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Cambridge English: Proficiency Test (CPE)

CPE Exam 2017

 

The Cambridge English: Proficiency exam, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), is an examination that gauges English abilities. It is the highest general English exam provided by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. The standard level of English in the test equals that of a fairly educated native speaker of English. There are over 2,700 centers all over the world that hold CPE exams at scheduled dates. The cost the CPE Exam fees in India is subject to the format in which the exam is taken by a given student and the particular center they are using to give the exam.

Who is the exam for?

 

While the test can be taken by anyone, it is especially beneficial for students looking to pursue their higher education from educational institutions in native English speaking countries. The certification from the CPE is accepted at many universities worldwide. The certificate guarantees that the holder has a good command of the language. This can be quite beneficial in securing admissions to foreign colleges and universities. This test can also affect visa applications and immigration to English speaking nations where you may have to prove your language ability. Having a good CPE score could boost your chances of being granted a visa, whether that is for work, study or leisure. For professionals looking to develop a career abroad, particularly in fields where communication is important, CPE can be very helpful in securing jobs and progressing therein.

CPE Exam format

The examination itself is divided into four parts. They are:

  • Reading and Use of English

This is by far the largest segment of the paper and comprises 53 questions. This segment is divided into seven parts, which in total hold 40 percent weightage of the total marks. The time allotted to this segment is one hour and 30 minutes. The purpose of this segment is to showcase your ability and level of ease in engaging with different kinds of texts including fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, journals and manuals. Your ability to comprehend the text at different levels is examined here.

  • Writing

Writing is the second largest segment of the paper and comprises two parts that cumulatively hold 20 percent weightage of the total marks. The time allotted to this segment is also one hour and 30 minutes. This segment will assess your ability to write a number of items like essays reviews, summaries, reports and so forth.

  • Listening

This segment contains 30 questions divided into four parts which, are worth 20 per cent of the total marks. The time allotted to this part is 40 minutes. This segment will assess your ability to understand a variety of audio or spoken inputs like lectures, speeches, interviews or discussions.

  • Speaking

This segment has three parts and is worth 20 percent of the total marks. You will be interacting with another candidate, and you will be allotted 16 minutes to showcase your communication ability in English.

CPE Exam dates 2022-23

CPE can be given on paper or online. The following table provides the dates on which the examinations are slated to be held. Your specific center shall inform you of the date for your speaking ability test.

2022-23

Paper-based

Computer-based

A2 Key

Sat 19 Feb
Sat 12 May
Sat 7 May
Fri 20 May
Thu 9 Jun
Sat 11 Jun
Tue 19 Jul
Sat 8 Oct
Sat 12 Nov
Fri 2 Dec

A2 Key Schools

A2 key school is available on demand. Please contact your local exam center for your local dates 

B1 Preliminary

Sat 19 Feb
Thu 3 Mar
Sat 12 Mar
Sat 2 Apr
Thu 5 May
Sat 7 May
Fri 20 May
Thu 9 Jun
Sat 11 Jun

Tue 19 JulSat 8 Oct
Sat 12 Nov
Fri 2 Dec

B1 Preliminary for Schools

B1Preliminary for schools is available on demand. Please contact your local exam center for your local dates 

B2 First

Sat 5 Mar
Fri 11 Mar
Sat 23 Apr
Sat 14 May
Sat 4 Jun
Tue 7 Jun
Sat 18 Jun

Thu 28 Jul
Thu 25 Aug
Sat 8 Oct
Sat 5 Nov
Tue 29 Nov
Sat 10 Dec

B2 First for Schools

Sat 26 Mar
Sar 9 Apr
Thu 21 Apr
Sat 7 May
Sun 15 May
Thu 19 May
Sat 21 May
Wed 25 May
Sat 4 Jun
Wed 8 Jun
Sat 11 Jun
Sat 25 Jun
Sat 23 Jul
Sat 24 Sep
Sat 12 Nov
Tue 22 Nov
Sat 26 Nov
Sat 3 Dec

C1 Advanced

Sat 8 Jan
Sat 5 Feb
Web 23 Feb
Sat 12 Mar
Sat 19 Mar
Sat 23 Apr
Sat 7 May
Thu 12 May
Sat 14 May
Sat 4 Jun
Wed 8 Jun
Sat 18 Jun
Sat 9 Jul

Fri 29 Jul
Fri 26 Aug
Sat 10 Sep
Sat 22 Oct
Sat 5 Nov
Sat 12 Nov
Web 30 Nov
Sat 3 Dec
Sat 10 Dec

C2 Proficiency

Sat 5 Mar
Sat 7 May
Sat 14 May
Thu 9 Jun
Sat 26 Nov
Thu 1 Dec
Sun 4 Dec
 

B1 Business Preliminary

Web 9 Mar
Fri 22 Mar
Sat 14 May
Sat 4 Jun
Sat 24 Sep
Sat 26 Nov
 

B2 Business Vantage

Sat 5 Mar
Fri 11 Mar
Sat 28 May
Thu 2 Jun
Fri 23 Sep
Sat 3 Dec

 

C1 Business Higher

Sat 21 May
Sat 18 Jun
Sat 19 Nov

 

A2 Key (CB)

 

Sat 22 Jan
Thu 3 Feb
Wed 23 Mar
Wed 20 Apr
Wed 25 May
Wed 8 Jun
Sat 18 Jun
Thu 30 Jun
Sat 23 Jul

Thu 8 Sep
Thu 20 Oct
Sat 26 Nov
Thu 15 Dec
A2 Key for Schools (CB)

Sat 12 Feb
Wed 16 Mar
Thu 7 Apr
Fri 13 May
Tue 24 May
Mon 6 Jun
Thu 9 Jun

Thu 16 Jun
Sat 25 Jun
Thu 14 Jul
Fri 16 Sep
Sat 15 Oct
Sat 12 Nov
Thu 1 Dec
B1 Preliminary (CB)Sat 22 Jan
Thu 3 Feb
Wed 22 Mar
Wed 20 Apr
Wed 25 May
Wed 8 Jun
Sat 18 Jun
Thu 30 Jun
Sat 23 Jul
Thu 8 Sep
Thu 20 Oct
Sat 26 Nov
Thu 15 Dec

CPE Application process

In order to apply for the CPE test, you need to find the certified center closest to you and register there. You can decide when you will take the test, as examination dates are available throughout the year. An online examination format has been introduced in this year (2013), and students registering for the exam this year will be able to give the computer-based exam. The  CPE exam fee in India is Rs. 6700.

  Click here to download the CPE application form.

CPE Preparation tips

  • Familiarize yourself with the words that are most often used in verbal and written communication in English. Read as much as you can. Books, newspapers, and magazines are a good sources for finding new words and phrases.
  • Watch movies, listen to music, debates and discussions in English. These can increase your comfort with the language.
  • Be proficient in grammar and understand the reason behind the use of every word and its use in sentence structure.
  • Know the formats of essays, reports, letters and reviews. Practice writing them on a regular basis.
  • Listen and speak carefully. Do not attempt to diversify your vocabulary or use flowery language unnecessarily. Never use a word without knowing its meaning clearly. Remember that communication is meant to inform others of ideas and thoughts.

Contact

Students in India, planning to appear for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) can get more details from:

British Council New Delhi
British Council Division
British High Commission
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi – 110 001

Phone: 18001024353
Fax: +91 11 2371 0717
Email: [email protected]

Source

“Cambridge English: Proficiency,” Cambridge English Language Assessment, http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/proficiency

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