B2 First (FCE) practice: all four papers, task by task
B2 First, still widely called the FCE, is the Cambridge exam that certifies upper-intermediate English. This course works through the exam one task at a time: what each part actually tests, the order to do things in when the clock is running, the mistakes that cost marks, and original practice you can start straight away. Every question here was written for this site.
Who B2 First is for
- Students who need a recognised B2 certificate for a university application, a visa file or a job description.
- Learners who can already hold a conversation in English but keep losing marks on accuracy and on timed tasks.
- Candidates who have taken a mock paper and want to work on one weak task rather than repeat whole tests.
- Adults returning to English after several years who need to rebuild exam habits quickly.
- Teenagers taking B2 First as part of a school programme, who need practice they can do alone between lessons.
- Teachers who need short, task-focused practice sets to use between full mock papers.
- Anyone moving on to C1 Advanced later, since the task types and the marking logic carry straight over.
The exam at a glance
| CEFR level | B2, with results that can also report C1 or B1 |
|---|---|
| Papers | Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking |
| Length | Around four hours in total across the four papers |
| Grades | A, B and C are passes; results are also given on the Cambridge English Scale |
| Weighting | The four papers carry equal weight in the overall result |
| Validity | The certificate does not expire, although some institutions ask for a recent result |
| Accepted by | Universities, employers and official bodies in many countries |
Note
Pick Two Activity is an independent tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Cambridge University Press & Assessment, the British Council, IDP, ETS, Duolingo or any other exam board. Exam names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the exam you are preparing for. Every question on this page is original practice written by us: we do not provide, copy or reproduce official exam papers.
The papers
Reading & Use of English
Practise every B2 First Reading & Use of English task: multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, key word transformations and multiple matching.
Writing
B2 First Writing practice for both parts: the compulsory essay plus the article, email, review and report, with structure, useful phrases and 200 items.
Listening & Speaking
B2 First Listening and Speaking practice: multiple choice, sentence completion, multiple matching, the long turn and the collaborative task, with 200 items.
Frequently asked questions
What level is B2 First?
It is aimed at CEFR level B2, the upper-intermediate level. Results can also report a level above or below, so a strong performance may certify C1 and a weaker one B1.
How long is the exam?
Around four hours in total, spread across Reading & Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Speaking is usually taken in pairs and on a separate occasion from the other papers at many centres.
What counts as a pass?
Grades A, B and C are passes, and results are also reported as a score on the Cambridge English Scale along with a CEFR level.
Do all four papers count equally?
Yes. The four papers carry equal weight in the overall result, which is why a single weak paper is worth targeted practice rather than more full mock tests.
Does the certificate expire?
The certificate itself does not expire. Some universities and employers prefer a recent result, so check the requirements of the institution you are applying to.
Is B2 First or IELTS better?
They serve different purposes. B2 First certifies a level and does not expire; IELTS reports a band score and is often required for visa and university applications with a validity period. Check what your institution asks for before choosing.
How long does it take to prepare?
It depends on your starting level. A solid B1 learner usually needs several months of regular study, while someone already operating at B2 may need only exam-task practice and timing work.
Which paper do candidates find hardest?
Reading & Use of English, mainly because of timing. Use of English rewards collocation and grammar depth, and the reading parts punish anyone who has not practised working to the clock.
Can I take the exam on a computer?
Computer-based and paper-based versions are both offered at many authorised centres. The tasks are the same; choose the format you have practised in.
What is the best way to use this course?
Take one topic at a time, read the strategy and mistakes first, then do the questions in one sitting with a timer. Working one task type to the end beats sampling several.