Information for candidates

B2 First
 Contents

Contents
How to use this guide ..................................................................................................................................... 4

About the exam ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Preparing for the exam ................................................................................................................................. 6

Paper 1: Reading and Use of English .................................................................................................. 7

Paper 2: Writing ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Paper 3: Listening ........................................................................................................................................ 15

Paper 4: Speaking ...................................................................................................................................... 19

Taking the exam .............................................................................................................................................. 22

Top tips for exam day ............................................................................................................................... 23


After the exam ................................................................................................................................................. 24

Getting your results and certificate ................................................................................................. 24

The preferred exam experience

Next steps in your learning journey ...................................................................................................... 25

You can now get a Cambridge English

Qualification in a faster, flexible way.
Find out more: You can print this document if you wish, but it is better to read it on screen. Click
the links in the document to access other useful online resources such as videos and
practice tests, and to find the information you need.
cambridgeenglish.org/qualifications-digital
You can navigate the document by using the buttons on each spread:

Previous page  Next page First page Previous view


3
 
How to use this guide About the exam

About the exam

B2 First is a qualification for learners who have an upper-intermediate level of English.
The exam:
B2 First
 tests your knowledge and ability in  is based on extensive research to
English at Level B2 of the Common make sure that each paper is the right
European Framework of Reference for length and the right level, so your exam
This guide is designed to help you on each step of your
Languages (CEFR) result will reflect your abilities fairly
learning journey. There’s information and advice for how
 is accepted by thousands of institutions and accurately
to prepare before the exam, what to expect in the exam
and what will happen after the exam. and employers around the world as  is designed to show your ability to use
evidence that you can use spoken and English in a range of different ways
written English for study, work and life  can be taken as a digital or paper-
based exam.


 Preparing for the exam
Taking the exam
After the exam The exam has four papers. Each one is equally important.

1. Reading and Use of English 2. Writing Do I need to pass all

This paper tests your reading This paper tests the content, four papers?
skills, such as reading for communicative achievement, No, it’s possible to pass the exam
This guide also includes lots of helpful boxes with key information and advice , detail or understanding how organisation and language of if you do well in some papers but
study tips and questions which people often ask about the exam: a text is organised, and your your written English. not in every paper. For example,
knowledge and use of a range if you do very well in Reading
of vocabulary and grammar. and Use of English, Writing and
Listening, but you don’t do very
It’s important that you understand what you Where can I find practice tests?
need to do in each part of the exam and well in Speaking, it’s still possible
You can find official exam preparation Your scores for to pass the exam.
follow all the instructions carefully. materials online and in bookshops,
including coursebooks and practice test
(Paper 1 (Reading) + Paper 1 (Use of English) What’s the difference
books. There are also free paper-based + Paper 2 + Paper 3 + Paper 4) ÷ 5 between taking the exam
Practice tests are useful but they are only and digital sample tests on our website. = your exam result! on paper or digitally?
one part of your preparation. You also need
You can find a tutorial for the digital test The content of the exams is the
to practise your general language and 3. Listening 4. Speaking
on our website. same, the scoring is the same and
communication skills!
This paper tests real- This tests your ability to the final certificate is the same.
life listening skills, such as interact with other speakers, Cambridge English offers two
listening for general meaning, how you organise your ideas, versions of the exam (digital and
Read these tips carefully – they will help you to feel well prepared for the exam and to information, opinion or detail. your pronunciation and paper-based) just so you have
avoid common mistakes or problems. your use of grammar and more choice and flexibility in how
vocabulary. you take it.
And … good luck with your exam!

4 5
 
Preparing for the exam Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

Paper1:ReadingandUseofEnglish
Paper 1: Reading and Use
of English
A successful and enjoyable journey begins with good preparation. For B2 First, this Three short texts (one text for each part), with different tasks. You
Parts 1–3
means you should: must complete the gaps with different kinds of words.

• practise your English in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking Part 4 No text. You must rewrite sentences in a different way.
1 hour
• improve your grammar and vocabulary for communication at B2 level Part 5 One long text with six multiple-choice questions.
15 minutes
• understand how the exam is organised and assessed One text with six gaps. You must choose the correct sentence for
7 parts Part 6
• understand what will happen on exam day. each gap.

Keep reading to find out more about how you can prepare for each paper in the One text or several short texts, with 10 questions. You must match
Part 7
B2 First exam. each question to something in the text(s).

Is there a wordlist for this exam? Follow time limits when you do practice tests.
This will help you prepare for the real exam, There are many different types of text To improve your reading skills, it’s really
No. Exams that are at CEFR Level B2 or in the exam: newspaper and magazine important to read many different types of
when you will have limited time to complete
above, like B2 First, do not have particular articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, text which you really enjoy. If you have a
the tasks and fill in the answer sheet. (And
language specifications or vocabulary lists. letters, messages and informational special interest or hobby, try reading about
remember, if you have extra time at the end
material (such as brochures, guides, it in English as much as you can. You can read
How is the digital exam different of the Writing and the Reading and Use of 
 English tests, you can go back to a task and manuals, etc.). Before you take the exam, anything: blogs, books, magazine articles,
from the paper-based exam?
look at it again.) it’s important that you have seen these social media, informational websites or
On the Cambridge website, you’ll find more kinds of text before and that you know encyclopaedias. The important thing is just to
information about the digital exam and a Self-study is very important when preparing how to do the kind of tasks which appear read as much as possible and to enjoy it!
guide to common questions and answers for an exam, because sometimes you don’t in the exam.
have a teacher or a book to help you. Try For this paper you need to study things
about this exam format.
these ways to make your learning journey Extra help online like collocations (words which often go
more personal: together), phrasal verbs, linking words and
You can find a sample test and
to understand how writers use different
• Write interesting and useful vocabulary self-study lesson plans on our website
words to express similar meanings. (All of
in a notebook. Include the meaning, the Both of these can help learners who are
these are important for the Writing paper,
pronunciation, an example sentence and preparing for the B2 First exam to practise
too!) When you’re preparing for the exam,
a translation in your first language. different parts of the Reading and Use of
keep a notebook and write down vocabulary
English paper.
• Think about your learning goals: why are which you see often. You could use this to test
you studying for this exam? If you pass the yourself later.
exam, what will this qualification help you
do in future?
• Don’t be afraid to use English outside
class with other English speakers in
everyday situations. For example, you
could tell a family member, classmate or
friend about your day or post a comment
in English in response to something
on social media.

6 7
After the exam
Taking the exam
Preparing for the exam
 
Some common questions about Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

Paper1:ReadingandUseofEnglish
Paper 1: Reading and Use
of English
Do … Don’t …
 Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts. These will  Don’t spend too much time on any one part of the paper and
Two words. To count the number of help you choose the best answers. don’t forget to practise doing the whole Reading test within
Are words like ‘doesn’t’ and words, use the full form, e.g. the time limit.
 In Parts 1 and 2, read the words which come after the gaps.
‘isn’t’ counted as one or didn’t = did not = two words. These words might affect the answer.  Don’t try to answer any questions before reading the whole
two words? text first. It’s important to understand the whole context.
 In Part 3, remember to change the words that you write.
They might have to change into a negative or a plural, so look  Don’t assume that you have found the right answer if the same
carefully at the text to decide which form is best. word appears in the text and in an option. You might need to
look for a synonym or related word instead.
 In Part 4, only write between two and five words. Don’t write
The sentence has two parts, so you
out the full sentence!  Don’t write more than one answer for any question, even if
What happens if I make one will receive 1 mark for correctly
you think there are two possible answers.
small mistake in the key word completing one part of the  In Part 5, read the questions carefully and check each option
transformation task (Part 4)? sentence, even if a small mistake with the text before rejecting it.
Do I get zero points? means that you get no points for
 In Part 6, check the words around the gap carefully, because
the other part.
the missing word(s) may be part of an idiom, fixed phrase or
collocation.

 In Part 7, check that the completed paragraph makes sense in 

 Just continue reading and try to the text as a whole, because the missing sentence must fit the
understand as much as possible. Use overall context.
the context to help you. In the exam, you
 Check your spelling in all parts of the test. (American spelling is
What if I don’t understand can’t use a dictionary, so it’s important
OK – but don’t mix American and British.)
all the words in a text? to be able to read without stopping to
look up all the words.
If you’re taking the test on paper ...
Do …
 For the paper-based test, allow
enough time
No. A correct answer gets 1 or 2 to transfer your answers to the ans
wer sheet
marks, an incorrect answer gets 0 accurately and clearly, because it will
be scanned
marks and no answer gets 0 marks. into a computer.
Will I lose marks for
So if you’re not sure about an answer,
incorrect answers? Don’t …
it is best to guess something!

 Don’t use a pen on the answer sheet.

Use a pencil.
Two. Your Reading score is based on Answers written in pen cannot be rea
d by the
Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7, and your Use of marking machine i.e. 0 points! Rub out
any answers
English score is based on Parts 2, 3 and you want to change using an eraser.
Will I get one or two 4. Your Statement of Results will show
scores for the Reading both scores, plus three more: one score  Don’t write the answers to any of the
examples on
and Use of English for Writing, one for Listening and one your answer sheets.
paper? for Speaking. Each of these five scores
is equally important when calculating
your overall score.

8 9
 
Paper 2: Writing

Paper 2: Writing
Writing 140–190 words. There is only one question.

Part 1 You must write an essay which shows your opinion about the topic,
1 hour using the ideas which are given in the question and one extra idea of
20 minutes your own.
2 parts Writing 140–190 words. There are three questions and you must
Part 2 choose only one. You could write an article, email, essay, letter, review
or story.

There are four assessment criteria for the You can learn a lot from reading other
tasks in the Writing paper: people’s written work! Try the following:
 Content (How well have you completed 1. Find a sample answer in a coursebook
the task? Have you done what you were or book of practice tests.
asked to do?)
2. Look at how the writer answers the
 C
 ommunicative Achievement (Is the different parts of the question.
writing appropriate for the task? For 
3. Choose one of the assessment criteria


example, is the style right for a magazine
which you find more difficult and look
article? Have you used the right register,
at what the writer does well. Take
for example formal or informal?)
some notes and compare this to your
 O
 rganisation (How is the piece of writing own writing.
put together? Is it logical and ordered?)
For example, for Organisation, you could
 Language (Do you use a good range of look at how the writer organises their
vocabulary and grammar? Are there any ideas into paragraphs. Then think about
mistakes which would make it difficult for how they develop these ideas, and how
the reader to understand?) they link ideas in each paragraph and
between the paragraphs.
For both exam tasks, you receive marks from 0
to 5 for each of the four criteria. These scores
are combined to calculate your final mark for
the Writing paper.
Extra help online
You can find a sample test and self-study
lesson plans. Both of these can help learners
to prepare for the B2 First exam
Try the exam tasks on Write & Improve and
get fast, free automated feedback on your
writing.

10 11
 
Some common questions about Paper 2: Writing

Paper 2: Writing
The instructions will tell you how much
Do … Don’t …
to write. The most important thing is to  Read every part of the question carefully and use the digital  Don’t use the exact words from the question paper too much.
answer the question completely and tools to highlight parts of the question, or, in the paper-based And if you use some key words from the question, make sure
clearly. If you write too much, you will test, underline important parts. you spell them correctly!
What if I write too much, only lose marks if you have included
 It’s OK if you need to make corrections – just make sure  Don’t mix formal and informal language. For example, don’t
or if I don’t write enough? details which aren’t important or which
they are clear so the examiner can understand what you use formal linking words in an informal letter.
confuse the reader. If you write a shorter
have written!
answer which includes all the required  Don’t type or write addresses for a letter. They are not
information, this is OK.  Add detail to the points in Part 1 if you can, using relevant required, so typing or writing these will waste time.
ideas and information.

 Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are not completely sure

about the correct spelling.
Both parts are worth the same
number of marks and you can decide  Check your grammar, especially the ends of verbs, irregular
how much time to spend on each past tenses, plural forms, question forms and word order.
How long should I part. Just make sure you spend some  Use formal or informal language in the right way – you should
spend on each part? time planning before you start writing know which is best for the task.
each answer and checking your work
after you have finished.  Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you can 

write about.

If you’re taking the test on paper ...

Do …
No! It’s important to check your own
Is there a spell-
answers and spelling before the end of  Write clearly so your answers are
checker in the test? clear and easy to
the test. read. However, it is not important if
you write in
CAPITALS in lower case, or if your wri
ting is joined up
or not.

Don’t …
 Don’t use a pencil. For this paper, you
In the digital exam you only need extra must write in
pen.
paper to make notes. For the paper-
based exam, you can raise your hand
and indicate that you need more paper.
What happens if I Just remember at the end of the exam
need more paper? to submit all the paper you used. This
includes any notes which you made to
plan or prepare your answer.

12 13
 
Paper 3: Listening

Paper 3: Listening
Listen to several recordings about different topics. For each recording,
Part 1 answer a multiple-choice question. Each recording is about 30 seconds
long and there could be one or more people speaking.

Listen to one person speaking for 3–4 minutes and complete 10

About Part 2
sentences with information that you hear.
40 minutes
Listen to five short recordings about the same topic. For each
4 parts
Part 3 recording, choose the right answer from a list of eight options. Each
recording is about 30 seconds long and has only one person speaking.

Listen to two people speaking together for 3–4 minutes and answer
Part 4
seven multiple-choice questions.

 In the exam, always read the This paper tests different real-life skills,
questions before you start listening. including listening for information, opinion
Don’t worry if you miss a question or detail, and listening for the general


– use the questions to help you meaning of the whole text. To practise, find
find your place. You will hear each an interesting video or audio clip online and
recording twice. share it with another English speaker, such
as a friend or colleague. Choose something
 In the exam, if you can’t hear
which you know you will disagree about! After
the recording, raise your hand
listening, discuss it together. Use examples
immediately so somebody can quickly
from the clip to support your opinions.
help to fix the problem.
To improve your listening skills, it’s important
Extra help online
to listen to many different things in your free
Try the sample Listening test on our time which you really enjoy. You can find lots
website. of video and audio material online related
to your interests and hobbies, like podcasts,
Listen to Virtually Anywhere, an audio
talks, radio stations, audiobooks and so
series of seven episodes. It also includes
on. Many of these come with subtitles or
activities to help you practise the
transcripts so you can read and listen at the
language which is used in the episodes.
same time. The important thing is just to listen
in English as much as possible and to enjoy it!

14 15
 
Some common questions about Paper 3: Listening

Paper 3: Listening
Do … Don’t …
 Listen to all the instructions in the test – and read them too!  Don’t use different words in Part 2. You should write the exact
It’s really important to understand what you’re listening for and word(s) or number(s) that you hear in the recording.
How many times will I hear what you have to do.
 Don’t spend too much time thinking about a difficult question.
each recording? You will hear each recording
 Use the time before each recording to prepare to listen: read You might miss the next one!
two times.
the question and think about the context.
 Don’t rush to type or write an answer for Parts 1, 3 and 4
 While you listen, use the information on the page to help you just because you heard one word or phrase. You need to
follow the recording. concentrate on the overall meaning.

 In Part 2, look carefully at what is before and after the gap

and think about the kind of information that you are listening
In the digital test, you type your answers for. Only include the missing information on the screen or
onto the screen and they are saved answer sheet.
automatically. For the paper-based
test, you must write all your answers on  Try to answer the questions when the recording is played the
Where do I write a separate answer sheet. While you’re first time. Then you can check these answers when you hear
my answers? listening, you can write on the question the recording for the second time.
paper, but you must transfer your answers  Answer all the questions, even if you’re not sure.
to the answer sheet. You will have 5 
 minutes at the end of the test to do this.

If you’re taking the test on paper ...

Don’t …
It’s OK to make some small spelling
How important is spelling?
mistakes in the Listening paper of  Don’t use a pen on the answer sheet.
Use a pencil.
this exam, but it must be clear what Answers written in pen cannot be rea
d by the
you were trying to write. marking machine i.e. 0 points! Rub out
any answers
you want to change using an eraser.

For the digital test, all candidates will

wear headphones and you can change
the volume. For the paper-based
What if I can’t hear test, if you can’t hear, raise your hand
the recording? immediately so that someone can
resolve the problem.

16 17
 
Paper 4: Speaking

Paper 4: Speaking
Candidates are tested together in pairs or groups of three. If there are three
candidates together, the test lasts longer so each candidate gets enough time to
speak.

Each candidate has a brief general conversation (about 2 minutes)

Part 1
with the examiner.

You and the other candidate(s) each speak for 1 minute about two
About Part 2 photographs. After the other candidate has spoken, you also have
14 minutes 30 seconds to respond to what they said.
4 parts You and the other candidate(s) discuss and complete a decision-
Part 3
making task.

The candidates and the examiner all speak together about topics
Part 4
related to the task in Part 3.



Don’t try to prepare and memorise If you don’t know about a topic in the Speaking
general answers for the Speaking or paper, do not speak about something else! You
Writing tests. They almost certainly need to show your language skills, not your
won’t answer the questions which you knowledge about a specific subject.
are asked..
It might help you to practise some strategies in
Extra help online advance, such as:
Watch an example Speaking test • how to explain that you don’t know a lot
video and read the examiners’ about a topic
commentary in the Exam Essentials on
• how to connect this topic logically to
our webpage.
something you are more familiar with, so
that you still answer the examiner’s question.
• describing what a friend or family member
might say about the topic instead.
Like all language skills, your speaking will
improve if you practise more. Speak to different
people, in different situations about different
topics. You can also practise for Part 2 of the
Speaking test by using podcasting or video
websites to record yourself, then you can listen
back to see what you could improve.

18 19
 
Some common questions about Paper 4: Speaking

Paper 4: Speaking
Do … Don’t …
Ask your exam centre. Different
exam centres have different rules  Listen carefully to the instructions and questions during the  Don’t prepare long answers in advance, and don’t simply
about this. But there is no evidence test, so you can respond appropriately. learn and practise a speech. You must answer the question
that candidates perform better or which the examiner asks you in the test.
Can I do the Speaking test  Speak clearly so that both the interlocutor and assessor can
worse in the Speaking test if they
with another student from hear you.  Don’t talk at the same time as your partner or interrupt them
know their partner. Some people
my class? suddenly when they are speaking.
might feel more relaxed and  Use all the opportunities that you are given to speak in the
confident, but other candidates test, and extend your responses whenever possible.  Try not to leave long or frequent pauses, try to speak as
may find this situation difficult naturally as you can.
 Listen to your partner when it is their turn to speak.
or unnatural.  Don’t worry if the examiner interrupts you when you are still
 Ask the examiner to repeat the question or instructions if you
speaking. This shows that you have spoken enough. Part of the
don’t understand.
examiner’s job is to control the time limits of the test.

Examiners are specially trained for

situations where one candidate is
stronger or weaker, or if one person
What if my partner for
talks too much or not enough. Don’t
the Speaking test is better
worry – they will make sure you get
than me at speaking skills? 
a fair opportunity to show your

 speaking skills in the test.

It’s the same as the paper-based exam.

How is the Speaking You take the Speaking test together
test done in the with one or two other candidates, and
digital exam? there are two examiners.

The two examiners are doing different jobs.

One person is an interlocutor, which means
Why are there two they speak to you and manage the test.
examiners for the The other person is an assessor, who only
Speaking test? listens and does not participate in the test.
Together, the interlocutor and the assessor
decide how well you performed.

20 21
 
Taking the exam

Taking the exam

Even after lots of preparation, many people still feel Top tips for exam day During the exam, you must not talk to
other people or try to see what they
 In the Reading and Use of English and Writing
nervous on exam day. That’s why it’s really important are writing or typing.
papers, you can do the tasks in any order, so
to feel ready and to know what to expect. Watch you might want to start with the questions In the digital test, the timer will tell
the What to expect on exam day video. which you find easier. Just make sure that you how much time you have left,
you type or write your answers in the correct and the test will finish when your
order on the screen or the answer sheet! time is up. At the end of the paper-
based exam, the invigilator will tell
 It’s important to have enough energy when
you to stop writing and you must
you’re taking an exam! Before exam day, check
stop immediately. Then you must
Before exam day, you should: with your exam centre if it’s possible to buy
give them all your papers, including
food and drink there. If not, you might want
 R
 egister for the exam. If you are preparing  S
 ign up for our free online results service. the question papers, answer sheets
to bring something to eat. You can’t bring
for the exam as part of a course at a school, The fastest way to get your results is to register and any notes which you took, and
food to your desk, but you can eat it during
your school will register you. If you are studying with our Results Service for Candidates. When wait in your seat. The invigilator
breaks.
independently, you can look online to find you register for the exam, you’ll be given your will tell you when you can leave the
a centre that offers the exam and register Candidate ID Number and your Secret Number.  C
 heck you know what you can and can’t do room.
directly with them. They will give you advice You’ll need these details to register to receive in the exam room. For example, you can’t
about preparation and tell you how much your your results online. bring food to your desk with you but you can
exam will cost. bring a clear plastic bottle of water. All of this
 C
 heck that you know where the exam is
information is in the Summary Regulations,
 Check the date, time and address of your happening and how to get there, because you 

which you can read online before exam day.
exam. Your centre will send you this information. must arrive before the exam starts.
Your exam centre will also provide a copy of
these rules.
 T
 here will be a clock or timer in the exam room
You should register Can I choose to take different exam papers on (or on your screen if you’re taking the digital
with our free different days? exam). Remember to use the time well.
Results Service for
No, the Speaking test is the only paper which usually happens on a Try not to panic by looking at the clock every
Candidates a few
different day. All the other papers must be taken together on the same few minutes!
weeks before your
day.
exam.  F
 ollow all instructions carefully. In the digital
Do I need to bring anything with me on exam day? exam, the instructions will be on your screen.
Yes, you should bring: In the paper-based exam, they will be on the
exam paper. If you have any questions, if you
1. Identification (for example, your passport or national ID card). need help or if you want to leave the room,
It must be the original document with your photo and it must raise your hand to ask the invigilator (the
be valid on the day of your exam. person who helps manage the exams).
2. Pens (black or dark blue).  Y
 our exam centre will take your photo. They
3. Pencils (B or HB) and an eraser. might also make a note of your passport or
ID number. These steps are very important if
4. A clear plastic bottle of water. you want to use your exam result in future for
Your exam centre will have extra pens and pencils if you need them. immigration or higher education.

You cannot bring your mobile phone or other electronic items inside  F
 inally … try to sleep well the night before
the exam room. Your exam centre can tell you if you should leave these your exam!
at home or if they can keep them somewhere safe during the exam.

22 23
After the exam
Taking the exam
paring for the exam
 
After the exam

After the exam

What does my ‘overall score’ mean?
Your overall score uses the Cambridge English Scale to show how well you did in the exam.
Well done! You prepared, you took the exam and now you’re just waiting for your
results. So what happens now? If you score … You will receive … Your certificate will show …

Getting your results and certificate 180 or more

(grade A)
a certificate for B2 First … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level C1.

All candidates receive a Statement of Results. You can access this online. If you are 160–179
a certificate for B2 First … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level B2.
successful in the exam, you will also receive a certificate. This is sent to your exam centre. (grade B or C)

a certificate from Cambridge

Digital exam Paper-based exam 140–159 … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level B1.
English

Statement of Results 1–2 weeks after the exam 4–6 weeks after the exam 139 or below You will not receive a certificate.

What happens if I don’t pass one of the papers?

Certificate 3–4 weeks after the exam 7–9 weeks after the exam
You can’t fail a paper. Your ‘overall score’ is based on the whole exam, so it’s possible to pass the exam even
if you don’t do very well in one paper. Your Statement of Results will show your overall score and your scores
for the different parts of the exam.

Your Statement of Results will look like this: How can I receive my results online? 
 Centre Reference
You’ll need your Candidate ID Number and Secret Number to register with the Results Service for
Candidates. You can find these numbers on the Confirmation of Entry document from your exam centre.

your grade for the GB599 0002 How can a university, college or employer check my exam results?
To be quoted on all

whole exam
correspondence
They can use the online Results Verification Service. You will need to give them your Candidate ID Number
First Certificate in English Verification Number

Statement of Results
A9712160 and Secret Number. If you’ve lost these numbers, the centre where you took your exam can provide them.
Candidate name Session

First Name Last Name 13 AUGUST 2024

the CEFR level (B2)
Place of entry
of the whole exam
your score on the TEST123 If you do not want to prepare for another Next steps in your learning journey
Cambridge English Result Overall Score CEFR Level exam but you want to continue developing and With your B2 First qualification, you could:
Scale for the whole
Pass at Grade B 174 B2
improving your English, there are many things you
could do. For example: • Begin a course of higher education.
exam (this is called
Cambridge
English Certificated
CEFR Level Scale Results Reading Use of English Writing Listening Speaking

Cambridge English Qualifications are

the ‘overall score’)
190

C1
180
Grade A

your score on the •  ontinue to read and listen to things in

C officially accepted by thousands of
Grade B 176 175

Cambridge English English which interest you, for example novels,

173 174 173
B2
colleges and universities globally.
170
Grade C

160
Scale for each television shows, blogs or podcasts.
B1 150 Level B1

of the four skills • Travel, study or work abroad. Cambridge

140
• J oin a club or project which involves reading English Qualifications are so well known
(reading, writing,
130
(like a book club) or writing (like a Facebook all around the world, they can give you
listening and
group where members submit their own short opportunities in other countries.
First is an examination targeted at Level B2 in the Council of Europe’s Results Score
speaking) and Use
stories).
Common European Framework of Reference.
Pass at Grade A 180 — 190

of English
Candidates achieving Grade A (between 180 and 190 on the Pass at Grade B 173 — 179

• Prepare for the next level: C1 Advanced.

Cambridge English Scale) receive a certificate stating that they have
demonstrated ability at Level C1. Candidates achieving Grade B or
Pass at Grade C 160 — 172
Grade C (between 160 and 179 on the Cambridge English Scale) Level B1 140 — 159
receive a certificate at Level B2.

Candidates whose performance is below Level B2, but falls within

Candidates who take First and score between 122 and 139 on the
Cambridge English Scale do not receive a result, CEFR level or
certificate.
•  ontinue to keep a vocabulary notebook.
C A C1 Advanced qualification will help you
Level B1 (between 140 and 159 on the Cambridge English Scale),
receive a certificate stating that they have demonstrated ability at
Level B1.
Cambridge English Scale scores below 122 are not reported for this
examination.
Add any interesting or useful words and develop the skills for studying, working or
phrases which you learn from the things you
Examination results can be quickly and securely verified online at: Other
cambridgeenglish.org/verifiers
X - the candidate was absent from part of the examination
Z - the candidate was absent from all parts of the examination living in English-speaking countries.
read and listen to in English.
© 2022 Cambridge University Press & Assessment Pending - a result cannot be issued at present, but will follow in due
course
THIS IS NOT A CERTIFICATE Withheld - the candidate should contact their centre for information
Cambridge University Press & Assessment reserves the right to amend the Exempt - the candidate was not required to sit this part of the
information given before the issue of certificates to successful candidates. examination

24 25
After the exam
Taking the exam
Find out more at We believe that English can This document was initially designed for print and
as such does not reach accessibility standard
unlock a lifetime of experiences
cambridge.org/english and, together with teachers
WCAG 2.1 in a number of ways including missing text
alternatives and missing document structure.
and our partners, we help If you need this document in a different format
people to learn and confidently contact [email protected]
telling us your name, email address and requirements
prove their skills to the world. and we will respond within 15 working days.

© 2024 Cambridge University Press & Assessment

ENG/37919/V1/JAN24_B2F-IFC
All details are correct at the time of going to print.