Cambridge English qualification

Cambridge B2 First

formerly FCE

An upper-intermediate qualification showing that a learner can work with varied texts, write clear extended responses, follow natural-speed speech and participate actively in discussion.

Explore format and tasks Official Cambridge overview ↗

Exam format

Format and part-by-part tasks

Four papers taking about 3.5 hours. B2 First and B2 First for Schools share the same level and exam format; the for Schools version uses age-appropriate topics and has a slightly different Part 2 Writing menu.

Reading and Use of English

Parts 1–4 test lexico-grammar; Parts 5–7 test detailed reading, cohesion and information location.

75 minutes · 7 parts · 52 questions · 40%

Task map

  1. Part 1: multiple-choice cloze for vocabulary and collocation.
  2. Part 2: open cloze for grammar and vocabulary.
  3. Part 3: word formation from a given base word.
  4. Part 4: key word transformations preserving meaning.
  5. Part 5: multiple-choice questions on detail, opinion and attitude.
  6. Part 6: restore removed sentences to a gapped text.
  7. Part 7: multiple-match prompts to one or more texts.

Writing

Candidates write two texts of 140–190 words, adapting ideas, organisation and register to purpose and reader.

80 minutes · 2 parts · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: write a compulsory opinion essay using two supplied ideas and one idea of your own.
  2. Part 2: choose one task—article, email/letter, review, plus story for Schools or report for adult B2 First.

Listening

Recordings are heard twice and include short extracts, a monologue, themed speakers and an interview or discussion.

About 40 minutes · 4 parts · 30 questions · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: eight short extracts testing feeling, purpose, gist and detail.
  2. Part 2: complete ten sentences from a 3–4 minute monologue.
  3. Part 3: match five themed speakers to statements.
  4. Part 4: answer seven multiple-choice questions on an interview or exchange.

Speaking

The test combines interview, individual long turn, collaborative decision-making and broader discussion.

14 minutes per pair · 4 parts · 20%

Task map

  1. Part 1: answer questions about experience, circumstances and plans.
  2. Part 2: compare two photographs for one minute; partner gives a short response.
  3. Part 3: discuss written prompts for two minutes, then make a joint decision.
  4. Part 4: discuss the Part 3 theme more broadly with the partner and examiner.

Results and scoring

How the result is reported

Cambridge reports separate skill scores on the Cambridge English Scale and averages them for the overall result. The target level is not the only possible outcome: performance in the adjacent reported level is also shown on the Statement of Results or certificate.

Scale scoreGrade/resultCEFR
180–190AC1
173–179BB2
160–172CB2
140–159Level B1B1

Candidate experience

What happens on the day and afterwards

Paper and digital exams use the same four-paper task design.
Speaking is face-to-face with one or two other candidates and two examiners.
Digital results are normally available in 5–10 working days; paper results normally take 4–6 weeks.
B2 First for Schools awards the same qualification level but uses school-age topics.

Preparation guidance

Prepare for the tasks candidates actually complete

  1. 1Split Reading and Use of English practice by task: lexical control, grammar, transformation, cohesion and text evidence.
  2. 2Write both 140–190 word tasks under time, checking content, communicative achievement, organisation and language.
  3. 3Use the second Listening play to verify evidence, not to restart every question.
  4. 4In Speaking, compare and evaluate instead of merely describing; invite and respond to the partner.

Official resources

Format, samples, preparation and results

Understand the qualification

Cambridge’s current qualification overview and part-by-part format.

Official preparation material

Sample tests, audio, Speaking videos, wordlists and teacher/candidate support.

Results and delivery

How results work, expected release windows, and paper/digital delivery.

Format and results information checked 12 August 2026 against current official Cambridge English pages. Confirm dates, local format availability, identification and access arrangements with an authorised centre. EduZMS is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an official partner of Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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