Q: What are CPE Orientations?
A:  CPE Orientations are information sessions offered in the weeks before the CPE begins.  At the orientation, you receive an overview of the CPE policies and of the exam itself.  Attending one orientation is MANDATORY for first time test-takers.  At the orientation, you have the opportunity to have your questions answered regarding any and all aspects of the CPE.
 
Q: What are CPE Workshops?
A:  CPE Workshops are classes designed to help you to review and practice the skills required for the CPE.  There are workshops dedicated to Task I and workshops dedicated to Task II.

Q: What is the difference between Task I and Task II workshops?
A:  Task I workshops deal with Task I of the CPE--writing an essay in response to the advanced reading and a shorter reading you are presented with at the time of the exam.  Task II workshops deal with graphs and data interpretation as will be required on the CPE.

Q: Do I have to pay for workshops and/or orientations?
A: No. CPE Workshops and Orientations are free of charge

Q: Where do the CPE Workshops and Orientations take place?
A: In various classrooms.  Please check the KCC web page for the schedule which includes the locations.

Q: When are the workshops and orientations offered?
A: The schedule varies each semester.  Typically, workshops are offered three to four weeks before the exam. 
The schedule can be obtained on the CPE web page - kbcc.cuny.edu/cpe.

Q: Do I have to register for an orientation and/or workshop or can I just walk in?
A: You may just show up for the orientation and/or workshop you wish to attend. Seating is available on a first come first served basis.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum number of workshops that I can take? 
A: No.  You can participate in as many or as few workshops as you like.  However, participation in at least one workshop (and one orientation) is required of all first-time CPE takers.

Q: Must I take a workshop and/or orientation in order to take the CPE?
A: If you are a first-time test taker, you are required to participate in one CPE Orientation and one CPE Workshop (Task I or Task II) in order to take the CPE. Please note that while only one workshop is required to take the exam, it is highly recommended that you take at least one workshop for each task. Data collected on CPE test-takers over the semesters show that students who participate in workshops do better on the exam than those who do not. If you are not a first-time test taker, workshops are not required, but, again, they are highly recommended.

Q: Who facilitates the workshops and orientations?
A: KCC faculty who have been specially trained to work with the CPE.

Q: Will we review the advanced reading for the CPE in the workshops?
A:  No.  As per CUNY Policy, no faculty member or tutor is permitted to review the advanced reading with students.  You are, however, encouraged to form study groups with other students taking the exam in order to discuss and study the reading. 

Q: Are there evening/weekend workshops and orientations offered?
A:   Yes. 

Q: Can I receive one-on-one tutoring in addition to or instead of taking a workshop? 
A: No.  One-on-one tutoring is not available unless you have failed the CPE 3 (or more) times, have filed an appeal, and have special permission. 

Q:  What if I need to arrive late to or leave early from a workshop or orientation?
A:  While it is your best interest to be present for the entire time, workshops and orientations are voluntary and attendance is not taken.  The exception to this is first-time test takers who are required to attend one workshop and one orientation.

Q: May I attend workshops at other CUNY schools?
A: Yes, if the other schools allow you to.