Proof of level B2 wherever Cambridge English is accepted
Objective proof of level for an employer: with Grade A the certificate states C1
Pass once and the result stays with you
The lesson plan takes your level and exam date into account
A snapshot in the B2 First format: level, stronger and weaker parts
A programme around your starting level and exam date, focused on the weak spots
Full runs in the real B2 First format with error analysis
Speaking is taken in pairs, and candidates are surprised that examiners mark not only their long turn but also how they pick up a partner’s point. So we rehearse the paired part with a real partner
Reading and Use of English — 75 minutes. Seven parts, 52 questions: comprehension texts plus grammar and word-formation tasks (multiple choice, gap-fill, sentence transformations). This part has the most questions, and timing is tightest here.
Writing — 80 minutes. Two texts of 140–190 words. The first task is a compulsory essay based on two given points. The second is a choice: an article, a letter or email, a report or a review.
Listening — about 40 minutes. Four parts, 30 questions. Each recording is played twice, with a range of voices and accents.
Speaking — 14 minutes. Taken in a pair with another candidate and assessed by two examiners. Four parts: a short interview, a long turn with pictures, a collaborative task with your partner and a discussion. Both your individual contribution and your interaction with a partner are assessed.
Reading and Use of English, Writing and Listening are taken on the same day (about 3 hours 15 minutes of testing, plus breaks set by the centre’s timetable), while Speaking takes a further 14 minutes for a pair of candidates and may be on a different day. Both paper-based and computer-based formats are available.
Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. For B2 First, scores are reported from 122 to 190, a certificate is issued from 140, and level B2 is confirmed from 160. Separate scores are given for five components: the four skills plus Use of English. The overall mark is their average.
Grade A covers 180–190, and the certificate then states level C1. Grade B (173–179) and Grade C (160–172) both confirm level B2. A score of 140–159 is not a pass at B2 but earns a B1-level certificate.
Practising with official past papers works best: they show the real format and timing. Before the exam, sit a few full tests against the clock — especially Reading and Use of English, where time runs short most often. In Writing, learn the task types and keep within 140–190 words, because padding and going off-topic lose marks.
For Use of English, systematic work on word formation and collocations helps. For Listening, get used to different accents — British, American, Australian. Prepare for Speaking with a partner: practise picking up your partner’s point, asking questions and reaching a shared decision.
Arrive early and bring valid photo ID — without it you will not be admitted. Phones are handed in before the start.
Always check exact conditions, dates and fees on the official Cambridge pages: the B2 First (FCE) overview and the Cambridge English Scale explainer.
Know your exam date? We will build your preparation around it
