FCE (B2 First) exam: format, level, and who it is suitable for

30 January 2026

English-learners

Oleksandra Kulish

Book expert

B2 First (formerly FCE) is an international Cambridge English exam for general English that corresponds to the B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level. Successfully passing the exam confirms that a person is able to live, study, and work independently in an English-speaking environment, communicate confidently, and solve everyday and professional tasks without constant assistance from a translator.

The B2 First certificate is highly valued by many international companies, including IBM, Bayer, and Morgan Group. It demonstrates to employers that a candidate can handle business correspondence, prepare presentations, work with documentation, and communicate with clients in English. That is why this certificate is a significant advantage when applying for a job.

In addition to employment opportunities, B2 First opens the door to education in more than 30 countries worldwide. The certificate is also recognized by leading universities, and the level of language proficiency it confirms includes not only spoken English but also listening skills with complex vocabulary and academic writing skills. Preparation for the exam can begin at any level, but for a high result it is recommended to have at least a B2 level.

How can you tell if your language level is sufficient to pass B2 First successfully?

A common question is which exam to choose: B2 First, C1 Advanced (CAE), or TOEFL. It is worth knowing that Cambridge exams are more often required for work, while TOEFL is usually requested by educational institutions. The main difference between FCE and CAE is the level of difficulty. If you have a confident Upper-Intermediate level, it makes sense to take B2 First first and then prepare for the Advanced level.

An important advantage is that the B2 First certificate has no expiration date, unlike TOEFL, which must be renewed every two years.

As for the school version of the exam, B2 First and B2 First for Schools are absolutely identical in terms of level and content. The word “Schools” is not indicated on the certificate, so there is no difference in the document itself. The only difference is that school students take the speaking part with peers, and the task topics are adapted to their age and life experience.

Exam structure: what parts does the test consist of?

Each part of the B2 First (FCE) exam is scored separately, and all scores contribute to the final result. The exam consists of four parts and can be taken either on paper or on a computer.

FCE exam structure:

Reading — 7 tasks — 40% of the total score.
Writing — 2 tasks — 20% of the total score.
Listening — 4 tasks — 20% of the total score.
Speaking — 4 tasks — 20% of the total score.

In the paper-based format, candidates are allowed to use draft paper, check their answers, and then transfer them to the final answer sheet. The exam can be taken in one day or over two days: usually the written parts take place on the first day, and the speaking part is held separately.

Let’s take a closer look at each part and the rules for completing them.

Reading and Use of English

The Reading and Use of English part of the B2 First (FCE) exam consists of 7 sections, each containing 6–8 tasks. The task formats vary: you may need to fill in gaps, choose the correct answer, transform words, or restore the logical order of sentences.

The texts in this section can be very diverse — from newspaper articles and advertisements to extracts from fiction books. To confidently pass this section, a vocabulary of just over 2,000 words is usually sufficient, but the ability to work with context plays a crucial role.

Task types and maximum scores:

Multiple-choice cloze — 8 points.
Open cloze — 8 points.
Word formation — 8 points.
Key word transformations — 12 points.
Multiple-choice — 12 points.
Gapped text — 12 points.
Multiple matching — 10 points.

This is one of the most important parts of the exam, as within 1 hour and 15 minutes you can earn up to 40% of the total score.

Writing

The Writing section of the FCE consists of two tasks and lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The first task is a mandatory essay.
The second task is a text of a specified format: an article, email, report, review, or message.

Both the essay and the second writing task must be between 140 and 190 words. Texts that are too long and contain unnecessary information may receive a lower score, but overly short texts are also penalized.

Writing assessment:

Compulsory question (essay) — up to 20 points.
Situationally based writing task — up to 20 points.

In each task, the candidate receives a topic and clear guidelines that must be followed.

Listening

The Listening section is significantly shorter and lasts 40 minutes. The candidate listens to a monologue or dialogue. Each recording is played twice, allowing you to clarify unclear points.

The tasks are divided into four sections:

Multiple Choice 1 — answering questions based on the recording.
Sentence Completion — filling in gaps with words heard in the recording.
Multiple Matching — choosing the correct options from those provided.
Multiple Choice 2 — answering questions based on another dialogue or monologue.

Maximum scores:

Multiple Choice 1 — 8 points.
Sentence Completion — 10 points.
Multiple Matching — 5 points.
Multiple Choice 2 — 7 points.

The recording topics are always general, and highly specialized vocabulary is not used.

Speaking

The Speaking part is usually taken in pairs (less often in groups of three) and involves discussing a topic together. The module lasts no more than 15 minutes. During this time, two examiners assess your monologue and interaction.

Interlocutor — asks questions according to a script and assesses Global Achievement.
Assessor — observes the exam and evaluates:
- Grammar and Vocabulary
- Discourse Management
- Pronunciation
- Interactive Communication

The maximum score for Speaking is 60 points.

The Interlocutor assesses Global Achievement from 0 to 5, and the result is multiplied by 4. The Assessor scores each criterion, and the points are multiplied by 2.

This is one of the most challenging parts of the FCE, and many candidates consider it the most stressful.

How the results are scored

The final score determines not only the grade but also the official language level indicated on the certificate:

180–190 points — Grade A → C1 level.
173–179 points — Grade B → B2 level.
160–172 points — Grade C → B2 level.
140–159 points — confirmation of B1 level.

Thus, even if you do not reach a full B2 score, the exam can still officially confirm your English level.

Practical tips for preparation and choosing study materials

Before taking the FCE or even starting preparation, you should first make sure that your English level is B2 / Upper-Intermediate. If your level is lower, you should first improve your general English and only then begin FCE preparation.

If your level is already sufficient, the following steps are recommended for effective FCE preparation:

Prepare for the FCE with a teacher.
Find a school or tutor that specializes in FCE preparation. A teacher will help you focus on the topics and types of tasks that are most common on the exam.
Choose an exam date.
After a few lessons, your teacher will be able to assess your readiness for the exam. You can now register at your chosen test center and mark the date in your calendar — this sets your deadline.
Join the FCE community.
Find groups on social media (e.g., Facebook) for those who are preparing for the FCE or have already taken it. This allows you to get support and relevant advice, as well as learn about additional resources.
Regularly complete similar tasks.
The most effective method of preparation is systematic practice. Complete sample tasks for each part of the exam, especially those that are most difficult for you.
Complete timed tests.
One month before the exam, it is recommended to take a full test with a timer. It is important to practice not only individual tasks, but also to take the full test so that you don't get confused during the actual exam.

Taking online FCE-format tests allows you to practice under real exam conditions. You can use resources that offer past exam papers and tools to assess your level at the beginning and during preparation. Such systematic practice greatly simplifies the process of obtaining a B2 certificate and helps you pass the exam successfully on the first attempt.