You may already be familiar with the European language levels (CEFR):
But which exam is right for you? Today, I will look at the Proficiency exam of Cambridge, level C2, the highest level you can achieve as a non-native English speaker. Great objective to have, uh? This is above what even the strictest employers and highest-ranking universities will require. You may need this certificate to be a certified translator or just because you are great and want everyone to know it! What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
- Internationally recognised by everyone
- Useful if you want to be a certified translator
- It shows that you have the English level of a graduate from a UK/USA university
- it is so highly regarded that nothing else could be better
- Tests all 5 skills: use of English, reading, writing, listening, speaking
- In the listening section, you will always listen to each track TWICE
- You can be proud and show it off!
Cons:
- Requires a very long time to prepare - don't think you will just pass by luck
- There is a a fair jump upwards compared with the Advanced Certificate
- You need to have studied English for a very long time, have lived in an English-speaking country for a while, read newspapers and novels, watch series and films in English and, effectively, live part of your life in English
- Can be very scary - that is the price you pay for greatness
- You can get a "fail"
- The "Use of English" part is EXTREMELY difficult, especially the 4th exercise (transformation of sentences)
- In the new format, the "Use of English" and "Reading" are in the same section. Most students will spend too long on the Use of English and then do not have sufficient time to finish the Reading, so they lose a lot of points. Without proper time management, candidates fail
- The multiple choice exercises can be very tricky. So, maybe you understand the text, but you don't really understand the questions they are asking, which makes candidates frustrating.
- The very last exercise in the exam (the last listening exercise) is very complex even for native speakers and you will do it right at the end of the exam, when you are tired
- It is increasingly being replaced by the IELTS (which will be covered in a separate article)
So, should you opt for the Proficiency?
You will get official recognition that you are a "proficient user", the most respected level that will set you apart from everyone else. But it takes much longer than most people think to prepare for this exam. Before you start preparing for the Proficiency, you must have been living in English for a number of years. As with all exams, it is not only your knowledge of English, but also the exam technique. If you are envious of your friends who have passed the Proficiency, your envy is indeed justified! It is the highest qualification to have, but be prepared to work very hard.
