departments around the world accept C2 Proficiency. They see it as proof that you can study or work at the highest professional and academic levels. Many universities accept C2 Proficiency for admission. This includes universities in countries like:

• Australia (e.g., Australian National University)
• Canada (e.g., University of Toronto)
• France (e.g., Institut national du service public)
• Germany (e.g., Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich)
• Hong Kong (e.g., City University of Hong Kong)
• Italy (e.g., Roma Tre University)
• Japan (e.g., University of Tokyo)
• the Netherlands (e.g., Utrecht University)
• Russian Federation (e.g., Plekhanov Russian University of Economics)
• Spain (e.g., Charles III University of Madrid)
• Switzerland (e.g., ETH Zurich)
• the United Kingdom (e.g., University of Cambridge)
• the United States of America (e.g., Harvard University).

Both C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency can be used to apply for degree courses (or higher) at almost all UK universities.

See also

• A2 Key
• B1 Preliminary
• B2 First
• C1 Advanced
• Cambridge Assessment English
• Cambridge English Qualifications