The Certificate of Proficiency in English is the highest level that a non-native speaker can achieve in the English language. It is a qualification that enjoys the highest worldwide recognition and that few students currently hold in our country, although it is more widely implemented in Europe and Asia.
The most common access to this certificate is after obtaining the CAE or Advanced C1, the level immediately below Proficiency. It is practically impossible to prepare for a C2 without having a B2 or C1 certificate, because passing it is not achieved solely through reaching the level itself, but also through knowledge of the different exam tests, how they function, and the strategy required to successfully complete all of them.
The C2 level is synonymous with extensive and virtually complete mastery of the language, and in some cases, it is a personal challenge and proof that a non-native English speaker can achieve an incredible command of the language and reach the highest level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. With this mastery, you will be able to tackle complex literary and journalistic texts and fully understand all the ideas.
But you will also be able to converse on complex topics and feel comfortable writing and expressing yourself in English on any subject or issue. In a job interview anywhere in the world, you will have the highest priority if English proficiency is required, as few people reach this level—sometimes due to neglect, other times relying on lower-level certificates.
If you know you have an aptitude for English and have reached a B2/C1 level without too much difficulty, it is worth making a bit more effort and enjoying the preparation for a Proficiency. You will learn many things you have not explored in depth before, gain a high degree of vocabulary fluency across many different fields, and achieve a significant milestone.
At NOVACADÈMIA, we have all the necessary tools. Many of our teachers are Proficiency holders themselves, having been through this before, and no one is better positioned than they are to help you achieve it as well.
Additionally, we receive continuous training on the exam, its updates or modifications, and we learn to master the different materials needed to succeed.
To pass the CPE C2 level, one must have very balanced English across its different skills, and especially a high technical command of the language.
Therefore, certifying this level demonstrates the abilities acquired at all levels, but particularly at C1. These are the five competencies that are learned and certified:
- Use of English: Equivalent to the use of grammar within a context, never as a mechanical exercise. It consists of exam tasks with both open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
- Reading: It consists of interpreting different types of texts and being able to respond appropriately to the comprehension questions posed. All exam tasks are multiple-choice.
- Writing: Through two written productions of between 220 and 260 words each, the student must convince the examiners that they have technical proficiency in different aspects of the language.
- Listening:The student must listen to and interpret different English accents within diverse contexts and heterogeneous formats. It consists of exam tasks with both open-ended and multiple-choice questions.
- Speaking: Through different formats, the examiner will test our English using various everyday topics. Grammar, vocabulary, the consistency of what is expressed, and the organization of information are all assessed.
The duration of the exam is approximately 5.5 hours, with several breaks. Obtaining an Advanced English certificate is not difficult if you have an expert teacher by your side to monitor your performance and progress and correct the aspects that need improvement.
Aside from all the doors this certificate can open for you, one of the aspects most valued by our students is the fact that they acquire maximum autonomy in English communication. Therefore, you should also keep in mind that your effort not only gives you an official certificate at an advanced level, but it also transforms your English like you have never seen before.
From a linguistic point of view, we can say that a student who has reached a C2 level is a student who has complete mastery of the language, who has internalized and can mentally access all the resources stored in real time, without thinking in their native language. Additionally, they are an ambitious person, who enjoys learning languages, and who aspires to be able to choose with relative ease the type of work they want to pursue.
The preparation of students for the C2 exam at NOVACADÈMIA is carried out using exclusively official materials, familiarizing students with the typical topics of the exams, and especially with the types of questions and answers they will encounter.
This level is usually completed over two courses from September to June, or with a course from September to June plus an intensive course in July. In most cases, the factor that determines how much time a student needs before taking the C2 exam is related to the student’s own abilities, the extra time they dedicate to the language outside the classroom, and their initial English foundation.
NOVACADÈMIA gives you an official level test and a personal interview before the start of the course, which allows us to segment groups by level rather than by age for young people and adults. At the end of the course, a complete final level test is conducted, allowing us to analyze and verify your progress and performance level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
We also provide a professional advisory service regarding official CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH exams, and we have official materials to practice the different parts and tasks of the CPE C2 exam before taking it officially.
If you want more information about this level and schedules, you can contact us aquí.
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