Overview
Cambridge English B2 First (also known as FCE, First Certificate in English) is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications offered by Cambridge Assessment English. It assesses upper-intermediate English across four skills — Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking — and is targeted at CEFR level B2, with reliable assessment reaching into B1 below and C1 above. The certificate is recognised by universities, employers and governments worldwide as proof of upper-intermediate English ability.
Who can apply
There is no official minimum age or prior-qualification requirement; Cambridge English positions B2 First for learners who want to prove upper-intermediate English for study (such as foundation, pathway or pre-sessional university courses) or for work in an English-speaking environment. A separate "B2 First for Schools" version of the exam, aimed at school-age candidates, exists but is a distinct product from the version covered here.
Exam pattern
B2 First has four papers, taken on paper or on computer depending on the exam centre, for a total exam time of around 3 hours 30 minutes. Reading/Use of English, Writing and Listening are taken in one sitting; Speaking is taken face to face and may be scheduled on a different day.
| Paper | Timing | Parts | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1 hour 15 minutes | 7 | 52 | Reading: understanding of different text types (Parts 1, 5, 6, 7). Use of English: control of grammar and vocabulary (Parts 2, 3, 4) |
| Writing | 1 hour 20 minutes | 2 | 2 tasks | Producing two pieces of writing (e.g. letters, reports, reviews, essays) |
| Listening | about 40 minutes | 4 | 30 | Following and understanding spoken English from news items, presentations and everyday conversations |
| Speaking | 14 minutes per pair of candidates (20 minutes for a group of three) | 4 | — | A face-to-face test with one or two other candidates and two examiners |
Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking are weighted equally: each contributes 20% to the final result. In Reading and Use of English, correct answers in Parts 1 and 7 score 1 mark each and Parts 5 and 6 score 2 marks each (42 marks for Reading); Parts 2 and 3 score 1 mark each and Part 4 scores 1 mark for a partly correct answer or 2 for a fully correct one (28 marks for Use of English). Writing is marked by trained examiners against four criteria — Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language — each scored 0–5 per task.
Marking and results
Scores are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. For B2 First: a scale score of 180–190 is Grade A and is certified at CEFR level C1; 160–179 is Grade B or C and is certified at level B2; 140–159 is certified at level B1 (below the exam's target level, so no B2 First pass is awarded, but a Cambridge English certificate at B1 is issued). A Cambridge English Qualification certificate does not carry an expiry date set by Cambridge itself, though individual universities, employers or visa authorities may set their own rules on how recent a certificate must be.
Fees
Candidates register and pay directly with an authorised Cambridge exam centre, and the fee is set by each centre, so it varies by country and even by centre within the same country. There is no single global fee published by Cambridge English; candidates should confirm the current fee with their chosen centre at the time of booking.
How to apply
Registration is not done directly with Cambridge English. Candidates register with one of the more than 2,800 authorised Cambridge exam centres across over 130 countries, found through Cambridge English's online centre search. The centre confirms available exam dates (offered throughout the year), whether the sitting is paper-based or computer-based, the current fee, and the entry procedure.
Preparation tips
Cambridge English publishes free preparation material on its website, including sample papers, a candidate information booklet, a teacher's handbook, and "Test & Train" practice questions. Because all four skills are weighted equally, candidates should not over-focus on one paper (such as Reading and Use of English, which has the most questions) at the expense of Writing or Speaking practice, since each paper contributes the same 20% to the final grade.
What level is Cambridge B2 First?
It is targeted at CEFR level B2 (upper-intermediate), but a very high score (180–190 on the Cambridge English Scale) is certified at the level above, C1, while a lower score (140–159) is certified at B1.
How many papers does B2 First have, and how are they weighted?
Four papers — Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking — with Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking each contributing an equal 20% to the final score.
Where do I register for B2 First, and how much does it cost?
Registration is handled by authorised Cambridge exam centres, not by Cambridge English directly, and the fee is set by each centre, so it varies by country and centre. Check with a local centre for current dates and fees.
Does the B2 First certificate expire?
Cambridge does not put an expiry date on the certificate itself, though a university, employer or visa authority you submit it to may have its own policy on how recent a certificate should be.