Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First

With a B2 First qualification, learners will be prepared to:

Start working in an English-speaking environment
Study at an upper-intermediate level, such as foundation or pathway courses
Live independently in an English-speaking country

Exam Components

B2 First has four components – Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each of the four test components contributes to a profile which defines the candidate's overall communicative language ability at this level.

Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

1 hour 15 minutes

Candidates are expected to understand published texts such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.

Paper 2: Writing

1 hour 20 minutes

Candidates are expected to show that they can produce two different pieces of writing such as letters, reports, reviews and essays.

Paper 3: Listening

Approximately 40 minutes

Candidates are expected to show that they can understand the meaning of a number of recorded texts such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.

Paper 4: Speaking

Approximately 14 minutes

Candidates are expected to show their ability to take part in different types of interaction with the speaking examiners and their speaking partner, including exchanging ideas as well as expressing and justifying opinions.

Exam Schedule

Registration & Rules

Assessment, Results & Certification

B2 First English course