The Cambridge English: B2 First (FCE) for Schools – formerly known as Cambridge Lower or Cambridge First Certificate in English – qualification proves that you can speak and write English well enough to study or work in an English-speaking environment.
Level of qualification
B2 Independent on the Common European Framework
Who should take this exam?
You should study for the B2 First (FCE) for Schools if you want to study a foundation level or pre-university course taught in English, work in an English-speaking business or live in an English-speaking country.
To take the exam you should be able to:
- write short reports and emails
- explain an idea or have a detailed discussion in English
- understand general English on TV and in newspapers.
How does the exam process work?
There are four parts to the exam. You will complete the Reading and Use of English, Writing, and Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking may be on a different day. You do the Speaking with two examiners and one other exam candidate. The exam is available in Greece in both paper-based and computer-based format.
| Reading and Use of English |
Writing | Listening | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
1 hour 20 minutes |
40 minutes | 14 minutes per pair of candidates |
| Marks (% of total) |
40% | 20% | 20% | 20% |