B2 First (FCE) certificateCambridge exam

WHAT TYPES OF EXAMS ARE THERE?

FCE FCE for schools

There are two types of exams.1.2.

SCORES (CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH SCALE SCORE)Grade A 180-190 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 173-179 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 160-172 ( Cambridge English scale score)Fail B1 level 140-159 ( Cambridge English scale score)

REGISTRATIONBook at least three months in advance. You can dopaper or computer based. Candidates have a choicebetween computer and paper-based exams.

WHAT IS FCE?“Cambridge English: First” is also

abbreviated as FCE and is a Cambridge examination. To pass this exam you need at

least B2 knowledge. With the FirstCertificate, you prove to have languageskills at an upper-intermediate level and

can communicate confidently and fluently and understand and write complex texts.

DIFFICULTY LEVELB2 / Independent user (CEFR level scale)

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NUMBER OF PAPERSThere are four paper. Reading and Use of English (50%),Writing (25%), Listening (25%), Speaking (25%)

How does FCE translate on theCEFR level scale?

understand more complex textsrespond to situations fluently andspontaneouslyproduce clear, detailed text on a widerange of topics and express opinions

B2 First (FCE) translates as B2 Independentuser on the CEFR level scale.This meanscandidates can:

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GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT FCEWhat happens if a candidate

reaches C1 Advanced (CAE) level?

If you take the FCE exam and reach a level ofC1 Advanced (180 points or more

Cambridge English scale score),you will stillnot receive a Advanced (CAE) certificate.

What happens if a candidate receivesless than 140 points?

If a candidate receives less than an average of140 points (B1 Cambridge English scale score),the grade will not be reported on the Cambridge

English scale score.

Does First (FCE) have an expiry date?

Fortunately, the First (FCE) does not have anexpiry date.

WHAT IS FCE FOR SCHOOLS?FCE for schools is a Cambridge exam that testscandidates their English language skills at a B2

level.It is comparable to the FCE exam. However,FCE for schools is adapted to the interests and

experiences of school children.

When is the B2 First (FCE) beneficial?

Once you have obtained a FCEcertificate, employers will

recognise you as fit to work inEnglish

A large number of Britishuniversities ask for a minimumof B2 as an entry requirement.

One of the requirements ofobtaining a visa for the UK,

Australia, US could be a FCEcertificate.

EMPLOYERS BRITISH UNIVERSITY VISA PURPOSES

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READING 75 MINUTES

The maximum Reading score is 42 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Reading score is 24 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

Part 1: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Part 5: Mulitple-choice (two marks for each correct answer)Part 6: Gapped text (two marks for each correct answer)Part 7: Multiple matching (one mark for each correct answer)

What parts are graded in the Reading?

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Fiction books, newspapers and magazines.

What are the text types?Time management can be a challenging factor of the FCEexam. Candidates have approx. 9 minutes to completeeach Reading part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each Reading part?

Both Reading and Use of English are taken on the samepaper but are given two separate grades. Candidates aregiven 75 minutes to complete both parts. Reading and Useof English are worth 50%(25% each) of the overall exam.

Are Reading and Use of English taken together?

USE OF ENGLISH75 MINUTES

The maximum Use of English score is 28 points whichcorresponds to 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Use of English score is 18 points whichcorresponds to 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

Part 2: Open-cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Part 3: Word formation (one mark for each correct answer)Part 4: Keyword transformation (two marks for each correct answer)

What parts are graded in the Use of English?

It is advisable to write with capital letters in the Use ofEnglish part, if candidates choose the paper-basedexam.

Do I have to write with capital letters in thepaper based exam?

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Time management can be a challenging factor of theFCE exam. Candidates have approx. 12 minutes tocomplete each Use of English part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each Use of English part?

Spelling is very important. Anything spelt incorrectlywill be penalised.

How important is spelling?

Both Reading and Use of English are taken on the samepaper but are given two separate grades. Candidates aregiven 75 minutes to complete both parts. Reading and Use ofEnglish are worth 50%(25% each) of the overall exam.

Are Reading and Use of English taken together?

WRITING80 MINUTES

This depends on the exam type. Candidates have a choicebetween paper-based and computer-based. It's importantfor candidates to research exam types before registering.

Do candidates type or write their texts?

There are two parts in the Writing:Part 1: Write an essay (140-190 words)Part 2: Choice between a letter, report, article or review (140-190 words)

How many parts are in the Writing?

The maximum Writing score is 40 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Writing score is 24 points which correspondsto 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

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Yes, if the examiner cannot read your handwritingeasily then marks will be taken away. If acandidate has unclear handwriting, it's worthconsidering the computer-based exam.

Can candidates get penalised for unclearhandwriting in the paper-based exam?

Examiners give 0-5 marks for the following criteria: Grammar and Vocabulary; Discourse Management;Pronunciation; and Interactive Communication.Examiners can also award half marks.

How is the Writing graded?

LISTENING40 MINUTES

Students hear the Listening audio twice. Candidatesare allowed to take notes during the Listening.

How many times do candidates hear theListening?

The maximum Listening score is 30 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Listening score is 18 points which correspondsto 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

There are four parts in the Listening.Part 1: Multiple-choice (one mark for every correct answer)Part 2: Sentence completion (one mark for each correct answer)Part 3: Multiple matching (one mark for each correct answer)Part 4: Multiple-choice (one mark for each correct answer)

How many parts are in the Listening?

Headphones are provided for computer-based examsand a CD player is provided for paper-based exams.

What Listening equipment is provided?

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Do candidates get extra time to transfertheir answers?Candidates get an extra five minutes at the end of the test totransfer their answers to the answer sheet. Candidates shouldonly transfer their answers to the answer sheet when advisedby the examiner.

COMPUTER-BASED PAPER-BASED

HOW CAN THE EXAM BE TAKEN?You have the choice

It takes two weeks toreceive results.

It takes four weeks toreceive results.

SPEAKING

14 MINUTES

Candidates do the Speaking exam with twoexaminers and a partner. Some parts of the examare done alone and other parts involve yourspeaking partner.

Who takes part in the Speaking exam?

There are four parts in the Speaking.Part 1: Interview (2 minutes per candidate)Part 2: Long turn (1 minute per candidate)Part 3: Collaborative task (3 minutes) Part 4: Discussion (4 minutes)

How many parts are in the Speaking?

The maximum Speaking score is 60 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score to pass

The minimum Speaking score is 36 points which correspondsto 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score

Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam onthe same date in the same place.

Can candidates choose their partner?

This depends on the exam event that you register for. Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before they register.

Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the same day?

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HOW TO PREPARE

FOR FCE? Enroll in a ONE ENGLISHpreparation course

Become familiar with theexam papers

Enhance yourvocabulary

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