Cambridge English : B2 First for Schools (FCE)
Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools is an English language qualification at B2 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The test demonstrates that candidates are able to communicate at an upper intermediate level in English. Preparing for the test enables learners with real-life language skills that can be used to communicate at a high level with native and non-native speakers of English in both work and everyday life situations.
The exam has been designed for students aged between 11 and 14 and uses topics specifically targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils. FCE is globally recognized by universities, employers and governments.
At B2 level typical users can be expected to:
- Express views, feelings, and opinions effectively in writing and give reasons
- Find relevant information in texts
- Identify the expressions of feelings and attitudes such as criticism, disapproval, agreement, and so on.
- Start, have and end conversations on familiar topics
How is Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) recognized?
Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is used as school leaving exam particularly at the secondary school levels of education (e.g. Secondary Schools, KV, etc.). Therefore, Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is an asset and an advantage for students applying for an apprenticeship or a job after the apprenticeship.
Format of the exam
| Paper | Content | Purpose |
| Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes) |
7 parts/52questions | Students need to be able to understand a range of texts, including how they are organised and the opinions and attitudes expressed in them. The texts will be from sources familiar to school-aged learners, such as magazines, articles, fiction and advertisements, but targeted at the interests of students. Students’ use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well they can control their grammar and vocabulary. |
| Writing (1 hour 20 minutes) |
2 parts | Students are required to produce two pieces of writing. The first piece is compulsory and will be an essay of 140–190 words. For the second, they can choose from an article, email/letter, essay, review or story of 140–190 words. |
| Listening (about 40 minutes) r |
4 parts/30questions | Requires being able to follow and understand a range of familiar spoken materials, such as news programmes, public announcements and other sources, but targeted at the interests of school-aged learners. |
| Speaking (14 minutes per pair of candidates) |
4 parts | A face to face test taken with one or two other candidates and an examiner. Students have to show how well they can produce spontaneous spoken language, talking with either the examiner, the other candidate, or by themselves. |
Result :
You will receive a separate score for each of the five skills (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking). These scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam.
| Grade | Score |
| A | Between 180 and 190 |
| B | Between 175 and 179 |
| C | Between 160 and 174 |
| Council of Europe Level A2 | Between 140 and 159 |