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.
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.
The examination itself is divided into four parts. They are:
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 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.
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.
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 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 | Â |
B1 Preliminary | Sat 19 Feb | Tue 19 JulSat 8 Oct |
B1 Preliminary for Schools | B1Preliminary for schools is available on demand. Please contact your local exam center for your local dates | Â |
B2 First | Sat 5 Mar | 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 |
C2 Proficiency | Sat 5 Mar Sat 7 May Sat 14 May Thu 9 Jun Sat 26 Nov Thu 1 Dec Sun 4 Dec | Â |
B1 Business Preliminary | Web 9 Mar Fri 22 Mar Sat 14 May Sat 4 Jun Sat 24 Sep Sat 26 Nov | Â |
B2 Business Vantage | Sat 5 Mar Fri 11 Mar Sat 28 May Thu 2 Jun Fri 23 Sep Sat 3 Dec | Â |
C1 Business Higher | Sat 21 May Sat 18 Jun Sat 19 Nov | Â |
A2 Key (CB) Â | Sat 22 Jan | Thu 8 Sep Thu 20 Oct Sat 26 Nov Thu 15 Dec |
A2 Key for Schools (CB) | Sat 12 Feb | 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 |
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.
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:Â [email protected]
Source
“Cambridge English: Proficiency,” Cambridge English Language Assessment, http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/proficiency