Cambridge English: First (FCE)

Calendar and pricing

Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), is an exam for people who need to prove they can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level for work or study purposes. It is set at level B2 of the Council of Europe Common Framework for modern languages (CEFR).

Calendar and pricing

To register, download the Cambridge English: First application form and send it to the British Council, with your cheque, before the deadline. For computer-based exams only, it is also possible to register online.

Please note that places are limited – your registration is strictly subject to availability.

The speaking and writing tests are always on different dates. Please check the application form and make sure that you are available for the entire duration of the speaking test window. You will receive a schedule with your speaking appointment approximately three weeks before the examination.

Location

British Council Paris or at a test venue nearby.

Schools and Institutions

If you have 25 students or more, we can organise the exam on your premises, extra dates are available, and we offer a discount.  Please visit our exams for schools and institutions page or contact us.

Why take this exam?

The exam is at the CEFR level B2, offering a language qualification to work or study in an English speaking country or organisation. This level allows you to cope easily as a tourist in an English speaking country.

Which version should I take - Cambridge English: First or Cambridge English: First for Schools?

Cambridge English: First for Schools follows exactly the same format as Cambridge English: First and the level of the question papers is identical. The only difference is that the content and treatment of topics in Cambridge English: First for Schools have been particularly targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils.

Age-limits

If you are below 18 years old, you should sit the Cambridge English: First for Schools exam. If you are 18 years old or above, please register for Cambridge English: First.

Exam format

There are five parts to the Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: First for Schools exams. Each contributes 20% of the total marks available:

Reading: 1 hour, three parts (30 questions)

Shows you can deal confidently with different types of texts, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.

Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes, two parts

Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.

For up-to-date information on set texts for FCE please go to the Cambridge ESOL website

Use of English: 45 minutes, four parts (42 questions)

Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.

Listening: about 40 minutes, four parts (30 questions)

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.

Speaking: 14 minutes per pair of candidates, four parts

Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates and two assessors.

Learn more about Cambridge English: First and Cambridge English: First for Schools on the Cambridge ESOL website.

Paper-based exams and computer-based exams:

If you choose to sit a computer-based test, you will be seated in front of a laptop equipped with headphones and a French keyboard (AZERTY), and a supervisor will be present to guide you if needed.