What is the B2 First?
B2 First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE exam), is the first upper-level qualification. It is also one of the most recognised exams in Portugal, required by some Portuguese universities for admissions, and it proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English, such as Erasmus. It is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference .
At B2, you should be able to:
- scan texts for relevant information
- make notes while someone is talking, or write a letter including non-standard requests
- follow a talk on a familiar topic
- keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics
B2 First for Schools give students the confidence to use their English in the real world
Q&A: B2 First
Is B2 First for me?
In Portugal B2 is aligned with the 11º and 12º ano according to the Metas Curriculares de Inglês. In some cases, strong 10º ano students with the necessary background take B2 First. However, they should opt for the “for Schools” version of the test.
Read more about the difference between the for Schools (fS) and standard versions of the exams.
Adults who decide to prepare for and take B2 First use it mainly as proof of independent use of English, and it is a valuable qualification to add to any CV. This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced.
Are not sure if this exam is for you? Test your English level now.
What is the structure of the exam?
There are four papers, but five parts:
Reading and Use of English
- Duration: 75 minutes
- Content: 7 parts with 52 questions
- Percentage of total marks: 40%
- Purpose: Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with tasks that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.
Writing
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Content: 2 parts
- Percentage of total marks: 20%
- Purpose: Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays.
Listening
- Duration: about 40 minutes
- Content: 4 parts with 30 questions
- Percentage of total marks: 20%
- Purpose: Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.
Speaking
- Duration: 14 per pair of candidates or 20 minutes per group of three
- Content: 4 parts
- Percentage of total marks: 20%
- Purpose: Shows how good your spoken English is as you take part in conversation by asking/answering questions and discussing topics. Your Speaking test will be face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.
This last part is done with two examiners and another candidate.
Depending on the date and format you choose it may be on a computer or on paper.
Preparation material
Feel free to browse our range of official preparation materials and also the Cambridge English free resources and samples.
More information
Computer Vs Paper. What’s the difference?
Computer based testing
B2 First for Schools | Cambridge English