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How far can your English take you?

The Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) has been certifying learners at an advanced level since 1953. Popular in Europe and Latin America, the ECPE tests all four language skills and is aimed at the C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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The ECPE advantage

  • a respected international certification backed by the University of Michigan and Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  • trusted results for educational and professional goals
  • a legacy of success for over 70 years
  • secure and reliable: only Authorized Test Centers can administer the exam
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The details

Test takers

Secondary to adult

Level

High advanced (CEFR C2)

Skills tested

Writing, listening, reading, and speaking

Test duration

3 hours

Test format

Paper

Test dates

May and December

What can you do with a C2 level?

Get the message

You can understand virtually everything heard or read with ease.

Summarize and present

You can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.

Communicate fluently

You can express yourself spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely.

Understand and convey nuance

You can differentiate finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

The CEFR

Learn more about the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

ECPE Skills

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Writing

The Writing Section has one task - either write an article, proposal, or essay.

45 minutes

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Listening

The Listening Section has short conversations, short talks delivered by a single speaker, and extended discussions with multiple speakers.

50 minutes

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Reading

The Reading Section covers global, local, and inferential reading skills and includes grammar, cloze, vocabulary, and comprehension components.

55 minutes

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Speaking

The Speaking Section is a semi-structured, multistage task with two or three test takers and two examiners.

30 minutes

Ready to schedule your ECPE?

ECPE is a paper-based test offered twice a year in May and December.

ECPE FAQs

  • ECPE tests all four language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

  • ECPE is offered as a paper-based 4-skill exam in Authorized Test Centers.

  • You will participate in a multistage task with two examiners. A description of the speaking test can be found in our ECPE  Preparation Resources.

  • You have 180 minutes to complete the 4-skill test. Additional time is needed for the secure check-in process. Please note the actual length of the exam varies for each test taker. You complete tasks at your own pace within the allotted time available.

  • The Listening and Reading Sections of the ECPE are scored by computer. The Speaking and Writing Sections are rated using scoring criteria established by Michigan Language Assessment. The Speaking Section is conducted and assessed by two certified speaking examiners, and the Writing Section is assessed by at least two certified raters.

  • We do not offer support or proctoring services in any language other than English at this time.

  • Michigan Language Assessment’s Authorized Test Centers administer ECPE. You can find a complete list of centers here.

  • ECPE is offered in May and December each year.

  • You can register for ECPE directly with your test center.

  • No, you do not need to take any special preparation courses. However, ECPE tests English at the C2 level so you should make sure your English is at that level, and should familiarize yourself with the format and content with our preparation materials and sample tests.

  • Your test results are typically available 45 days after the test date. A scaled score, ranging from 0 to 1,000, is reported for each section of the test and also averaged to produce an overall score. Section scores are reported in five bands.

  • Our test preparation page has sample tests and other free study tools. You can also visit our YouTube channel @MichiganLanguageAssessment and follow us on social media for additional free resources, including tutorial videos, webinars, and practice activities.

  • When you receive your results through the customer portal, you will indicate where you want Michigan Language Assessment to send them. Score reports will be sent to the organizations you list at no extra charge.

  • The ECPE score report has different sections:

    • your personal information: first and last name
    • the city and country where the test was administered
    • the date when you took the test
    • your ECPE overall result of “pass” or “fail”
    • your section scaled scores and grade
    • guidelines to interpret the results
  • Test takers may request a rescore of their results for ECPE.

    • Rescores must be requested within three days of results issue.
    • Individualized feedback is not provided with rescores; only scores are provided.
    • Each section of the test may only be rescored once, and rescore decisions are final.
    • Rescores are not available for ECPE speaking.
  • If you need to take ECPE again, you can schedule another test date. We recommend using your score report to identify gaps and develop your English skill(s) before taking the exam again.

  • Complete policies and procedures are available on our ECPE policies and procedures page.

  • ECPE is a timed test. Test takers may be allowed a break but the time clock does not stop or pause during the break.

Prepare for Your Best Future

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Let's get started

Get ready to shine on test day.

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Take a sample test

Are you ready to test your skills?

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Access and share your results

Get ready to show off your English skills.

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Policies and procedures

Learn all about the requirements to take ECPE.

More than 70 years of developing English language exams

Michigan Language Assessment is an expert in helping people fulfill their dreams of working, living, or studying abroad while remaining committed to the highest standards of assessment.