Information for candidates


Contents How to use this guide

How to use this guide

How to use this guide......................................................................................................... 3

About the exam.................................................................................................................. 4

Preparing for the exam....................................................................................................... 5

Paper 1: Reading and Use of English................................................................................................... 7 This guide is designed to help you on each step
of your learning journey. There’s information
Paper 2: Writing....................................................................................................................................11
and advice for how to prepare before the exam,
Paper 3: Listening................................................................................................................................ 15 what to expect in the exam and what will
happen after the exam.
Paper 4: Speaking................................................................................................................................ 19

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


Top tips for exam day.........................................................................................................................23 After the exam
Taking the exam
Preparing for the exam
After the exam................................................................................................................. 24
This guide also includes lots of helpful boxes with key information and advice ,
Getting your results and certificate.................................................................................................24
study tips and questions which people often ask about the exam:
Next steps in your learning journey.................................................................................................25
It’s important that you understand what Where can I find practice tests?
you need to do in each part of the exam and You can find official exam preparation
follow all the instructions carefully. materials online and in bookshops,
including coursebooks and practice test
books. There are also free paper-based
You can print this document if you wish, but it is better to read it on screen. Click the links in Practice tests are useful but they are only and computer-based sample tests on
one part of your preparation. You also our website.
the document to access other useful online resources such as videos and practice tests, and to need to practise your general language and
find the information you need. communication skills!

You can navigate the document by using the buttons on each spread:
 Read these tips carefully – they will help you to feel well prepared for the exam and to avoid
Previous page  Next page First page Previous view


common mistakes or problems.

And … good luck with your exam!

2 3
 
About the exam Preparing for the exam

Preparing for the exam

B2 First is a qualification for learners who have an upper-intermediate level of English. The exam: A successful and enjoyable journey begins with good preparation. For B2 First, this means
✔ tests your knowledge and ability in English ✔ is based on extensive research to make sure you should:
at Level B2 of the Common European that each paper is the right length and the • practise your English in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) right level, so your exam result will reflect • improve your grammar and vocabulary for communication at B2 level
✔ is accepted by thousands of institutions and your abilities fairly and accurately • understand how the exam is organised and assessed
employers around the world as evidence that ✔ is designed to show your ability to use English • understand what will happen on exam day.
you can use spoken and written English for in a range of different ways
Keep reading to find out more about how you can prepare for each paper in the B2 First exam.
study, work and life ✔ can be taken on paper or on a computer.

Is there a wordlist for this exam? Follow time limits when you do practice tests.
No. Exams that are at CEFR Level B2 This will help you prepare for the real exam, when
or above, like B2 First, do not have you will have limited time to complete the tasks
particular language specifications or and fill in the answer sheet. (And remember, if you
vocabulary lists. have extra time at the end of the Writing and the
Reading and Use of English tests, you can go back 

The exam has four papers. Each one is equally important. to a task and look at it again.)
Self-study is very important when preparing for
1. Reading and Use of English 2. Writing Do I need to pass all an exam, because sometimes you don’t have a
This paper tests your reading This paper tests the content, four papers? teacher or a book to help you. Try these ways to
skills, such as reading for detail communicative achievement, No, it’s possible to pass the exam if make your learning journey more personal:
or understanding how a text is organisation and language of you do well in some papers but not • Write interesting and useful vocabulary in a
organised, and your knowledge your written English. in every paper. For example, if you notebook. Include the meaning, the
and use of a range of vocabulary do very well in Reading and Use of pronunciation, an example sentence and a
and grammar. English, Writing and Listening, but translation in your first language.
you don’t do very well in Speaking,
Your scores for it’s still possible to pass the exam. • Think about your learning goals: why are you
studying for this exam? If you pass the exam,
(Paper 1 (Reading) + Paper 1 (Use of English) What’s the difference what will this qualification help you do in future?
+ Paper 2 + Paper 3 + Paper 4) ÷ 5 between taking the exam
on paper or on a computer? • Don’t be afraid to use English outside class with
= your exam result! other English speakers in everyday situations.
The content of the exams is the
3. Listening 4. Speaking For example, you could tell a family member,
same, the scoring is the same and
classmate or friend about your day or post a
This paper tests real-life This tests your ability to the final certificate is the same.
comment in English in response to something
listening skills, such as interact with other speakers, Cambridge English offers two
on social media.
listening for general meaning, how you organise your ideas, versions of the exam (paper-based
information, opinion or detail. your pronunciation and your and computer-based) just so you
use of grammar and vocabulary. have more choice and flexibility in
how you take it.

4 5

Preparing for the exam

 
Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

Paper 1: Reading and

Use of English
Three short texts (one text for each part), with different tasks. You must
Parts 1–3
complete the gaps with different kinds of words.

1 hour Part 4 No text. You must rewrite sentences in a different way.

15 minutes Part 5 One long text with six multiple-choice questions.
7 parts Part 6 One text with six gaps. You must choose the correct sentence for each gap.

One text or several short texts, with 10 questions. You must match
Part 7
each question to something in the text(s).

There are many different types of text in the To improve your reading skills, it’s really
exam: newspaper and magazine articles, important to read many different types of
reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, text which you really enjoy. If you have a
messages and informational material (such special interest or hobby, try reading about
as brochures, guides, manuals, etc.). Before it in English as much as you can. You can 
 you take the exam, it’s important that you
have seen these kinds of text before and that
you know how to do the kind of tasks which
read anything: blogs, books, magazine
articles, social media, informational
websites or encyclopaedias. The important
appear in the exam. thing is just to read as much as possible and
to enjoy it!
Extra help online
You can find a sample test and For this paper you need to study things
self-study lesson plans on our website. like collocations (words which often go
Both of these can help learners who are together), phrasal verbs, linking words
preparing for the B2 First exam to practise and to understand how writers use different
different parts of the Reading and Use of words to express similar meanings. (All of
English paper. these are important for the Writing paper,
too!) When you’re preparing for the exam,
keep a notebook and write down vocabulary
which you see often. You could use this to
test yourself later.

7
 
Some common questions about Paper 1: Reading and Use of English

Paper 1: Reading and

Use of English
Two words. To count the number of
Do … Don’t …
Are words like ‘doesn’t’ and words, use the full form, e.g. ✔ Read the sources, titles and subtitles of the texts. ✘ Don’t use a pen on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.
‘isn’t’ counted as one or didn’t = did not = two words. These will help you choose the best answers. Answers written in pen cannot be read by the marking
two words? machine i.e. 0 points! Rub out any answers you want to
✔ In Parts 1 and 2, read the words which come after change using an eraser.
the gaps. These words might affect the answer.
✘ Don’t spend too much time on any one part of the
✔ In Part 3, remember to change the words that you write. paper. All seven parts are equally important, and you
The sentence has two parts, so you They might have to change into a negative or a plural, so only have 75 minutes to do this paper – including
What happens if I make one will receive 1 mark for correctly look carefully at the text to decide which form is best. copying your answers to the answer sheet.
small mistake in the key word completing one part of the
transformation task (Part 4)? sentence, even if a small mistake ✔ In Part 4, only write between two and five words. ✘ Don’t try to answer any questions before reading the
Do I get zero points? means that you get no points for Don’t write out the full sentence! whole text first. It’s important to understand the
the other part. whole context.
✔ In Part 5, read the questions carefully and check each
option with the text before rejecting it. ✘ Don’t assume that you have found the right answer
if the same word appears in the text and in an option. 
 Just continue reading and try to ✔ In Part 6, check the words around the gap carefully, You might need to look for a synonym or related
understand as much as possible. Use because the missing word(s) may be part of an idiom, word instead.
the context to help you. In the exam, fixed phrase or collocation.
What if I don’t understand all you can’t use a dictionary, so it’s ✘ Don’t write the answers to any of the examples on
the words in a text? important to be able to read without ✔ In Part 7, check that the completed paragraph makes your answer sheets.
stopping to look up all the words. sense in the text as a whole, because the missing
sentence must fit the overall context. ✘ Don’t write more than one answer for any question,
even if you think there are two possible answers.
✔ Check your spelling in all parts of the test. (American
spelling is OK – but don’t mix American and British.)
No. A correct answer gets 1 or 2
marks, an incorrect answer gets 0 ✔ Make sure that you transfer your answers to the
marks and no answer gets 0 marks. answer sheet accurately and clearly, because it will be
Will I lose marks for incorrect
So if you’re not sure about an scanned into a computer.
answers?
answer, it is best to guess something!

Two. Your Reading score is based

on Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7, and your Use
of English score is based on Parts 2,
3 and 4. Your Statement of Results
Will I get one or two scores
will show both scores, plus three
for the Reading and Use of
more: one score for Writing, one
English paper?
for Listening and one for Speaking.
Each of these five scores is equally
important when calculating your
overall score.
8
 
Paper 2: Writing

Paper 2: Writing
Writing 140–190 words. There is only one question.
1 hour Part 1 You must write an essay which shows your opinion about the topic, using
20 minutes the ideas which are given in the question and one extra idea of your own.

2 parts
Writing 140–190 words. There are four questions and you must choose
Part 2
only one. You could write an article, email, essay, letter, review or story.

There are four assessment criteria for the tasks You can learn a lot from reading other
in the Writing paper: people’s written work! Try the following:
✔ C
 ontent (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. L ook at how the writer answers the
✔ C
 ommunicative Achievement (Is the different parts of the question.
writing appropriate for the task? For
3. C
 hoose 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
✔ L anguage (Do you use a good look at how the writer organises their ideas
range of vocabulary and grammar? Are into paragraphs. Then think about how
there any mistakes which would make it they develop these ideas, and how they
difficult for the reader to understand?) 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 on our website. 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.

11
 
Some common questions about Paper 2: Writing

Paper 2: Writing
The questions on the test paper will
tell you how much to write. You
can use this information to help you
plan your answer. If you write too
much, you will only lose marks if you Do … Don’t …
What if I write too much, or
have included details which aren’t
if I don’t write enough? ✔ Read every part of the question carefully and
important or which confuse the ✘ Don’t use the exact words from the question paper
reader. If you write a shorter answer underline important parts. too much. And if you use some key words from the
which includes all the required question, make sure you spell them correctly!
information, this is OK. ✔ It’s OK if you need to make corrections – just make
sure they are clear so the examiner can understand ✘ Don’t mix formal and informal language. For example,
what you have written! don’t use formal linking words in an informal letter.

Both parts are worth the same ✔ Add detail to the points in Part 1 if you can, using ✘ Don’t write addresses for a letter. They are not
number of marks and you can decide relevant ideas and information. required, so writing these will waste time.
how much time to spend on each
How long should I spend on part. Just make sure you spend some ✔ Use a range of vocabulary, even if you are not
each part? time planning before you start completely sure about the correct spelling.
writing each answer and checking
your work after you have finished. ✔ Check your grammar, especially the ends of verbs, 
 irregular past tenses, plural forms, question forms and
word order.

✔ Use formal or informal language in the right way – you

should know which is best for the task.

✔ Choose a Part 2 question that you feel confident you

can write about.
In the candidate answer booklet.
Where do I write my answers? ✔ Write clearly so your answers are clear and easy to
Your test centre will also provide
read. However, it is not important if you write in
paper for your plan, notes, etc.
CAPITALS in lower case, or if your writing is joined up
or not.

Don’t worry – raise your hand and

indicate that you need more paper.
Just remember at the end of the
exam to submit all the paper you
What happens if I need used. This includes your final answer
more paper? sheet, the question paper and 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 sentences
About Part 2
with information that you hear.
40 minutes
4 parts Listen to five short recordings about the same topic. For each recording,
Part 3 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 seven
Part 4
multiple-choice questions.

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

15
 
Some common questions about Paper 3: Listening

Paper 3: Listening
How many times will I hear Do … Don’t …
each recording? You will hear each recording
two times. ✔ Listen to all the instructions in the test – and read ✘ Don’t use a pen on the answer sheet. Use a pencil.
them too! It’s really important to understand what Answers written in pen cannot be read by the marking
you’re listening for and what you have to do. machine i.e. 0 points! Rub out any answers you want to
change using an eraser.
✔ Use the time before each recording to prepare to
listen: read the question and think about the context. ✘ Don’t use different words in Part 2. You should
write the exact word(s) or number(s) that you hear
You must write all your answers on ✔ While you listen, use the information on the page to in the recording.
a separate answer sheet. help you follow the recording.
While you’re listening, you can ✘ Don’t spend too much time thinking about a difficult
write on the question paper, but you ✔ In Part 2, look carefully at what is printed before and question. You might miss the next one!
Where do I write my answers?
must transfer your answers after the gap and think about the kind of information
to the answer sheet. You will have that you are listening for. Then write only the missing ✘ Don’t rush to write an answer for Parts 1, 3 and 4
5 minutes at the end of the test information on the answer sheet. just because you heard one word or phrase. You need 
 to do this. to concentrate on the overall meaning.
✔ Try to answer the questions when the recording
is played the first time. Then you can check these
answers when you hear the recording for the
second time.

✔ Answer all the questions, even if you’re not sure.


It’s OK to make some small spelling
How important is spelling?
mistakes in the Listening paper of
this exam, but it must be clear what
you were trying to write.

Ask your exam centre. Different

exam centres have different rules
Can I wear headphones? about using headphones for the
Listening test.

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) with

Part 1
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
Part 3 You and the other candidate(s) discuss and complete a decision-making task.

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



Don’t try to prepare and memorise general If you don’t know about a topic in the
answers for the Speaking or Writing tests. Speaking paper, do not speak about
They almost certainly won’t answer the something else! You need to show your
questions which you are asked. language skills, not your knowledge about a
specific subject.
Extra help online
Watch an example of a real Speaking test It might help you to practise some strategies
and read the examiner’s comments. in advance, such as:
• how to explain that you don’t know a lot
about a topic
• how to connect this topic logically to
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.

19
 
Some common questions about Paper 4: Speaking

Paper 4: Speaking
Ask your exam centre. Different
exam centres have different rules
about this. But there is no evidence

Can I do the Speaking test

that candidates perform better Do … Don’t …
or worse in the Speaking test if
with another student from they know their partner. Some ✔ Listen carefully to the instructions and questions ✘ Don’t prepare long answers in advance, and don’t
my class? people might feel more relaxed and during the test, so you can respond appropriately. simply learn and practise a speech. You must answer
confident, but other candidates the question which the examiner asks you in the test.
may find this situation difficult ✔ Speak clearly so that both the interlocutor and
or unnatural. assessor can hear you. ✘ Don’t talk at the same time as your partner or
interrupt them suddenly when they are speaking.
✔ Use all the opportunities that you are given to
speak in the test, and extend your responses ✘ Try not to leave long or frequent pauses, try to
whenever possible. speak as naturally as you can.

Examiners are specially trained for ✔ Listen to your partner when it is their turn to speak. ✘ Don’t worry if the examiner interrupts you when
situations where one candidate is you are still speaking. This shows that you have
stronger or weaker, or if one person ✔ Ask the examiner to repeat the question or spoken enough. Part of the examiner’s job is to
What if my partner for the talks too much or not enough. instructions if you don’t understand.  control the time limits of the test. 
Speaking test is better than


Don’t worry – they will make sure
me at speaking skills? you get a fair opportunity to show
your speaking skills in the test.

The two examiners are doing different jobs.

One person is an interlocutor, which means
they speak to you and manage the test.
The other person is an assessor, who only
listens and does not participate in the test.
Together, the interlocutor and the assessor
Why are there two
decide how well you performed.
examiners for the
Speaking test? The interlocutor gives you a general mark
for how well you did in the whole test, and
the assessor specifically considers four
criteria: Grammar and Vocabulary,
Discourse Management, Pronunciation
and Interactive Communication.

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
nervous on exam day. That’s why it’s really important ✔ I n the Reading and Use of English and Writing to other people or try to see what
to feel ready and to know what to expect. Watch the papers, you can do the tasks in any order, they are writing or typing.
What to expect on exam day video. so you might want to start with the questions At the end of the paper-based
which you find easier. Just make sure that you exam, the invigilator will tell you
write your answers in the correct order on the to stop writing and you must stop
answer sheet! immediately. Then you must give
✔ I t’s important to have enough energy when you’re them all your papers, including the
Before exam day, you should: question papers, answer sheets and
taking an exam! Before exam day, check with
✔ R
 egister for the exam. If you are preparing for the you register for the exam, you’ll be given your any notes which you took, and wait
your exam centre if it’s possible to buy food and
exam as part of a course at a school, your school Candidate ID Number and your Secret Number. in your seat. The invigilator will tell
drink there. If not, you might want to bring
will register you. If you are studying independently, You’ll need these details to register to receive you when you can leave the room.
something to eat. You can’t bring food to your
you can look online to find a centre that offers your results online.
desk, but you can eat it during breaks.
the exam and register directly with them. They will
✔ C
 heck the date, time and address of your
give you advice about preparation and tell you how ✔ C
 heck you know what you can and can’t do in
exam. Your centre will send you this information.
much your exam will cost. the exam room. For example, you can’t bring
✔ C
 heck that you know where the exam is food to your desk with you but you can bring a
✔ S
 ign up for our free online results service. The
happening and how to get there, because you clear plastic bottle of water. All of this information 

fastest way to get your results is to register
must arrive before the exam starts. is in the Summary Regulations, which you can
with our Results Service for Candidates. When
read online before exam day. Your exam centre will
also provide a copy of these rules.

You should register Can I choose to take different exam papers on ✔ T here will be a clock or timer in the exam room
with our free Results different days? (or on your screen if you’re taking the computer-
Service for Candidates based test). Remember to use the time well.
No, the Speaking test is the only paper which usually happens on
a few weeks before Try not to panic by looking at the clock every
a different day. All the other papers must be taken together on the
your exam. few minutes!
same day.
✔ F ollow all instructions carefully. In the
Do I need to bring anything with me on exam day?
computer-based exam, the instructions will be on
Yes, you should bring: your screen. In the paper-based exam, they will
1. Identification (for example, your passport or national ID card). be on the exam paper. If you have any questions,
It must be the original document with your photo and it must if you need help or if you want to leave the room,
be valid on the day of your exam. raise your hand to ask the invigilator (the person
2. Pens (black or dark blue). who helps manage the exams).
3. Pencils (B or HB) and an eraser. ✔ Y
 our exam centre will take your photo. They
4. A clear plastic bottle of water. might also make a note of your passport or
ID number. These steps are very important if
Your exam centre will have extra pens and pencils if you need them.
you want to use your exam result in future for
You cannot bring your mobile phone or other electronic items inside immigration or higher education.
the exam room. Your exam centre can tell you if you should leave these
✔ F inally … try to sleep well the night before
at home or if they can keep them somewhere safe during the exam.
your exam!

22
Taking the exam
 
After the exam

After the exam

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

Getting your results and certificate If you score … You will receive … Your certificate will show …

All candidates receive a Statement of Results. If you are successful in the exam, you will also 180 or more (grade A) a certificate for B2 First … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level C1.
receive a certificate. Both of these documents will be sent to your exam centre.
160–179 (grade B or C) a certificate for B2 First … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level B2.

Paper-based exam Computer-based exam a certificate from

140–159 … that you demonstrated ability at CEFR Level B1.
Cambridge English
Statement of Results 4–6 weeks after the exam 2–3 weeks after the exam
139 or below You will not receive a certificate.

Certificate 7–9 weeks after the exam 5–6 weeks after the exam What happens if I don’t pass one of the papers?
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: 
 Reference No.
How can I receive my results online?
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.
A9190306
To be quoted on all
correspondence How can a university, college or employer check my exam results?
First Certificate in English
Statement of Results
They can use the online Results Verification Service. You will need to give them your Candidate ID Number
your grade for the Candidate name Session
and Secret Number. If you’ve lost these numbers, the centre where you took your exam can provide them.
whole exam
CR662 TESTING 1 FEBRUARY 2020
the CEFR level (B2)
Place of entry

DORTMUND
of the whole exam

If you do not want to prepare for another exam but Next steps in your learning journey
Result Overall Score CEFR Level

Pass at Grade B 174 B2

you want to continue developing and improving With your B2 First qualification, you could:
your score on the
Cambridge
English Certificated

your English, there are many things you could do.

CEFR Level Scale Results Reading Use of English Writing Listening Speaking

190

Cambridge English Scale

190

C1
180
Grade A
your score on the For example: • Begin a course of higher education. Cambridge
for the whole exam (this is English Qualifications are officially accepted by
Grade B
175

B2 170 171
168 Cambridge English
• C
 ontinue to read and listen to things in English
Grade C
165

called the ‘overall score’) 160

Scale for each of the thousands of colleges and universities globally.

B1 150 Level B1
which interest you, for example novels, television
four skills (reading, • Travel, study or work abroad. Cambridge
shows, blogs or podcasts.
140

130 writing, listening English Qualifications are so well known

and speaking) and • J oin a club or project which involves reading (like all around the world, they can give you
First is an examination targeted at Level B2 in the Council of Europeʼs
Common European Framework of Reference.
Results
Pass at Grade A
Score
180 — 190 Use of English a book club) or writing (like a Facebook group opportunities in other countries.
Candidates achieving Grade A (between 180 and 190 on the Pass at Grade B 173 — 179
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
where members submit their own short stories).
• Prepare for the next level: C1 Advanced.
Grade C (between 160 and 179 on the Cambridge English Scale) Level B1 140 — 159
receive a certificate at Level B2. Candidates who take First and score between 122 and 139 on the

• C
 ontinue to keep a vocabulary notebook. Add
Cambridge English Scale do not receive a result, CEFR level or
Candidates whose performance is below Level B2, but falls within certificate.
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 A C1 Advanced qualification will help you
any interesting or useful words and phrases
examination.

develop the skills for studying, working or living

Examination results can be quickly and securely verified online at: Other
www.cambridgeenglish.org/verifiers
X - the candidate was absent from part of the examination
Z - the candidate was absent from all parts of the examination
Pending - a result cannot be issued at present, but will follow in due
course
Withheld - the candidate should contact their centre for information
which you learn from the things you read and in English-speaking countries.
THIS IS NOT A CERTIFICATE
Cambridge Assessment English reserves the right to amend the information
given before the issue of certificates to successful candidates.
Exempt - the candidate was not required to sit this part of the
examination listen to in English.

24 25
After the exam
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