Cambridge English
Cambridge B2 First
Cambridge B2 First (formerly FCE) is a Cambridge English Qualification proving upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) English. It is a certificate for study, work and personal goals, with four papers and a result that does not expire.
What it is
B2 First (formerly First Certificate in English, FCE) is a Cambridge English Qualification at CEFR level B2. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, it is a certificate that does not expire, widely recognised by employers and universities as proof of upper-intermediate English.
The four papers
- Reading and Use of English - about 1 hour 15 minutes, seven parts, testing reading plus grammar and vocabulary.
- Writing - about 1 hour 20 minutes, two parts: a compulsory essay and one from a choice (article, email or letter, report, review).
- Listening - about 40 minutes, four parts.
- Speaking - about 14 minutes, four parts, usually taken with another candidate and two examiners.
Scoring
Results are on the Cambridge English Scale. B2 First reports between 140 and 190. A score of 160 or above earns the certificate at B2 (grades C, B or A); 180 and above is reported at C1. Each skill is also scored, so strengths and weaknesses are visible.
For teachers
B2 First rewards accuracy and range in grammar and vocabulary (the Use of English parts), well-organised writing in the right genre, and fluent, interactive speaking with a partner. Drill the transformation and cloze task types, teach each writing genre's conventions, and practise the paired speaking tasks.
Resources for teaching Cambridge B2 First
Browse all →Lesson plans
B2 First Reading & Use of English: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the B2 First Reading and Use of English paper: the seven parts and strategy.
B2 First Writing: Essay & Genres
A teacher guide to the B2 First Writing paper: the compulsory essay and the Part 2 genres.
B2 First Listening: Strategy Guide
A teacher guide to the B2 First Listening paper: the four parts and strategy.
B2 First Speaking: The Four Parts
A teacher guide to the paired B2 First Speaking test: the four parts and interaction.
Worksheets
B2 First Use of English: Practice Worksheet
Practice for the Use of English parts: word formation, key word transformations and open cloze.
B2 First Scoring & Grades
How the Cambridge English Scale works for B2 First: the score range, grades and levels.
B2 First Exam-Day & Overview Checklist
A short checklist of the B2 First format and what to do before and on exam day.
Sources