Cambridge English: B2 First and C1 Advanced
Cambridge's English exams that never expire: B2 First and C1 Advanced, accepted by universities and employers.
B2 First (formerly FCE) and C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) are the most popular Cambridge English Qualifications. Each tests reading, writing, listening and speaking at one level, and the certificate lasts for life.
Overview
Cambridge English Qualifications are taken by millions of learners each year, from school pupils to adults applying for jobs or university. Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, the certificates don't expire, which makes them a popular choice for students who want lasting proof of their level. B2 First shows you can live and work independently in English; C1 Advanced is accepted by many universities in the UK and elsewhere as proof that you can study in English.
Each exam targets one level, so the first step is choosing the right one. If you are solidly at B2, First is the safer target; if you read and write comfortably in English, Advanced may be worth the stretch. The Use of English tasks reward focused practice with grammar and word formation, and the writing paper rewards knowing each text type. Many schools in Sweden, France and Luxembourg offer preparation courses and act as exam centres.
The four papers (C1 Advanced times)
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Reading and Use of English 1 hour 30 minutes (B2: 1 hour 15)
Texts with questions, plus grammar and vocabulary tasks such as word formation and sentence rewriting.
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Writing 1 hour 30 minutes (B2: 1 hour 20)
Two texts: a compulsory essay and one from a choice of letter, report, proposal or review.
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Listening About 40 minutes
Recordings such as interviews, talks and conversations, with questions.
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Speaking 15 minutes (B2: 14)
Talking with an examiner and another candidate: about yourself, comparing photos and a discussion task.
How it's scored
Each paper gets a score on the Cambridge English Scale, and your overall result is their average. For B2 First, 160 to 179 is a pass at B2 (grades B and C), and 180 to 190 earns grade A and a certificate at C1. For C1 Advanced, 180 to 199 is a pass at C1, 200 to 210 grade A at C2, and 160 to 179 a B2 certificate.
How to prepare
- Choose the level you are already close to: a strong result can also earn a certificate one level up.
- Drill the Use of English task types: they follow fixed patterns that improve with practice.
- In Speaking, talk to your partner as well as the examiner: interaction is marked.
- Use the official sample tests to learn the exact timings and task order.
Official pages
Dates, registration and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official pages.
