English Language Institute, University of Michigan, 2014. — 146 pages.
As an advanced exam, the ECPE emphasizes both fluency (the ability to use English to express ideas) as well as accuracy (the strict adherence to grammatical rules). Unlike more academic oriented exams like the MELAB, the skills assessed on the ECPE exam are general and applicants can use their results as evidence of their English competency for educational and professional pursuits. Indeed, as an older and more established exam, it is primarily targeted at students pursuing English-language higher education and working professionals who are interested in certifying their English proficiency to improve their job prospects.
The ECPE offers a unique advantage to test takers. Unlike many other ESL exams which use the conventions of British English, the ECPE exam is one of the only prominent ESL to use the spelling, grammar, and pronunciation conventions of American English. At the same time, its results are calibrated to certify a C2 (Mastery) level of the Common European Framework of Reference, making the ECPE roughly equivalent to the Cambridge Proficiency of English (CPE) but better suited for test takers who have studied in or plan to use English in the United States. As a result of this focus, many applicants use their ECPE certifications when applying for language schools, job promotions, or when conducting business in the United States.
