How long is the Cambridge B2 First exam?

The total exam time is about 3 hours 29 minutes, including breaks. Each section is timed separately: Reading & Use of English (1h15), Writing (1h20), Listening (40 min), and Speaking (14 min per pair).

What is the passing score for B2 First?

The passing score for B2 First is 160 out of 200 on the Cambridge English Scale. Scores from 160 to 172 earn a Grade C (pass at B2), 173–179 a Grade B, and 180–190 a Grade A (which indicates C1 level).

How many parts are there in the Reading & Use of English paper?

There are 7 parts in the Reading & Use of English paper. They include multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, key word transformation, multiple-choice text, gapped text, and multiple matching. In total, there are 52 questions.

Can I use British or American English in the writing tasks?

Yes, both British and American English spellings and vocabulary are accepted, as long as you are consistent. However, it is important to use the appropriate register (formal or informal) as required by the task.

How is the Speaking test conducted?

The Speaking test is done in pairs (or sometimes groups of three) with two examiners. It has four parts: an interview, a long turn (comparing photos), a collaborative task, and a discussion. The test lasts about 14 minutes per pair.

When will I receive my B2 First results?

Results are typically available online within 4 to 6 weeks after the exam. You will receive a statement of results, and a certificate is issued if you pass. For 2026, results are released on a rolling basis depending on your exam date.

B2 First Syllabus 2026 | FCE Exam Guide

Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Syllabus 2026: Your Roadmap to Success

Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) exam syllabus. Whether you're aiming for university admission, career advancement, or personal achievement, understanding what's tested is your first step to a high score. This page breaks down every section, skill, and topic area you need to master for the 2026 exam.

What is the Cambridge B2 First (FCE)?

The B2 First (previously known as First Certificate in English) is a globally recognised qualification from Cambridge Assessment English, mapping to Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It proves you can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level for work, study, and travel. Over 2,000 educational institutions and employers accept B2 First as proof of English proficiency.

Exam at a Glance (2026)

| Section | Duration | Weight | Format | |---------|----------|--------|--------| | Reading & Use of English | 1 hour 15 min | 40% of total | 7 parts, 52 questions | | Writing | 1 hour 20 min | 20% of total | 2 tasks | | Listening | 40 min | 20% of total | 4 parts, 30 questions | | Speaking | 14 min per pair | 20% of total | 4 parts (with partner) |

Total exam time: 3 hours 29 minutes (including breaks between sections).

Registration and Fees (2026)

Registration body: Cambridge Assessment English (via authorised exam centres)
Typical fee: $160–$220 USD (varies by country and centre)
Results: Released online approximately 4–6 weeks after the exam
Validity: No expiry, but universities often require results within 2 years

Reading & Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes)

This section tests your reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary in an integrated way. You'll encounter a variety of text types, from newspaper articles to fiction extracts.

#### Part 1: Multiple-Choice Cloze

What you do: Read a short text with 8 gaps. Choose one word from four options to fill each gap.
Skills tested: Vocabulary, collocations, phrasal verbs, linking words.
Grammar focus: Prepositions, word formation, idiomatic expressions.
Tip: Read the whole text first to understand context.

#### Part 2: Open Cloze

What you do: Fill in 8 gaps in a text with one word each (no options provided).
Skills tested: Grammar, sentence structure, and understanding of text cohesion.
Grammar focus: Articles, prepositions, auxiliary verbs, pronouns, conjunctions.
Tip: Think about the grammatical function of the missing word.

#### Part 3: Word Formation

What you do: Use the root word given in capitals to form a word that fits each gap (8 gaps).
Skills tested: Vocabulary building, prefixes, suffixes, and word families.
Grammar focus: Noun, verb, adjective, adverb forms.
Tip: Identify the part of speech needed for each gap.

#### Part 4: Key Word Transformation

What you do: Complete a second sentence so it has the same meaning as the first, using a given keyword (6 questions).
Skills tested: Grammar and vocabulary in context, paraphrasing.
Grammar focus: Reported speech, passive voice, conditionals, modals, comparatives.
Tip: Do not change the keyword; use between 2 and 5 words.

#### Part 5: Multiple Choice (Text)

What you do: Read a long text (about 750 words) and answer 6 four-option multiple-choice questions.
Skills tested: Detailed comprehension, opinion, attitude, purpose.
Tip: Refer back to the text and eliminate wrong options.

#### Part 6: Gapped Text

What you do: Read a text with 6 missing sentences. Choose from 7 options to fill the gaps.
Skills tested: Text structure, cohesion, logical flow.
Tip: Look for linking words, pronouns, and time references.

#### Part 7: Multiple Matching

What you do: Read a text or several short texts (e.g., advertisements, reviews) and match 10 statements to the correct section.
Skills tested: Skimming and scanning, identifying specific information.
Tip: Highlight key words in questions and match them to the text.

Vocabulary and Grammar Scope for Reading & Use of English

Topics: Everyday life, education, work, leisure, travel, technology, health, environment, society.
Vocabulary: Phrasal verbs (e.g., bring up, carry out), collocations (e.g., make a decision), word families, idioms, fixed expressions.
Grammar: Tenses (present, past, future perfect/continuous), passive voice, conditionals (all types), modal verbs, reported speech, relative clauses, gerunds and infinitives, comparatives and superlatives, linking words (however, therefore, although).

Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)

This section assesses your ability to write different types of texts in clear, organised English.

#### Part 1: Essay (Compulsory)

What you do: Write an essay (140–190 words) on a given topic, presenting two points of view and your own opinion.
Skills tested: Argumentation, organisation, cohesion, range of language.
Topics: Education, technology, environment, society, work.
Tip: Plan your essay with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

#### Part 2: Situational Writing (Choose one from three)

Options: Article, email/letter, report, review.
What you do: Write one of the above (140–190 words) based on a prompt.
Skills tested: Register (formal/informal), text organisation, appropriate vocabulary.
Tip: Pay attention to the target reader and purpose.

Writing Skills Assessed

Content: Addressing all parts of the task.
Communicative achievement: Appropriate register and tone.
Organisation: Logical structure, paragraphs, linking words.
Language: Range and accuracy of vocabulary and grammar.

Grammar and Vocabulary for Writing

Use of complex sentences, varied vocabulary, and appropriate linking devices.
Formal vs. informal language (e.g., I would like to vs. I want).
Cohesive devices: however, in addition, on the other hand, as a result.

Listening (40 minutes)

This section tests your ability to understand spoken English in various contexts: conversations, interviews, lectures, and announcements.

#### Part 1: Multiple Choice (Short Extracts)

What you do: Listen to eight short monologues or dialogues (each about 30 seconds). Answer one multiple-choice question per extract.
Skills tested: Gist, main idea, speaker opinion, relationship.
Tip: Read questions before listening to focus your attention.

#### Part 2: Sentence Completion

What you do: Listen to a monologue (about 3 minutes) and fill in 10 gaps in sentences.
Skills tested: Specific information, numbers, dates, names.
Tip: Write down exactly what you hear; don't paraphrase.

#### Part 3: Multiple Matching

What you do: Listen to five short monologues (from different speakers) and match each to one of eight options.
Skills tested: Understanding attitude, feeling, opinion, gist.
Tip: Listen for key words and paraphrasing.

#### Part 4: Multiple Choice (Long Text)

What you do: Listen to an interview or discussion (about 3–4 minutes) and answer 7 multiple-choice questions.
Skills tested: Detailed understanding, attitude, main points.
Tip: Follow the conversation and note speakers' roles.

Listening Topics and Language

Topics: Work, education, leisure, travel, health, relationships, current events.
Accents: British, American, Australian, and other English varieties.
Language: Contractions, weak forms, colloquial expressions, intonation for attitude.

Speaking (14 minutes per pair)

The speaking test is taken with one or two other candidates and two examiners. It assesses your interactive communication skills.

#### Part 1: Interview (2 minutes)

What you do: Answer questions about yourself (home, work, studies, hobbies).
Skills tested: Giving personal information, expressing opinions.
Tip: Give full answers, not just one-word responses.

#### Part 2: Individual Long Turn (1 minute per candidate)

What you do: Compare two photographs and answer a question about them. You speak for about 1 minute.
Skills tested: Describing, comparing, speculating.
Tip: Use phrases like In the first picture..., Both pictures show..., I imagine...

#### Part 3: Collaborative Task (3 minutes)

What you do: Discuss a scenario with your partner (e.g., planning an event) and reach a decision.
Skills tested: Initiating, suggesting, agreeing/disagreeing, negotiating.
Tip: Respond to your partner's ideas and ask for their opinion.

#### Part 4: Discussion (5 minutes)

What you do: Discuss broader topics related to Part 3 with the examiner and your partner.
Skills tested: Expressing and justifying opinions, evaluating ideas.
Tip: Use abstract language and support your views with examples.

Speaking Topics and Language

Topics: Everyday life, education, work, leisure, travel, technology, health, environment, society.
Language functions: Describing, comparing, speculating, suggesting, evaluating, agreeing/disagreeing.
Grammar: Conditionals, comparatives, modals for speculation (might, could), discourse markers.

Scoring and Results

Each of the four papers is weighted equally to give a total score out of 190. Your score is converted to a Cambridge English Scale score:

180–190: Grade A (pass at CEFR C1)
173–179: Grade B (pass at CEFR B2)
160–172: Grade C (pass at CEFR B2)
140–159: Level B1 (fail at B2, but certificate awarded)
Below 140: No certificate

Results are typically released online within 4–6 weeks. You'll receive a separate score for each skill and an overall grade.

Pathways: Why Choose B2 First?

University: Accepted by many universities in the UK, Australia, and elsewhere for undergraduate programmes where English is the medium of instruction.
Career: Enhances your CV for international companies, especially in tourism, hospitality, and business.
Immigration: While B2 First is not usually sufficient for visa purposes (often B1 is required for some routes), it demonstrates strong language skills for professional registration or further study.

Preparation Tips for 2026

Familiarise yourself with the format: Take a full practice test under timed conditions.
Build your vocabulary: Focus on topic-specific words and phrases.
Practice grammar: Use exercises on conditionals, passive voice, and reported speech.
Listen to English daily: Podcasts, news, and films with subtitles.
Speak regularly: Practice with a partner or tutor, and record yourself.
Write often: Keep a journal or blog in English.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. For official syllabus and updates, always refer to Cambridge Assessment English.

Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Syllabus 2026: Complete Exam Guide