The Cambridge English scale reports your CPE exam (C2 Advanced) results. Scoring is done separately for each section (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and Use of English.
You will also receive an average overall score of these five scores to give you a clear understanding of your English language proficiency. You will also receive a grade and CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level.
C2 Proficiency Exam's Online Results Service is the quickest way to access your exam results.
After you give your exam, sign up for this service, and you will get an email about your results as soon as your results are released. You can then check your CPE results.
To register for Online Result Service:
- Visit the Cambridge English Online Results Service.
- Click on the 'Register' button.
- Enter your Candidate ID and Secret Number from your Confirmation of Entry.
- Provide your email address and select a password.
- Receive a confirmation email once your results are ready.
- Log in using the provided details to access your results.
The table below shows the results availability duration:
| Type | CPE Results Availability |
| Computer-based result | 2-3 weeks |
| Paper-based result | 5-6 weeks |
The CPE exam certificate does not expire. But remember that universities and employers can select how long to accept results; it is important always to check their requirements.
CPE Scoring System
The exam assesses knowledge at CFPR Level C2. Here's a table for a better understanding of the CPE scale:
| Cambridge English Scale | 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 exam is evaluated at Level C2 of the CEFR. The C2 Proficiency exam also provides reliable assessment at levels below C2 (Level C1).
The scores between 162 and 179 are also reported for C2 Proficiency. You will not get a certificate, but your Statement of Results will show the Cambridge English Scale score.
How to calculate the CPE Score?
The C2 Proficiency (CPE) exam comprises five components, each with distinct sections and sets of questions.
It's important to note the composition of each section, as while Reading and Use of English are considered a single section, they are evaluated separately.
Here's a breakdown of the components:
Reading: 31 questions, 44 points
- Part 1: 8 questions (1 point each)
- Part 5: 6 questions (2 points each)
- Part 6: 7 questions (2 points each)
- Part 7: 10 questions (1 point each)
- Minimum passing score: 28 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
| Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| 36 | 220 | C2 |
| 28 | 200 | C2 |
| 22 | 180 | C1 |
| 14 | 162* | - |
*minimum score reported for C2 Proficiency
Use of English: 22 questions, 28 points
- Part 2: 8 questions (1 point each)
- Part 3: 8 questions (1 point each)
- Part 4: 6 questions (2 points each)
- Minimum passing score: 17 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
| Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| 22 | 220 | C2 |
| 17 | 200 | C2 |
| 13 | 180 | C1 |
| 9 | 162* | - |
*minimum score reported for C2 Proficiency
Writing: 2 questions, 40 points
- Part 1: 1 question (20 points)
- Part 2: 1 question (20 points)
- Minimum passing score: 24 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
| Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| 34 | 220 | C2 |
| 24 | 200 | C1 |
| 16 | 180 | B2 |
| 10 | 162* | - |
*minimum score reported for C2 Proficiency
Listening: 30 questions, 30 points
- Part 1: 6 questions
- Part 2: 9 questions
- Part 3: 5 questions
- Part 4: 10 questions
- Minimum passing score: 18 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
| Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| 24 | 220 | C2 |
| 18 | 200 | C1 |
| 14 | 180 | B2 |
| 10 | 162* | - |
*minimum score reported for C2 Proficiency
Speaking: Total of 75 points
- Grammar: Up to 10 points (5 points, doubled)
- Lexis: Up to 10 points (5 points, doubled)
- Discourse: Up to 10 points (5 points, doubled)
- Pronunciation: Up to 10 points (5 points, doubled)
- Interaction: Up to 10 points (5 points, doubled)
- Global: Up to 25 points (5 points, multiplied by 5)
- Minimum passing score: 45 points
Here is a table showing the test score compared to the Cambridge English scale score:
| Test score | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| 66 | 220 | C2 |
| 45 | 200 | C1 |
| 30 | 180 | B2 |
| 17 | 162* | - |
*minimum score reported for C2 Proficiency
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is the CPE score calculated?
A. The calculation of a candidate's CPE score involves summing up the individual scores achieved across all sections of the exam. Afterwards, this total is divided by four, and the result is rounded to the nearest whole number. This method provides an overall score that reflects the candidate's performance across the various components.
Q. What is a passing score for the CPE?
A. To qualify as a "pass" in the CPE exam, a candidate must attain a score of 200 or above. This achievement leads to the conferment of the Cambridge C2 proficiency certificate, which signifies a commendable C2 level of English proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Candidates who score within the range of 180 to 199 are awarded a C1 English certificate, demonstrating proficiency at that level.
Q. What is the minimum percentage to pass CPE?
A. The benchmark for passing the CPE hovers around 60% correctness, indicating that a candidate needs to provide accurate responses to approximately 60% of the items or questions to achieve a successful outcome.
CPE Result Report
When you receive your Statement of Results for the CPE exam, you're provided insights conveyed through three key pieces of information tailored to your performance.
Overall Score
Your Cambridge English Scale overall score is an average of the five individual scores encompassing the four skills—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—and the Use of English.
Individual Scores
You'll find Cambridge English Scale scores individually assigned to each of the four skills and use of English.
These scores offer a clear picture of your performance in each area, making it easier to identify strengths and areas that might require improvement.
Verification Number
A unique Verification Number lets you share your authentic results through the Results Verification Service.
Obtaining Your Certificate
As well as a Statement of Results, everyone who scores 200–230 will receive a Certificate of Proficiency in English.
If you score between 180 and 199, you will receive a certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level C1.
The certificate will show your overall score on the scale, individual scores for each skill and Use of English, CEFR level and grade.
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) acts as a universal benchmark, characterizing learners' language abilities on a global scale from A1 (lowest) to C2 (highest).
This framework underpins all Cambridge English exams, ensuring that your certificate or Statement of Results becomes a valuable indicator of your English proficiency for potential employers, educational institutions, and other organizations.
This is what your CPE Result looks like:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the C2 score mean?
A. A C2 Proficiency score holds great significance. It signifies the attainment of the highest level qualification conferred by Cambridge Assessment English. This achievement underscores that learners have reached an exceptional pinnacle of mastery in the English language. The C2 Proficiency corresponds to Level C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), indicating an extraordinary grasp of the language.
Q. What is a CPE report?
A. A CPE report is a written document tailored for a specific audience. This audience could encompass a superior, such as a boss in a professional context, or it could include members of a peer group, colleagues, or fellow classmates. The content of a CPE report predominantly consists of factual information drawn from the provided material or prompts. The objective is to convey information concisely and accurately.
Q. What is the name of the C2 certificate?
A. C2 Proficiency is also called the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). This certificate shows that you have mastered English and can use it fluently in required research, academic and professional circumstances. This certificate is the highest Cambridge English Qualifications exam.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is CPE the same as IELTS?
While the IELTS consists of a single test for each proficiency level, the Cambridge tests follow a level-oriented structure.
For example, the First Certificate in English (FCE) corresponds to an upper-intermediate B2 level qualification, the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is a C1 qualification exam, and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) targets a C2 proficiency level.
Q. What is the result of the C2 English test?
The results of the C2 English test are categorized as follows:
- Scoring between 220 and 230 leads to a grade A.
- Candidates obtaining scores from 213 to 219 receive a grade B.
- Those who score between 200 and 212 are awarded grade C. Successful candidates in these ranges receive a certificate at Level C2, signifying their exceptional proficiency.
Q. Is C2 Proficiency hard?
C2 Proficiency represents the ultimate and most demanding tier of language proficiency. Achieving this level indicates speakers can effortlessly comprehend concrete and abstract topics. They can adeptly lead conversations across various subjects and express themselves with spontaneity and ease, even in the most complex scenarios.
Q. What score is C2 proficient?
C2 Proficiency – Level C2 Attaining a scale score ranging from 200 to 230 (grades A, B, or C) in the CPE exam equates to earning the Certificate of Proficiency in English at the distinguished Level C2.
Q. How do you get C2 Proficiency?
For individuals aspiring to attain C2 Proficiency, the most effective approach involves immersing themselves in the language as extensively as possible. This entails surrounding oneself with English speakers, regularly engaging with English content through reading and listening, and actively practicing speaking and writing skills.
Q. Is it possible to pass CPE?
Yes, passing the CPE exam is possible, but whether you can do it depends on your skills. Passing the CPE exam is not the same for everyone. However, if you have a job where you use advanced English, like being a journalist at a respected newspaper like The New York Times, you can pass without studying a lot.
Q. Does Harvard accept the Cambridge certificate?
A number of prestigious universities, including Ivy League and Ivy Plus institutions such as Brown, Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale, formally acknowledge and accept Cambridge International AS & A Levels. Furthermore, a considerable number of other universities in the US recognize Cambridge qualifications when submitted as part of applications.
Q. How to pass C2 level English?
Attaining success in C2 Proficiency includes:
- Regularly practising all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Elevating grammar and vocabulary usage to facilitate effective communication at the C2 level
- Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the exam's structure and assessment criteria
- Know the procedures and expectations for the exam day experience
Q. When do You get the C2 proficiency results?
For computer-based C2 Proficiency exams, results are typically accessible within 2-3 weeks after the completion of the exam session. Paper-based exam results are typically available around 4-6 weeks after the exam session concludes.
Q. What is the validity of a CPE certificate?
The CPE certificate does not have an expiry date. The validity of a CPE certificate is characterized by its timeless recognition. When individuals receive a CPE certificate, they gain an enduring qualification without an expiration date. This unchanging recognition nature highlights the certificate's value and proficiency.
Q. What is C2 proficient in IELTS?
In terms of IELTS scoring, C2 proficiency translates to an impressive score range of 8.0 - 9.0, indicating advanced and near-native command of the language.
C2 proficiency in the context of IELTS signifies an exceptional level of language mastery. Those who achieve a C2 proficiency level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are recognized as having an extraordinary grasp of English.
Q. Is IELTS 8 a C2?
Band scores of 8.5 and above are universally acknowledged as clear indicators of C2 proficiency. However, a band score of 8 resides on the boundary between the C1 and C2 proficiency levels.