English B2 First Exam Kit

Aptis B2

Aptis B2 explained: the papers and timing, how it is marked, fees and session dates, who needs it, and the vocabulary and phrases to learn for it.

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Who needs this certificate

Graduation at many Spanish universities, which ask for B1 or B2 in a foreign language.
Teaching posts and public-sector exams (oposiciones) in Spain.
Exemption from the language course at many Polish universities.
Work and study abroad where B2 is the usual bar.

How the exam works

1 Register at a centreThrough the British Council, or through the school, university or employer that asks for Aptis; they tell you which skills to take.
2 PrepareLearn the words and phrases of the level, then practise the tasks with model tests. With the kit, enter your exam date and the plan gives you a daily number of new cards.
3 Exam dayUsually on a computer or tablet at a test venue. The core grammar and vocabulary test comes first, then the skills you were asked to take; speaking is recorded.
Results and certificateUsually within a few days, from the British Council or the organisation that booked the test, with a score and a CEFR level for each skill.

Which part of the kit helps with which paper

Each paper, the kit sections that prepare you for it, and why.

Skill	Kit sections	Why it helps
Reading	Vocabulary (10 topic decks) Connectors and linking	Reading texts are written around the exam topics: the topic words and the connectors let you follow the argument and find the answers faster.
Listening	Vocabulary (10 topic decks) Speaking: photos, discussion, opinions	Recordings use the same topic words and everyday spoken phrases; knowing them by ear, with the audio, is what makes listening easier.
Writing	Writing: essay, article, email, report, review Connectors and linking Collocations (Use of English Parts 1–2) Word formation (Use of English Part 3) Key word transformations and grammar	The writing tasks reward ready phrases for each text type, linking words, natural word combinations and accurate grammar.
Speaking	Speaking: photos, discussion, opinions Connectors and linking Collocations (Use of English Parts 1–2) Word formation (Use of English Part 3)	Speaking goes more smoothly with phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, disagreeing and planning, and with linking words to structure what you say.
All papers	Exam day	Instructions, paper names and the words around registration and the exam itself, so nothing on the day is new.

Fees

Set by the exam provider or centre; see the official page.

Dates and registration

Several sessions a year; see the official page for dates and deadlines.

Where to register

britishcouncil.org → Aptis
Official information ↗

Facts last checked on 2026-09-30. Rules and fees change: confirm with the official page before you register.

Questions about Aptis B2

Which level do I need for Aptis B2, and what is it for?

Aptis gives a CEFR level for each skill. For a B2 requirement you need B2 in the skills the organisation asks for.

How long does it take to prepare, and how many words do I need?

Commonly quoted estimates are about 500–600 hours of guided learning to reach B2 from scratch. If you are already one level below, expect a few months of regular study. The English B2 First Exam Kit is in preparation; leave your e-mail on this page for one message when it is ready.

Does the Aptis B2 certificate expire?

Aptis results have no official expiry date; the organisation that asks for them decides how recent they must be.

Can I retake just one part of Aptis B2?

Aptis reports each skill separately, and you can book the test again. The organisation asking for Aptis decides which skills it needs and whether results from different sittings can be combined.

How and when do I get my Aptis B2 results?

Usually within a few days, from the British Council or the organisation that booked the test, with a score and a CEFR level for each skill.

What does the English B2 First Exam Kit cover for Aptis B2?

The English B2 First Exam Kit is in preparation. It will cover the vocabulary of the exam topics and the phrases for writing and speaking. Leave your e-mail on this page for one message when it is ready.

Other exams this kit prepares for

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