Cambridge English First

Cambridge English
First
First Certificate in English (FCE)
CEFR Level B2
Ready for success 
in the real world
World-class recognition 
Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in
English (FCE), is an upper-intermediate level qualification
that is officially recognised by universities, employers and
governments globally. It shows that you are ready for
success in the real world. 
Cambridge English exams are recognised by more than
12,000 organisations around the world. 
The following are just a few of the international institutions
that recognise Cambridge English: First.
University of Bath
Regent’s Business School
London  
Universidad Central (Chile)
University of Southern
Queensland
Universidad de Salamanca 
Los Angeles City College
(LACC)  
Universidade de São Paulo
Vietnam National University
Cambridge English: First is accredited by Ofqual, the regulator
of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England.
For the full recognition list, please visit
www.CambridgeESOL.org/recognition
Working and studying in the UK 
The UK Border Agency accepts Cambridge English: First as
meeting the language requirements for Tier 2 and 4 visa
applications. 
Visit www.CambridgeESOL.org/UK-immigration for 
more details.
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
KPMG
IBM
ACNielsen
Sony
Bosch
DHL
Credit Suisse
Accenture
Motorola
PricewaterhouseCoopers
(PwC) 
Siemens AG
Cambridge English: First gives
you the right language skills to
take the next step to success.
Why take Cambridge English: First?
Globally accepted 
Your certificate is accepted by thousands of employers,
universities and government departments around the world.
Real-life language skills 
Preparing for Cambridge English: First will give you the
practical English skills to:
• study in English at Foundation or Pathway level
• work in an English-speaking environment
• live independently in an English-speaking country.
Choice
The Cambridge English: First exam is available internationally
at over 1,000 centres. Also, with paper-based and
computer-based exam options, you can choose when,
where and how you take your exam.
Fast results
Get your results in just two weeks with our computer-based
exams.
Fair 
Cambridge English exams cover all major varieties of
English and are designed to be fair to users of all
nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.
Reliable
Backed by the largest research programme of its kind,
Cambridge English exams provide the most reliable
reflection of your language skills.
A Cambridge English qualification
Once you have earned a Cambridge English certificate, 
you hold one of the most valuable English qualifications in
the world.
www.CambridgeESOL.org/First
Ready for success in the real world
Cambridge English: First is developed in accordance with the
principles and approaches of the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Developed
by the Council of Europe, the CEFR is the standard
benchmark used internationally to describe language ability. 
Cambridge English: First is set at CEFR Level B21, which is
upper-intermediate on the CEFR scale. It is an ideal level for
anyone who wants to work or study in an English-speaking
environment. It shows that you are becoming skilled in
English.
1 The B2 level approximates to the level of bands 5.5 to 6.5 in IELTS.
Your results 
Cambridge English: First – Level C1
Grade A
Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond
B2 level. If you achieve a grade A in your exam, you will
receive the First Certificate in English stating that you
demonstrated ability at Level C1.
Cambridge English: First – Level B2
Grade B or C
If you achieve grade B or C in your exam you will be
awarded the First Certificate in English at Level B2.
Reaching this level shows that you are ready for success
in the real world.
Level B1 certificate 
We believe it is important to recognise your achievement,
even if you do not reach Level B2. 
If your performance is below Level B2, but falls within Level
B1, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating
that you demonstrated ability at B1 level.
C2
C1
B2
B1
A2
A1
The Common European
Framework of Reference
C
Proficient 
user
B
Independent 
user
A
Basic user
Fail
Cambridge English:
First
Grade B
Grade C
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Grade A
Level B1
Ready for 
success in the 
real world
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The world’s most valued English
qualifications 
Education institutions and employers can instantly
check the authenticity of your Cambridge English
certificate online. We are also introducing exam day
photos for greater security and to make your
Cambridge English certificate even more valued 
and trusted.
Format of the exam
Cambridge English: First covers all four language skills:
Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking – plus a Use of
English component which tests knowledge of grammar 
and vocabulary.
The Speaking test is conducted face-to-face and you will
take your test with one or two other candidates and two
examiners, making the test more realistic and reliable.
Each of the five papers carries 20% of the total marks.
Reading: 1 hour
Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text,
such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.
Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of
writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.
Use of English: 45 minutes
Tests your ability to use the right words, tenses and idioms
in the right situation, at the right time.
Listening: 40 minutes 
Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of
spoken materials, such as news programmes, speeches and
stories.
Speaking: 14 minutes 
Tests your ability to communicate effectively 
in face-to-face situations. 
Download sample papers
www.candidates.CambridgeESOL.org
Flexible test options
In addition to the standard paper-based exam, Cambridge
English: First is available as a computer-based test.
Advantages of computer-based testing include:
• Additional exam sessions
More exam dates are added each year, giving you
more flexibility about when you can take your exam.
• The same certificate
You will get the same internationally recognised
certificate as the paper-based version.
• Shorter registration 
You can register for your exam as little as a week
before taking it.
• Faster access to results
With a computer-based exam you can get your
results in just two weeks. 
• No extra preparation needed
The test is easy to understand and the online timer
and help functions allow you to get the best from
your exam performance. 
• Use of headphones
Using headphones for your Listening test means you
can adjust the volume to suit your personal needs.
To provide fair assessment of speaking ability in realistic
situations, the computer-based version of Cambridge English:
First features the same face-to-face Speaking test as the
paper-based version.
Join the Cambridge English world
Why not immerse yourself in the Cambridge English
community? More than 3 million people from all over
the world choose Cambridge English exams each year.
Next steps to taking 
Cambridge English: First
Step 1 
Test your level – take our free online test at
www.CambridgeESOL.org/testyourenglish
and see if Cambridge English: First is the right
exam for you.
Step 2
Find a Cambridge ESOL exam centre near you for
information about:
• how to register
• exam dates
• practice materials
• preparation courses.
www.CambridgeESOL.org/centres
Step 3
Take the challenge – register for your exam!
A wide range of support and preparation materials are
available to help you get the most out of your exam.
www.candidates.CambridgeESOL.org
Step 4
Pass the exam with flying colours! 
Once you have taken Cambridge English: First, you are one
step closer to achieving your dreams and ambitions.
Contact us:
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1223 553997
Email: ESOLHelpdesk@CambridgeESOL.org
Cambridge English: First is developed by Cambridge ESOL – one of three
major exam boards which form the Cambridge Assessment Group
(Cambridge Assessment). Cambridge Assessment is a not-for-profit
department of the University of Cambridge. More than 8 million people
in 150 countries take Cambridge Assessment exams every year.
www.CambridgeESOL.org
©
 U
C
LE
S 
20
11
 | 
EM
C
/6
80
9/
1Y
02
*29
882
600
67 *
• An international language including the world’s major
varieties of English
• English that is understood and used globally for
business, study and everyday living
• The English spoken in the real world – not just the
classroom
• The most valuable range of English qualifications in the
world