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  1. Cambridge English
  2. Exams and tests
  3. C2 Proficiency
  4. Preparation

C2 Proficiency preparation

  • C2 Proficiency
    • Exam format
    • Preparation
    • Exam dates
    • Results

UK university applications

Find out which Cambridge English exam is best to help you apply to study in the UK.

Exams for UK university

Who accepts C2 Proficiency?

Here are just a few of the leading organisations that will accept your certificate:

  • University of Cambridge 
  • University of Toronto 
  • Columbia University – SIPA
  • Harvard Kennedy School
  • Sony
  • Coca-Cola

Find out more

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  • Test your English
  • See exam results online
  • Special Requirements
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⁠

Resources for teachers and learners

Here you can find links to all of our free resources to help prepare for C2 Proficiency exams, whether you are a teacher or a learner.

On this page:

student wearing yellow top sitting in exam

Exam essentials

Essential reading for teachers and learners wanting to find out about the exam.

teacher in class

Teacher essentials

Resources to help you prepare learners for C2 Proficiency.

student in glasses writing

Learner essentials

Information for candidates and resources that can be used at home or in the classroom for self-study.

⁠

Exam essentials

Official Cambridge English preparation materials

You can find a wide range of materials in both print and digital formats.

Sample tests (digital and paper-based)

Free: Digital sample tests

Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an C2 Proficiency digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.

Listening

Time: approximately 40 minutes

Instructions to candidates
  • Answer all the questions.
  • You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
  • There are 30 questions in this test.
  • Each question carries one mark.
  • You will hear each recording twice.
  • For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.

C2 Proficiency Digital Listening Sample Test

Reading and Use of English

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates
  • Answer all the questions.
  • You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
  • There are 53 questions in this test.
  • Each question in Parts 1, 2, 3 and 7 carries one mark.
  • Each question in Part 4 carries up to two marks.
  • Each question in Parts 5 and 6 carries two marks.

C2 Proficiency Digital Reading and Use of English Sample Test

Writing

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Instructions to candidates
  • Answer the Part 1 question, and one question from Part 2.
  • You can change your answers at any time during the test.
  • The test clock will show you when there are 10 minutes and 5 minutes remaining.
Information for candidates
  • There are two parts to this test.
  • Each question carries equal marks.

C2 Proficiency Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript:

C2 Proficiency Listening Sample 1 answer key

C2 Proficiency Listening Sample 1 tapescript

C2 Proficiency Reading & Use of English Test Sample 1 Answer key

Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folder in the paper-based sample test section below.


Free: Paper-based sample test

C2 Proficiency sample papers

How to convert practice test scores

The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.

For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers. 

Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores

Digital exam information

Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.

Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.

Watch the video tutorial for help on how to complete an C2 Proficiency digital exam.

For teachers, we have a teaching tips booklet. If your candidates have questions, you can find the answers in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What to expect on exam day

Watch Sofia on the day of her exam, and learn what it’s like to take a Cambridge English Qualification, from B1 Preliminary for Schools to C2 Proficiency.

 

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and FAQs to help you prepare.

Speaking test video with examiner comments

This video will help your students understand what happens during a C2 Proficiency speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Laura and Alejandro’s speaking test



Read the examiner comments for Manuel, Jules and Thiago’s speaking test

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⁠

Teacher essentials

Exam Preparation Journey resource packs

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

Handbook for teachers

The C2 Proficiency handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

C2 Proficiency Handbook for teachers

C2 Proficiency Handbook for teachers listening audio files (ZIP, 25MB)
These are the listening files related to the Sample Paper from the Handbook for teachers.

Lesson plans

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

C2 Proficiency lesson plans

Teacher guides

Developing listening skills for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for C2 Proficiency: A guide for teachers

Mock test toolkit

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Classroom warmers booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary students.

Teacher webinars

Cambridge English webinars and Facebook Live sessions are a great way for teachers to stay up to date with the latest developments and to interact with our experts.

Our webinars provide you with invaluable information about our exams, and cover a wide spectrum of subjects, including effective teaching methods, tips to improve student engagement and online professional development to help you develop your career.

Webinars for teachers

Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our Teaching English with Cambridge Facebook page. We regularly post teaching tips, answer your questions, and host regular Live events to give you a chance to engage with the community.

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⁠

Learner essentials

Free online learning activities

We have hundreds of free English learning activities to help you prepare for your C2 Proficiency exam.

Find out more

Exam information for candidates

A guide to preparing for the exam, with study tips, frequently asked questions and exam day advice.

C2 Proficiency: Information for candidates

Writing checklist

C2 Proficiency Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria, and useful questions about each writing type in the C2 Proficiency Writing paper.

Social media

Facebook

Join our lively Facebook community and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on-the-go.


YouTube

Subscribe to our Learn English with Cambridge YouTube channel to get helpful tips for exam preparation, and lots of English language advice.

 

Write & Improve Write & Improve: Practise your writing for free

Write & Improve is a free online tool to help you practise and improve your writing. Just choose a task, write or upload your answer and use the feedback to quickly improve.

Find out more


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