FCE EXAM OVERVIEW

FIRST CERTIFICATE IN ENGLISH
Level B2 of the CEFR

The First Certificate in English (FCE) is the most widely taken Cambridge ESOL examination. Success at FCE enables learners to use their language skills for many practical purposes, including business and study.FCE is available in a computer-based format as well as paper-based tests. Candidates taking the computer-based version take the Reading, Writing, Use of English and Listening parts of the test on screen. The face-to-face Speaking test is the same for both the computer-based and paper-based versions of FCE.

Reading 3 parts/30 questions Time 1 hour weighting 20%

Writing 2 parts/2 questions Time 1 hour 20 minutes weighting 20%

Use of English 4 parts/42 questions Time 45 minutes weighting 20%

Listening 4 parts/30 questions Time approx. 40 minutes weighting 20%

Speaking 4 parts Time 14 minutes 20%

Exam Materials

All materials which relate to this exam:
Exam Handbook FCE Handbook (PDF, 3 Mb)

Sample Papers (key can be found in the FCE Handbook)
FCE Listening Test 1 Part 1 Recording (MP3, 9.3 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 1 Part 2 Recording (MP3, 5.8 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 1 Part 3 Recording (MP3, 5.8 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 1 Part 4 Recording (MP3, 6.8 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 2 Part 1 Recording (MP3, 9.3 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 2 Part 2 Recording (MP3, 6.6 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 2 Part 3 Recording (MP3, 5.6 Mb)
FCE Listening Test 2 Part 4 Recording (MP3, 6.6 Mb)

Exam ReportsFCE Exam Report December 2008 version 0100 (PDF, 219 Kb)

FCE Exam Report