Prepare to Excel

The test assesses your ability to use English in a variety of real-world situations, so the best way to prepare is to develop confidence in an array of those situations.

ECPE tests listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills in personal, public, academic, and workplace contexts. Recognized in multiple countries, the ECPE certificate is valid for life and accepted for educational and professional purposes.

The Writing, Listening, and Reading Sections are administered together in a single sitting. The Speaking Section is administered separately on the same day of the test or a different day, depending on the test center.

Test takers receive two prompts and choose one to write a detailed response considering multiple points of view: they may receive the options of an essay and an article or of an essay and a proposal.

Three sources (charts, graphs, figures, and/or quotations) are provided for the writing task; at least one of the sources should be incorporated into the test taker’s response.

• Task: 1
• Time: 45 minutes

Three types of listening comprehension tasks:

• Part 1: Short conversations (20 questions)
  
• Part 2: Short talks by one speaker (18 questions)
  
• Part 3: Multi-speaker discussions (12 questions)

Covers global, local, and inferential listening skills.

• Total Questions: 50
  
• Time: 50 minutes

Scoring: Computer scored

Includes grammar, cloze, vocabulary, and comprehension components:

• Grammar: Choose the correct word or phrase to complete a conversation or statement (16 questions)
  
• Cloze: Two passages with ten blanks each (20 multiple-choice questions)
  
• Vocabulary: Choose the correct word or phrase to complete a statement (16 questions)
  
• Reading: Three passages with six comprehension questions each (18 questions)

Covers global, local, and inferential reading skills.

• Total Questions: 70
  
• Time: 55 minutes
  

Scoring: Computer scored

A semi-structured, multistage speaking task conducted in groups of two or three test takers with two certified examiners.

Test takers will:

• Ask and answer questions.
  
• Explain and paraphrase written information.
  
• Provide recommendations.
• Negotiate a decision.
  
• Present and justify a position or decision .

• Stages: 5
• Time: 30 minutes

1. Prepare thoroughly
2. Develop a study plan
3. Practice relaxation techniques
4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
5. Simulate test conditions
6. Stay positive
7. Arrive early and prepared
8. Focus on the present
9. Use time management strategies
10. Seek support if needed