Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Preparation · 100% online

Cambridge B2 First practice

Cambridge B2 First (formerly First Certificate in English, FCE) is one of the most widely recognized English certifications in the world. Issued by Cambridge English, it certifies an upper-intermediate level of English (B2) and is a valuable asset for your studies, career, or plans abroad.

Start my preparation Browse the guide

Our preparation courses

Prepare with PrepMyFuture

Choose the online preparation course that suits your objective and start your training.

Préparation au test du B2 First - PrepMyFuture

Cambridge English B2 First

01

What is Cambridge B2 First?

Cambridge B2 First (First Certificate in English, FCE) is a general English qualification awarded by Cambridge English, affiliated with the University of Cambridge. It assesses your ability to use written and spoken English in everyday situations, both personally and professionally.

It certifies a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale, indicating an independent user who can communicate with fluency and spontaneity.

Unlike many English tests, the Cambridge B2 First certificate does not expire.

02

Versions of the Cambridge B2 First

The B2 First is available in two versions with the same level and format, differing only in the subject matter of the content:

B2 First

The standard version, intended for adults and older teenagers. The topics covered include everyday life, work, and studies.

B2 First for Schools

Designed for students in education, it follows exactly the same format and level as B2 First, but with topics tailored to younger learners’ interests.

03

The Cambridge B2 First exam papers

The test consists of four papers assessing the four language skills.

Reading and Use of English (reading comprehension and language proficiency)

1 h 15 · 7 parts · 52 questions

Assesses your reading comprehension as well as your vocabulary and grammar skills through a variety of texts and multiple-choice, gap-fill, and sentence-transformation exercises:

Parts 1 to 4— language proficiency (grammar and vocabulary)
Parts 5 to 7— reading comprehension

Writing (written expression)

1 h 20 · 2 parts

Assesses your ability to write different types of texts in English, each 140 to 190 words long:

Part 1— a compulsory argumentative essay
Part 2— a text of your choice (article, email or letter, report, or review)

Listening (listening comprehension)

≈ 40 min · 4 parts · 30 questions

Based on a variety of audio recordings (conversations, interviews, monologues), you answer multiple-choice, matching, or gap-completion questions.

Speaking (oral expression)

14 min · 4 parts

Conducted face-to-face, generally in pairs with another candidate and in front of two examiners, it assesses your fluency and interaction in spoken English:

Part 1— personal interview
Part 2— description and comparison of photos
Part 3— collaborative task in pairs
Part 4— in-depth discussion

04

Understand the rating

Cambridge B2 First results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Each skill receives a score; their average determines your overall score and the grade you receive.

Score (Cambridge English Scale)

CEFR level

180 to 190 Grade A — C1

173 to 179 Grade B — B2

160 to 172 Grade C — B2

140 to 159 B1 Level

A score of 160 or higher entitles you to a B2-level certificate (grades A, B, or C). Between 140 and 159, Cambridge issues a certificate attesting to a B1 level. The certificate indicates your score on the scale and the corresponding CEFR level.

05

How to train

Targeted preparation based on the actual exam format is the key to approaching B2 First with confidence. PrepMyFuture offers 100% online practice with interactive exercises, corrected mock tests, and progress tracking.

Discover our Cambridge B2 First preparation to help you practise under real exam conditions, paper by paper, with interactive exercises, marked mock tests, and progress tracking.

06

How to register for the Cambridge B2 First

1

Registration is done through an approved Cambridge examination centre, either in person or online.

2

Choose the format (paper or computer), a session date and, where applicable, the B2 First or B2 First for Schools variant.

3

Provide your personal information and pay the registration fee directly to the centre.

Dates and fees vary by test center. We recommend registering several weeks in advance to secure your place.

You can find an authorized center on the Cambridge English website.

07

Where to take the Cambridge B2 First?

The B2 First takes place at one of the many Cambridge English–approved exam centres located in more than 130 countries. Depending on the centre, the exam is offered on paper or computer, with several sessions held each year.

The speaking test may take place on a slightly different date from the written tests.

08

Why take the Cambridge B2 First exam?

Cambridge B2 First is recognized by thousands of universities, employers, and official organizations worldwide.

It proves that you have the English skills needed to work or study in an English-speaking environment, and is often a prerequisite for enrolling in a program or securing an international position.

As it does not expire, this certificate represents a lasting investment in your career.

09

Tips for passing the Cambridge B2 First exam

A good understanding of the exam format and regular practice make all the difference on the big day.

01

Practice with official papers and mock tests to familiarize yourself with each type of task and learn to manage your time.

02

Work on all four skills in a balanced way: since the final score is an average, a weakness in one area penalizes the overall result.

03

Build your vocabulary and review key grammar points: the Use of English section rewards accuracy.

04

Prepare for the speaking test by practicing speaking aloud, ideally with a partner: fluency and interaction are assessed.

Ready to get started?

Ready to begin your preparation?

Start your training today, at your own pace, in line with your objective.

Start my preparation