CPE is the highest level Cambridge ESOL exam, at level C2 of the Council of Europe's the Council of Europe's Common European Framework. At this stage, learners are approaching a standard of English similar to that of an educated native speaker. CPE is accepted by almost all universities and colleges in Britain and many others throughout the world, as proof of a level of English suitable for entry to courses of higher education or postgraduate study. Many employers also recognise CPE.

Test format
CPE has five papers

Paper 1 – Reading (90 minutes)
This paper tests your ability to understand texts from a wide selection of sources, ranging from newspaper articles to literature. You are expected to understand the text structure and detail and grasp an opinion, standpoint or development of ideas.

Paper 2- Writing (120 minutes)
This paper tests your ability to compose a non-specialised text in the form of a letter, article, review or report (300-350 words) covering a range of set topics to a targeted reader.

Paper 3 – Use of English (90 minutes)
This paper tests your knowledge of English sentence structure and text structure and you will be asked to fill in the gaps, error correction, word formation and register transfer. You will be also given a summary writing task.

Paper 4 – Listening (40 minutes)
This part of the test will require of you to understand the meaning of the spoken text and extract detailed information and understand speakers attitude and opinions.

Paper 5 – Speaking (15 minutes)
The speaking test is done with an experienced examiner and you are expected to get engaged and interact in conversational English. You will be put you in a contextual situation as well as involving you in a discussion and interview testing your conversation skills in English.

CPE Reading list in 2009
Rose Tremain, The Way I Found Her
Tracy Chevalier, Girl with a Pearl Earring

Results
Each component carries 20% of the total marks. There are three pass grades (A, B and C) and certificates are awarded to candidates who achieve these grades. Candidates who achieve a grade D or E are judged not to have reached the required standard for CPE.

Did you know?
All those who have the appropriate level of education, as decided by the Ministry of Education, and have passed CPE, can teach English in the lower grades of primary school.
Find out more about the Agreement on Co-operation with the Ministry of Education.