Cambridge | C2 Proficiency

New information for candidates booklet

Download the Information for candidates booklet, with lots of exam preparation advice, tips and links to resources:

Free Computer-based sample tests - current sample tests

You will need to use the Firefox browser to access these sample tests. You can download Firefox for free. Once downloaded, open Firefox and use the links below to view the tests.

Watch this tutorial before you start to help you understand what you need to do.

Check your answers as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.

• Reading and Use of English sample test
• Listening sample test
• Writing sample test

Use the answer keys below

• Reading and Use of English answer key (PDF)
• Listening answer key (PDF)
• There is no answer key for the Writing Paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments on the relevant pages of the C2 Proficiency handbook. (PDF)

Free Exam Guides for Candidates for Cambridge C2 Proficiency

Have a look at free exam guides and tips from Cambridge English Assessment

Free Digital sample tests - effective as of April 1, 2024

New sample tests will be implemented for exams beginning April 1, 2024. Cambridge will upgrade from computer-based exams to an improved digital platform - Cambridge English Qualifications Digital. Find out more about digital assessment and its many benefits.

Watch the tutorial to understand how to complete a C2 Proficiency digital exam.

Listening Time: approximately 40 minutes

• C2 Proficiency Digital Listening Sample Test (online)
• C2 Proficiency Sample 1 answer key (PDF)
• C2 Proficiency Sample 1 tapescript (PDF)

Reading and Writing Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• C2 Proficiency Digital Reading and Use of English Sample Test (online)
• C2 Proficiency Reading and and Use of English Sample 1 answer key (PDF)

Writing Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• C2 Proficiency Digital Writing Sample Test (online)

Free Paper-based sample test

Download sample papers for C2 Proficiency English

Free Exam Guides for Candidates for Cambridge C2 Proficiency

Have a look at free exam guides and tips from Cambridge English Assessment

Reading & Use of English resources

Go to Reading & Use of English resources

Writing resources

Visit Write & Improve

Use this checklist to improve your written English and practise for your exam.

Listening resources

Go to Listening resources

Speaking resources

Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary (CEPD) contains over 230,000 pronunciations of words, names and phrases, including personal names, company names, and words related to science and technology.

Take a look at this video and download examiner's comments.

Free English practice

Practise your English with Cambridge free online activities. We have activities for reading, writing, listening, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.