The Cantonese Oral Proficiency Examination (COPE) is an assessment initiative modeled on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). COPE is designed to assess the spoken Cantonese proficiency of learners at the beginner to intermediate levels (corresponding to CEFR levels A1, A2, and B1).

The test does not require prior knowledge of English, Mandarin, or Chinese characters. The examination emphasizes cultural neutrality in its content design and evaluates candidates through one-on-one oral interactions with an examiner, focusing on a variety of task-based activities to assess interactive communication skills. This examination aims to address the sociolinguistic needs of Cantonese learners worldwide and to provide a recognized certification of spoken Cantonese proficiency.