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The ECPE is aimed at the C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (Council of Europe, 2001) (CEFR). Language users at this proficiency level:
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express [themselves] spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
(Council of Europe, 2001: 24)
Therefore, ECPE certificate holders are expected to be comfortable engaging with abstract ideas and concepts. They are interactive oral English speakers; they contribute to the development of a discussion, can generally understand conversational questions, can grasp both the gist and details of a conversation delivered in Standard American English, and can understand extended spoken discourse. They should also have a wide-ranging and flexible vocabulary as well as a sound grasp of English grammar. They can understand written materials that are encountered in both general and specialized professional contexts as well as in university level reading. Additionally, they are able to communicate in standard written English with good expression and accuracy.
When interpreting an ECPE score report, it is important to remember that the ECPE estimates the examinees’ true proficiency by approximating the kinds of tasks that they may encounter in real life. Also, temporary factors ranging and flexible vocabulary as well as a sound grasp of English grammar. They can understand written materials that are encountered in both general and specialized professional contexts as well as in university level reading. Additionally, they are able to communicate in standard written English with good expression and accuracy.
When using test scores for decision-making, check the date the test was taken. While the certificate is valid for the holder’s lifetime, language ability changes over time. This ability can improve with active use and further study of the language, or it may diminish if the holder does not continue to study or to use English on a regular basis. It is also important to remember that test performance is only one aspect to be considered. Communicative language ability consists of both knowledge of language and knowledge of the world. Therefore, one would need to consider how factors other than language affect how well someone can communicate. For example, in the general context of using English in business, the ability to function effectively involves not only knowledge of English, but also other knowledge and skills such as intellectual knowledge and business skills.
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