An Introduction to the B2 First Exam

The B2 First Exam (formerly known at the FCE Exam) is made up of four papers that are designed to test your English language skills. 

The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners.  

This exam was updated in 2015 and the name was changed from the Cambridge Advanced Exam to the C1 Advanced Exam. However, many materials online and teachers refer to this as the CAE Exam. You may be able to find study resources under both names.

Find official details here:

B2 First Information for Candidates: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/images/181310-first-information-for-candidates-.pdf

Test Day Breakdown

Test Day (Morning)

Usually, test begins with the Writing paper which lasts for 80 minutes on the B2 First exam. This is then followed by the Reading and Use of English paper, which takes 75 minutes. The test usually ends with the Listening paper which takes about 40 minutes. 

• • There are short breaks between the sections, but you will not be able to access your personal belongings like your cell phone. You can have your snack at this time, if you have one. Note that not all exam centres have space to store personal belongings so you should confirm in advance.

  • You cannot leave your seat until all papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. 

  • If you must leave the exam room to go to the washroom, take your ID with you. You will most-likely need it to re-enter the exam room. 

  • If you need help during the exam or need to go to the washroom quietly raise your hand and wait for someone to assist you.

  • If you finish the test early, you must quietly wait until it is over. They will tell you when you can leave.
    
    

The Speaking Paper (Varies)

You will be advised of the time and place of the speaking paper before your exam. The Speaking paper may happen on the same day as the rest of the exam, but it is often scheduled on a different day.

Scoring

The B2 First Exam is designed in a way to evaluate your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English. 

It is scored on a scale between 140 and 190 points. 

You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills. These scores are then averaged to give an overall result for the exam.

The grade is also converted to a grade using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

• • • A "pass" is considered 160 points. This mark is the equivalent of a B2 score on the CEFR scale.

    • It is possible to also be awarded C1 level with a score between 180 - 190 points.

    • You will be awarded a B1 level if you score between 140 - 159.

    • You will not receive a certificate for a score of 139 or below.

Listening - has 30 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. 

This section is worth 20% of your final score.

Reading and Use of English - is actually made up of two parts: Use of English and Reading. 

• • • There are 28 possible points in the Use of English section.

    • There are 42 possible points in total in the Reading section.

Since there are two sections, this section is worth 40% of your final score.

Writing - Examiners use the following assessment criteria to award your score:

• • • Content

    • Communicative Achievement

    • Organization

    • Language

There are 40 possible marks in this paper; 20 marks per paper. 

It is worth 20% of your final score.

Speaking - Examiners use the following assessment criteria to award a band score:

• • • Discourse Management

    • Interactive Communication

    • Grammar and Vocabulary

    • Pronunciation

There are 60 possible marks on this section.

This section is worth 20% of your final score.

For more information, check out this website here: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/results/