I've decided to take the CPE. How do I enrol for the exam?
In order to take the exam you will need to enrol at one of the 1,000 examination centres that Cambridge ESOL has throughout the world. (Clicking will let you search Cambridge ESOL' web site to find your nearest one.) Enquiries should be made directly to the exam centre and not to Cambridge ESOL, the exam board. It is recommended that you obtain details of entry forms and fees well in advance of the closing date.

How much does it cost to take the CPE exam?
If depends on the country in which you take the exam. Contact the Local Secretary at the centre concerned for information on fees.

How many components are there in CPE?
There are five separate papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English (grammar and vocabulary), Listening and Speaking. Click on each one to get a summary of what you have to do in each paper.

What's the best way of preparing for the exam?
That depends on you, how much money you want to spend and how you like to learn! You may decide to take a CPE course in a language school; you may decide to study on your own with CPE books and software; or you may decide to combine both of these ways. The Flo-Joe site is intended to be useful addition to any of the options that you choose. In addition to the freely-available material on the website and our regular newsletter, you can also sign up for CPE Exam Success Plus. You should ensure that any books or other materials you use are fully up-to-date with the new CPE syllabus.

How is the exam graded?
You will achieve either a pass grade (Grade A, B or C) or a fail grade (D or E).

How many marks do I need to pass, and do I need to pass each paper in order to pass the exam?
Each paper is out of a weighted total of 40 marks. The total number of marks available is therefore 200 and you will need to achieve around 60% overall in order to get a grade C. (Individual papers are not marked on a pass/fail basis.)

What are the set texts for CPE and are they compulsory?
In Part 2 of the Writing Paper you have the option of answering a question on a work of literature. This is called the ‘set text’ option and it is not compulsory to read the books, although if you like reading literature it is a great way to improve your language skills.

How can I get sample papers and past papers?
As the CPE has been revised there are no past papers available but there are sample Reading and Use of English Papers on the Flo-Joe website in interactive format, which have been taken from the CPE Handbook. The Handbook also contains sample Writing, Listening and Speaking papers.

When do I get my results?
Approximately six weeks after you have taken the exam, your exam centre will issue you with a provisional results slip. The results show how well you performed in each Paper on the following scale: Exceptional - Good - Borderline - Weak
About one month after that, the formal certificates will be issued. N.B. Please do not contact Flo-Joe about your exam results as we are not involved in the administration of the exams!

Does the CPE satisfy the requirements for university entrance in the UK?
All UK universities, in addition to their specific course requirements, will ask you for evidence of competence in English. Most, if not all, universities accept CPE as this evidence, although some may ask for a B or even an A grade, depending on the degree course. For more information on recognition of CPE in UK universities go to the Cambridge ESOL website.
"http://www.cambridgeesol.org/recognition/index.php"
Note that the CPE can give access to a range of careers where a thorough knowledge of English is required.

If you have any further questions then please post one in our Student Forum. Information on this page is adapted from 'CPE Handbook', which is available from Cambridge ESOL (Clicking here will take you to their site.)

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