CPE Introduction

The Cambridge Proficiency in English examination, or CPE for short, is a qualification in English as a Foreign Language awarded by Cambridge ESOL. It was first introduced in 1913 and has undergone regular updates since then. A major revision to CPE was carried out in 2000-2001 and the 'revised CPE' is available from December 2002. Around 50,000 students take the exam each year.

Cambridge Proficiency in English is one of five examinations offered by Cambridge ESOL. The level of CPE is described as Advanced. The table below shows how CPE fits into the Cambridge ESOL framework:

Adapted from the 'Cambridge ESOL Handbook', which is available to order from Cambridge ESOL.