The Reading component (1 hour, 30 minutes; 40 points) consists of 4 tasks such as a four-option multiple-choice or gapped text. To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

In the Writing component (2 hours; 40 marks) the candidate is required to write two compositions. Each composition should be between 300-350 words in length. First composition is a compulsory task (an article, an essay, a letter or a proposal). The second task should be chosen out of four. One of them is based on three books from an optional reading list.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

The set books for the 2012 sessions are:

• Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees (2002); film directed by Gina Prince-Byrewood (2008)
  (Teachers may choose to prepare candidates for questions on this set text by studying the film as well as, or instead of, the novel.)
• Harold Pinter: The Birthday Party (1958)

The Use of English component (1 hour, 30 minutes; 40 marks) consists of 5 parts. The tasks types include: open cloze, word formation cloze, gapped sentences, sentence transformations, open-ended comprehension questions and a summary task.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

The Listening component (ca 40 minutes; 40 marks) contains 4 sections. The texts in each section are heard twice. The types of tasks include: matching, multiple choice, sentence completion and matching.

To learn more about this part and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

The format of the Speaking component (ca 19 minutes; 40 marks) is two candidates and two examiners. This component consists of 3 parts. In part one there is general and social conversation between the interlocutor and each candidate. In part two the candidates talk to each other about a set of photographs. In part three each candidate is given a written question to respond to and discuss a topic with the second candidate.

To learn more about this part of the exam and to download a sample paper please visit the Cambridge ESOL Candidate Support website.

The oral part of CPE is graded in Poland by experienced and highly trained examiners.

Grades:

A - 80% and above

B - 75 - 79 %

C - 60 - 74%

CEFR* Level C1 - 45 - 59%

Fail- 44% and below

*CEFR = Council of Europe Framework of Reference

NEW!!!

In March 2011 University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations introduced an extended certification of its English language exams. Candidates taking the Cambridge English language exams who do not achieve a passing grade but have demonstrated language ability at the Council of Europe Framework of Reference level below the examination they have taken will be awarded a certificate showing that level. The following information will be given as the overall grade:

Council of Europe Level C1 - for CPE exam.

A preparation course is not a requirement for those wanting to register for CPE, although candidates may find it beneficial to prepare for the examination under the guidance of an experienced teacher. . You can register for a course in our Teaching Centre in Warsaw and Krakow or other language schools which run preparation courses

A wide range of books on preparing for CPE is available at most language bookshops in Poland. Preparation materials are also available in the British Libraries in Poland.

Find out more about the results statistics of Cambridge ESOL exams.