How many candidates usually participate in the Speaking section?

In the Speaking section of the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) exam, two candidates typically participate. This structure allows for a dynamic interaction between the candidates, where they can engage in a conversation and demonstrate their speaking skills effectively. The two-candidate format provides an opportunity for each participant to showcase their ability to communicate, respond to each other, and engage in discussion, which is crucial for assessing their proficiency in spoken English. This setup is designed to encourage interaction, making it a more realistic gauge of conversational ability compared to having only one candidate or a larger group, which could complicate the assessment of individual speaking skills.