FCE exam (B2 First): what it is, scores, certificate and fees
B2 First (FCE) is a Cambridge English Qualification at CEFR level B2, formerly called the First Certificate in English and Cambridge English: First. It has four papers, takes about 3 hours 30 minutes and is passed at 160 on the Cambridge English Scale. A score of 180 or more earns a certificate at level C1.
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Cambridge B2 exam at a glance
The key facts in one table. Sources are listed at the end of the page.
| Level | CEFR B2 (upper intermediate) |
|---|---|
| Papers | Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking |
| Total time | About 3 h 30 min (75 + 80 + about 40 + 14 min) |
| Delivery | Computer or paper at an authorised centre; Speaking is face to face |
| Speaking | 14 min per pair, 20 for a group of three; usually another day |
| Scores reported | 122–190 on the Cambridge English Scale |
| Certificate from | 140 (B1); a B2 First certificate from 160 |
| Pass mark | 160 overall (Grade C); no pass mark per paper |
| Results | 5–10 working days (computer), 4–6 weeks (paper) |
| Validity | Does not expire; institutions set their own limits |
What is the FCE exam?
FCE is the older abbreviation for B2 First, Cambridge’s exam for upper-intermediate learners. It tests reading, use of English, writing, listening and speaking at CEFR level B2, and Cambridge describes a pass as evidence that you can use English for study, work and life.
The Cambridge B2 test targets one level but reports three: C1 for a strong result, B2 for a pass and B1 for 140–159.
Who takes B2 First and what it is used for
B2 First suits upper-intermediate learners who need to show they can study or work in English, whether for a college place, a job that asks for B2 or a step towards C1. Cambridge says thousands of institutions and employers accept it.
Each organisation sets its own requirement (a grade, an overall score or a minimum per skill) and can change it. Check with your institution, or search Cambridge’s database of organisations that accept its exams.
Not sure you are at B2? Take our free B2/C1 level test, or compare both exams in FCE vs CAE.
B2 First on paper or on computer
Cambridge says the content, scoring and certificate are the same on computer and on paper. What changes is how you answer and how soon the result arrives.
| Computer-based | Paper-based | |
|---|---|---|
| Answers | Typed or clicked, saved automatically | Pencil on an answer sheet |
| Reading and Use of English | Options have no letters; Part 3 stem words on the right of the screen | Options A–D; stem words at the end of the line |
| Writing | On-screen word count; no spell-checker | Handwritten |
| Listening | 2 minutes to check at the end; Part 3 is drag and drop | 5 minutes to copy answers onto the sheet |
| Results | 5–10 working days | 4–6 weeks |
In both, Speaking is face to face with two examiners, usually on another day. Our mocks use a layout modelled on the computer-based exam.
How B2 First is scored
B2 First reports five Cambridge English Scale scores: Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Your overall score is their average, rounded, and it alone sets your grade, so a strong paper can make up for a weaker one.
| Overall score | Result | CEFR level | Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180–190 | Grade A | C1 | B2 First certificate stating level C1 |
| 173–179 | Grade B | B2 | B2 First certificate at B2 |
| 160–172 | Grade C | B2 | B2 First certificate at B2 |
| 140–159 | Level B1 | B1 | Cambridge English certificate at B1 |
| 122–139 | No grade | — | None (score on the Statement of Results) |
Reading and Use of English gives two of the five scores, so it carries 40% of the result. On Cambridge’s own practice tests, 24 out of 42 in Reading is 160 and 37 is 180; live boundaries move by a few points. Convert raw marks with the FCE score calculator.
Your B2 First certificate: level, validity, who accepts it
Your FCE certificate shows the level you reached: 160–179 gives a B2 First certificate at B2, 180–190 one stating C1, and 140–159 a Cambridge English certificate at B1. Below 140 the score appears only on the Statement of Results.
The certificate does not expire, but universities, colleges and employers decide how recent a result they accept: check with your institution.
It reaches your centre 3–4 weeks after a computer-based exam or 7–10 weeks after a paper one. The Statement of Results, now with a test-day photo, is online sooner; organisations can check it with Cambridge’s Results Verification Service.
B2 First for Schools: same format, teen topics
B2 First for Schools is the version for school-age learners. Cambridge says both versions are at the same CEFR level and follow the same format, with the for Schools content tailored to school-age interests (Cambridge’s B2 First page). One difference: its Writing Part 2 can include a story, while the report appears only in B2 First. Our mocks follow B2 First.
How much does FCE cost?
No single fee
You register with an authorised exam centre, and the centre tells you what your exam will cost. We print no figures because they vary by centre and change over time. Practising here is free, with no sign-up to start.
Finding your fee
- Find centres near you with Cambridge’s Find an exam centre tool.
- Ask two or three for the fee, the next dates and the registration deadline.
- If you study at a school, ask there first: it may register you itself.
FCE exam dates, booking and results
Booking
Your school registers you, or you register directly with a centre. You then receive a Confirmation of Entry with your Candidate ID and Secret Number.
Exam dates
Cambridge says computer and paper dates run throughout the year, but each centre sets its own timetable, so confirm with the centre. Speaking dates depend on local arrangements.
Results
Online, 5–10 working days after a computer-based exam or 4–6 weeks after a paper one. Sign up for Cambridge’s free results service before the exam.
Rehearse the whole B2 First exam
Six full mocks, each timed to the published paper lengths. Every paper of every mock is described on the FCE practice tests page.
- B2 First Mock Test 1Reading Part 5: an article about a volunteer theatre usher.
- B2 First Mock Test 2Reading Part 5: an article about a young photographer.
- B2 First Mock Test 3Reading Part 5: an article about a student spending a week at a weather station.
- B2 First Mock Test 4Reading Part 5: an extract from a novel about a woman presenting a radio programme for the first time.
- B2 First Mock Test 5Reading Part 5: an article about a teenager helping a business redesign its online shop.
- B2 First Mock Test 6Reading Part 5: an article about someone considering a job at a remote mountain hostel.
FCE practice tests · FCE mini mocks (about 23 minutes)
Practise each B2 First paper
FCE Reading and Use of English
Seven parts: a vocabulary cloze, three Use of English tasks and three reading texts. It gives two of your five scores.
Guides: FCE word formation · FCE key word transformations · B2 vocabulary list
FCE Writing
A compulsory essay, then one of three tasks set from article, email or letter, report and review. Both are 140–190 words.
Guides: FCE essay · FCE review
FCE Listening
Short extracts, a talk with gaps, five speakers to match and an interview, each heard twice.
Guides: FCE Listening Part 2
FCE Speaking
An interview, a photo comparison, a shared decision task and a discussion. Ours is solo practice with recorded examiner prompts.
Guides: FCE Speaking Part 2 · FCE Speaking Part 3
Every part of every paper is explained on the FCE exam format page.
FCE exam questions
Is B2 First the same as FCE?
Yes. FCE (First Certificate in English) is the older name for B2 First, which was also called Cambridge English: First. It is a B2-level exam, although an overall 180–190 earns a certificate stating C1.
What level is B2 in Cambridge terms?
B2 is the upper-intermediate level, the fourth of the six CEFR levels from A1 to C2. Cambridge’s exam at that level is B2 First, passed at 160 on the Cambridge English Scale.
Is B2 First hard?
It depends on your level. You need 160 overall, spelling counts in Use of English, and each Writing task needs 140–190 words. A timed mock tells you more: an estimated 160 or more means you are working at pass level.
Is there a vocabulary list for B2 First?
No. Cambridge says exams at B2 and above have no set word lists. Vocabulary is tested in context, especially in Reading and Use of English Parts 1 and 3. For self-study, try our B2 vocabulary list.
What do I need to bring on exam day?
An original, valid photo ID such as a passport or national ID card. Cambridge also lists black or dark blue pens, B or HB pencils, an eraser and a clear bottle of water. Phones are not allowed in the exam room.
Sources: B2 First Handbook for Teachers · B2 First Information for Candidates · Cambridge English results and scale scores · B2 First and B2 First for Schools exam format · B2 First and B2 First for Schools · Cambridge English Qualifications Digital · Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores · Exam dates · Find an exam centre · Who accepts Cambridge English exams · How our exam names have changed.
Updated 15 November 2026. Exam facts are checked against the Cambridge University Press & Assessment documents above. Found an error? Tell us through the contact page.
You know the exam. Now try it against the clock.
Take B2 First Mock Test 1: all four papers, timed to the published lengths, with an estimated Cambridge English Scale score for each skill.