Cambridge B2 First
The upper-intermediate Cambridge exam: four papers, about three and a half hours, and a certificate that does not expire.
B2 First (formerly known as FCE) shows that you can use English independently in everyday life, at work and in study. It is one of the most widely known English certificates in Germany and Europe, and a strong result can even earn a C1 certificate.
B2 First at a Glance
Four papers, each tested separately and combined into one overall score.
| Paper | Time | Parts | Share of the total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1 hour 15 minutes | 7 parts, 52 questions | 40% |
| Writing | 1 hour 20 minutes | 2 texts, 140–190 words each | 20% |
| Listening | about 40 minutes | 4 parts, 30 questions | 20% |
| Speaking | 14 minutes (in pairs) | 4 parts | 20% |
The Four Papers
What each part asks you to do.
Reading and Use of English
- Multiple-choice cloze: choose the right word for each gap (vocabulary).
- Open cloze: write the missing word (mostly grammar).
- Word formation: change a given word to fit the gap.
- Key word transformations: rewrite a sentence using a given word.
- Multiple choice: details, opinions and attitudes in a long text.
- Gapped text: put missing sentences back into a text.
- Multiple matching: match questions to sections of a text.
Writing
- Essay (compulsory): give your opinion on a topic, using two given ideas and one of your own.
- Your choice: an article, an email or letter, a review, or a report (a story in the Schools version).
Each text: 140–190 words.
Listening
- Multiple choice: eight short, unrelated recordings.
- Sentence completion: fill in information from a talk.
- Multiple matching: five speakers, eight statements.
- Multiple choice: an interview or conversation.
Speaking
- Interview: questions about yourself, your experiences and plans.
- Long turn: compare two photos for one minute, then comment on your partner's.
- Collaborative task: discuss ideas with your partner and reach a decision.
- Discussion: a wider conversation on the Part 3 topic.
Scores and Grades
Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. A very good result earns a C1 certificate; a result just below B2 still earns a B1 certificate.
| Grade | Cambridge English Scale | Certificate level |
|---|---|---|
| Grade A | 180–190 | C1 |
| Grade B | 173–179 | B2 |
| Grade C | 160–172 | B2 |
| Level B1 | 140–159 | B1 |
Scores from 122 to 139 are shown on the Statement of Results, but no certificate is awarded.
Use of English Taster
Six questions in the style of Reading and Use of English, Parts 1, 3 and 4.
Try it
Parts 1 and 3: one word. Part 4: two to five words, including the word in capitals, without changing it.
I ______ three years ago.
You ______ bring any food.
Show the answer key
- made: "make a decision" is the fixed collocation.
- worth: "well worth a visit" means it is really good to visit.
- population: a noun is needed after "the".
- irresponsible: the meaning is negative, so add the prefix ir-.
- last saw Tom (or "last saw him"): present perfect with "for" becomes past simple with "ago".
- don't have to: "not necessary" = don't have to. In the exam, contractions count as two words.
How to Prepare
Practise all four papers, not just the ones you like.
✓Five Steps
- Check your level If you are not yet at B2, build your general English before exam training.
- Learn the format Know every part and its task type, so nothing surprises you on the day.
- Grammar and collocations Use of English rewards word forms, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases.
- Write to the word count Practise essays and the other text types in 140–190 words, with a clear structure.
- Speak with a partner Parts 3 and 4 are a conversation: practise listening and responding, not just talking.
Sources: Cambridge English: B2 First format · Cambridge English: B2 First results
A B2 certificate for life.
Know the format, build your grammar and vocabulary, and practise every paper under exam conditions.
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