B2 First
B2 First, formerly known as Cambridge English: First (FCE), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is our most popular exam, accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide.
A B2 First qualification shows that you can:
- communicate effectively face-to-face, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
- follow the news
- write clear, detailed English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view
- write letters, reports, stories and lots of other types of text.
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Key facts
Scale score | 160 – 179 |
Test format | computer or paperbased |
Exam length | approx. 3.5 hours |
Exam costs | Click here |
B2 First – explained
Reasons to choose B2 First
Accepted for entry to foundation/pathway/pre-sessional courses in English-speaking countries and to undergraduate programmes taught in the medium of English in non-English-speaking countries.
Exam Format – Overview
Paper | Content | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes) |
7 parts / 54 questions | Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with tasks that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary. |
Writing (1 hour 20minutes) |
2 parts | Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays. |
Listening (about 40 minutes) |
4 parts / 30 questions | Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations. |
Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates) |
4 parts | Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face to face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates. |
Preparation Materials
Dates
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