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Before You Begin

Understanding the FCE Exam

Read this before Lesson 1. Get the shape of the exam — papers, timing, question types, marking and sample materials — so every lesson lands in context.

Sample Materials

A quick orientation to the physical materials you'll meet on exam day: question papers, OMR answer sheets and Speaking prompts.

Reading & Use of English

Question paper layout

Single booklet · candidates write answers on a separate answer sheet.

  • Cover page with timing and instructions.
  • Parts 1–4 on the left side of the booklet (Use of English).
  • Parts 5–7 on the right side (Reading texts).
  • Answer sheet has 52 numbered ovals/boxes — Parts 4 & 5–6 score 2 marks.

Reading & Use of English

Answer sheet

Machine-marked OMR sheet · use pencil · one answer per row.

  • Parts 1, 5, 7 — shade A/B/C/D ovals.
  • Parts 2, 3 — write the word in CAPITAL LETTERS, one letter per box.
  • Part 4 — write the 2–5 word transformation in the box.
  • Part 6 — shade A–G ovals.

Writing

Answer sheet (booklet)

Hand-written · examiner marks holistically against the 4 scales.

  • Part 1 essay on the first answer sheet.
  • Part 2 task type chosen by the candidate, second answer sheet.
  • Word count not penalised within 140–190, but stay close.
  • Cross out drafts; only the final answer is marked.

Listening

Answer sheet

Filled during the test, then 5 minutes to transfer.

  • Parts 1, 3, 4 — shade A/B/C (or A–H for Part 3).
  • Part 2 — write words / short phrases in CAPITAL LETTERS.
  • Each recording is played twice.
  • Spelling counts in Part 2.

Speaking

Examiner materials

Two examiners: interlocutor (speaks) and assessor (silent).

  • Part 2 — colour photo booklet, one pair per candidate.
  • Part 3 — single prompt sheet with 5 written options around a central question.
  • Part 4 — examiner script of follow-up discussion questions.
  • All tasks timed by the interlocutor with a stopwatch.

Cambridge Assessment English

Official Reading & Use of English samples

Go and see the real paper — question layouts, timings and instructions straight from Cambridge. Opens on cambridgeenglish.org.

Cambridge Assessment English

Official Writing samples

Go and see the real paper — question layouts, timings and instructions straight from Cambridge. Opens on cambridgeenglish.org.

Cambridge Assessment English

Official Listening samples

Go and see the real paper — question layouts, timings and instructions straight from Cambridge. Opens on cambridgeenglish.org.

Cambridge Assessment English

Official Speaking samples

Go and see the real paper — question layouts, timings and instructions straight from Cambridge. Opens on cambridgeenglish.org.

What you earn

Cambridge B2 First Certificate

Illustrative reconstruction of a Cambridge B2 First certificateIllustrative
  • Issued by Cambridge Assessment English — internationally recognised for life.
  • Shows your grade (A, B, C), overall score on the Cambridge Scale (140–190) and CEFR level.
  • Grade A (180–190) → C1 certificate · Grade B/C (160–179) → B2 pass · 140–159 → B1 certificate.
  • Accepted by 25,000+ universities, employers and governments worldwide.
View official Cambridge certificate & scale

Illustrative visual — the certificate you receive follows Cambridge's official design.