How to Take B2 First (FCE): Four Papers, Five Scores, Scoring, Certificates, and Differences from PET
B2 First is the Cambridge English B2 level exam, corresponding to CEFR Level B2. Based on the Cambridge English website and the 2025 Teacher's Handbook, this article outlines the duration, question types, and weightings of the four papers, the scoring for the five components (Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking), certificate requirements, practice test score conversions, main differences from PET, and when to take the exam.
B2 First is the B2-level exam from Cambridge English (officially named B2 First Certificate in English, often abbreviated as FCE). It corresponds to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), sitting one level above PET (B1 Preliminary) and one level below C1 Advanced. It comes in two versions: B2 First for Schools (for school students) and B2 First (for adults). Both share the same level and exam format, with the only difference being that the Schools version features content more relevant to the interests and experiences of school-aged students, along with slightly different writing tasks. This article, based on the official Cambridge English website and documents, explains what B2 First tests, how it is scored, what the certificate is used for, and how it differs from PET. For an introduction to PET, see How to Take the PET.
I. Basic Information
- CEFR Level: B2 (also reliably assesses the higher C1 and lower B1 levels);
- Cambridge English Scale Score: 160–179 corresponds to B2;
- Exam Components: 4 papers—Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking;
- Exam Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours (paper-based exam takes about 3 hours and 29 minutes);
- Exam Format: Computer-based or paper-based; both formats have the same question types, and the official website states they result in the same certificate;
- Photo: The official website states that a photo is required for B2 First (adult version), and candidates without a photo may not be allowed to take the exam. For B2 First for Schools, it is optional, but the website recommends providing one if the results will be used for university admissions, employment, or visa applications.
The official website states that B2 First proves candidates have the language skills to live and work in an English-speaking country or study degree programs taught in English: they can communicate effectively face-to-face, express opinions, and build arguments; understand news articles; write clear, detailed English texts expressing opinions and outlining the pros and cons of different viewpoints; and write emails, letters, essays, reviews, and more. The website also notes that B2 First can be used to apply for foundation, pathway, or language programs in English-speaking countries, as well as undergraduate programs taught in English in non-English-speaking countries (subject to specific institutional requirements).
II. The Four Papers
| Paper | Duration | Number of Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 1 hour 15 minutes | 7 parts, 52 questions | 40% (Reading 20% + Use of English 20%) |
| Writing | 1 hour 20 minutes | 2 parts, 2 questions | 20% |
| Listening | Approx. 40 minutes | 4 parts, 30 questions | 20% |
| Speaking | 14 minutes per pair (20 minutes for groups of three) | 4 parts | 20% |
Unlike KET and PET, the B2 First score report includes five separate scores: Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. All five carry equal weight, and the overall score is the average of the five.
Reading and Use of English: 7 Parts
Parts 1, 5, 6, and 7 count towards Reading, while Parts 2, 3, and 4 count towards Use of English. The total reading volume is approximately 2,200–2,500 words, sourced from newspaper articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, brochures, and manuals.
- Part 1 Multiple-choice cloze (8 questions, 1 point each): Primarily tests vocabulary, such as distinguishing synonyms, collocations, fixed phrases, and phrasal verbs;
- Part 2 Open cloze (8 questions, 1 point each): Candidates fill in one word per gap, primarily testing grammar;
- Part 3 Word formation (8 questions, 1 point each): Candidates change the form of the word given at the end of each line to fill in the gap, e.g., changing "compete" to "competition" or "competitive";
- Part 4 Key word transformations (6 questions, up to 2 points each): Using a given key word, candidates complete a second sentence with 2–5 words so that it means the same as the first sentence;
- Part 5 Multiple-choice reading comprehension (6 questions, 2 points each): Candidates read a text and are tested on details, opinions, and attitudes;
- Part 6 Gapped text (6 questions, 2 points each): Candidates put sentences removed from a text back into their correct places, testing the understanding of text structure and development;
- Part 7 Multiple matching (10 questions, 1 point each): Candidates read a long text or several short texts and identify which text or paragraph each question refers to.
Writing: 2 Parts, 140–190 words each
- Part 1 Essay (compulsory): The prompt provides a topic and two viewpoints. Candidates write an essay expressing their own opinion, incorporating the two given viewpoints and adding one of their own. The topics are of general interest and do not require specialized knowledge;
- Part 2 Choose one of three: The adult version may include articles, emails, letters, reviews, or reports; the Schools version may include articles, emails, reviews, or stories.
Each part is worth 20 points, for a maximum writing score of 40. It is graded on four criteria: Content, Communicative Achievement, Organization, and Language. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5, in whole numbers only.
Listening: 4 Parts, each recording played twice
- Part 1 Multiple choice (8 questions): Eight unrelated short recordings, each about 30 seconds, testing feelings, attitudes, opinions, purpose, gist, and details;
- Part 2 Sentence completion (10 questions): A 3–4 minute monologue where candidates complete sentences;
- Part 3 Multiple matching (5 questions): Five related short monologues; candidates select the best match from eight options for each speaker;
- Part 4 Multiple choice (7 questions): A 3–4 minute interview or conversation between two people, testing opinions, attitudes, gist, and specific information.
Each question is worth 1 point, for a maximum score of 30.
Speaking: 4 Parts, taken in pairs or groups of three
- Part 1 Interview (2 minutes): Candidates answer the examiner's questions about themselves, their past experiences, present situations, and future plans;
- Part 2 Long turn (4 minutes): Each candidate receives two photographs and speaks for 1 minute without interruption, comparing the photos and answering the question printed above them. Afterward, the partner answers a short question about the photos (about 30 seconds);
- Part 3 Collaborative task (4 minutes): The two candidates discuss a situation and some written prompts for 2 minutes, then spend 1 minute reaching a joint decision;
- Part 4 Discussion (4 minutes): The examiner asks questions related to the topic from Part 3, and the candidates continue the discussion.
The official website states that there are two examiners for the Speaking test: one who conducts the test (who may be remote) and one who only listens. According to the official conversion guide, the assessing examiner scores Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse Management, Pronunciation, and Interactive Communication, while the interlocutor gives an overall performance score. The maximum Speaking score is 60, and half points can be awarded.
III. How B2 First Differs from PET
| PET (B1 Preliminary) | B2 First | |
|---|---|---|
| CEFR Level | B1 | B2 |
| Scale Score | 140–159 | 160–179 |
| Total Duration | Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes | Approx. 3.5 hours |
| Subscores | 4 | 5 (includes Use of English) |
| Reading | 6 parts, 32 questions, 45 minutes | Combined with Use of English into one paper: 7 parts, 52 questions, 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Writing | Two texts, approx. 100 words each | Two texts, 140–190 words each; the first must be an essay |
| Listening | 4 parts, 25 questions | 4 parts, 30 questions, approx. 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 10–12 minutes, describe one photo | 14 minutes, compare two photos and make a joint decision |
The most obvious addition is Use of English: question types like word formation and key word transformations, which are not in KET or PET, specifically test the accurate use of grammar and vocabulary. The writing requirement also increases from about 100 words to 140–190 words, and candidates must write a reasoned essay.
IV. Scores and Certificates
| Cambridge English Scale Score | Grade | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 180–190 | A | C1 |
| 173–179 | B | B2 |
| 160–172 | C | B2 |
| 140–159 | Level B1 | B1 |
- Scores of 122–139: The Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on the statement of results, but no certificate will be issued;
- Grades are based on overall performance: The official conversion guide states that there is no minimum score required for each paper;
- Results release: Computer-based results are usually available 5–10 working days after the test, while paper-based results take 4–6 weeks;
- Certificate delivery: For computer-based tests, printed certificates are usually sent to the test center within 3–4 weeks; for paper-based tests, it takes 7–10 weeks after the test;
- Validity: Cambridge English certificates do not expire, but universities and institutions can decide how long they accept results for, and may require specific overall or individual scores. Check their requirements before applying;
- Results verification: Universities and institutions can verify results online using the candidate's ID number and date of birth.
Approximate Scale Scores for Practice Tests
Cambridge has provided a conversion table to estimate the scale scores for each section using the official practice tests:
| Corresponding Scale Score | Reading (out of 42) | Use of English (out of 28) | Writing (out of 40) | Listening (out of 30) | Speaking (out of 60) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 (C1) | 37 | 24 | 34 | 27 | 54 |
| 160 (B2) | 24 | 18 | 24 | 18 | 36 |
| 140 (B1) | 16 | 11 | 16 | 12 | 24 |
| 122 (Minimum reportable score) | 10 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 14 |
Cambridge notes that this table applies only to official practice tests and is for reference only; it cannot accurately predict actual exam scores. Students scoring near the grade boundaries (within about 3 scale points above or below) are advised to continue improving.
V. When to Take B2 First
The official website positions B2 First as the natural next step between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced. Here are some practical recommendations:
- Scoring Grade A on PET (160+): This indicates you have reached the B2 level and can start preparing for B2 First;
- Haven't taken PET: Use the official B2 First practice tests to estimate your level first, and register when your scores are around 160 in each section;
- Brush up on Use of English early: Word formation and sentence transformations require systematic practice, so it's recommended to dedicate specific time to this;
- For university applications: Check whether your target universities or programs accept B2 First and what scores they require before deciding on a test date.
For more on how the score ranges for PET and B2 First overlap and how to decide which test is right for your child, see How to Choose Between PET and B2 First.
In Conclusion
B2 First is the B2-level Cambridge English qualification, consisting of 4 papers and lasting about 3.5 hours. Scores are reported in five areas: Reading, Use of English, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. A score of 160–179 corresponds to the B2 level, and the certificate is valid for life. Compared to PET, the biggest changes are the addition of Use of English and longer, more formal writing tasks. If you want to know how close your child is to the B2 level, you can book a free assessment with us, or check out our PET training.
Fact-checking note: This article was fact-checked in September 2026: Information on the levels, differences, Cambridge English Scale score ranges, exam format, number of papers, and duration of B2 First and B2 First for Schools, what candidates can do at this level, its use for foundation and English-taught undergraduate programs, and its positioning between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced, is sourced from the B2 First overview page on the Cambridge English website; details on the duration, number of questions, and weighting of the four papers, as well as the question types, number of questions, marks, and source texts for each part of Reading and Use of English, and the format of each part of Listening and Speaking, are sourced from the exam format page on the website; information on grade alignment with the CEFR, no certificate issued for scores of 122–139, the ability to assess C1 and B1 levels, photo requirements, results release and certificate delivery times, certificate validity, institutions possibly requiring specific scores, and online verification, is sourced from the results page on the website; details on the parts of Reading and Use of English, Writing Part 2 being a choice of three with specific question types for each version, the requirement to include your own opinion in Writing Part 1, the duration of each part of Speaking, and the total duration of about 3 hours and 29 minutes, are sourced from the Cambridge B2 First Handbook for teachers and B2 First for Schools Handbook for teachers (both 2025 editions); information on the equal weighting of the five skills, no minimum score required for individual papers, the assessment criteria and maximum marks for Writing and Speaking, and the conversion table between practice test scores and scale scores, is sourced from the Cambridge The Cambridge English Scale explained: A guide to converting practice test scores (2023 edition). The exam format page on the website describes Writing Part 2 as "a choice of four, including a set text question," which is inconsistent with the "choice of three" in the 2025 edition of the teacher's handbook; this article follows the more recent handbook. Recommendations on when to take B2 First are based on our practical experience.
References:
- Cambridge English: B2 First for Schools and B2 First
- Cambridge English: B2 First exam format
- Cambridge English: Results
- Cambridge English: B2 First Handbook for teachers (PDF)
- Cambridge English: B2 First for Schools Handbook for teachers (PDF)
- Cambridge English: Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores (PDF)