Cambridge B2 First 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.
| Paper | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 75 min | Seven parts: four Use of English tasks (multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, key word transformations) and three reading texts. |
| Writing | 80 min | Two texts of 140–190 words: a compulsory essay, then one of an article, an email or letter, a report or a review. |
| Listening | 40 min | Four parts: short extracts, a talk, an interview or discussion, and five short monologues; you hear each recording twice. |
| Speaking | 14 min | In pairs with two examiners: questions about yourself, comparing two photos, a task solved together with your partner, and a discussion. |
Each paper, the kit sections that prepare you for it, and why.
| Paper | Kit sections | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | Reading and the gap texts test topic words, fixed word combinations, word forms and grammar in context. | |
| Writing | The writing tasks reward ready phrases for each text type, linking words, natural word combinations and accurate grammar. | |
| Listening | Recordings use the same topic words and everyday spoken phrases; knowing them by ear, with the audio, is what makes listening easier. | |
| Speaking | Speaking goes more smoothly with phrases for giving opinions, agreeing, disagreeing and planning, and with linking words to structure what you say. | |
| All papers | Instructions, paper names and the words around registration and the exam itself, so nothing on the day is new. |
Results are on the Cambridge English Scale: 160–179 is a B2 pass (grade B or C), 180–190 is grade A and shows C1, and 140–159 earns a B1 certificate.
Set by each authorised exam centre and country.
Many dates a year on paper and on computer, set by each centre.
cambridgeenglish.org → Find an exam centre
Official information ↗
Facts last checked on 2026-09-30. Rules and fees change: confirm with the official page before you register.
B2. B2 First is widely accepted by universities (including for the graduation requirement at many Spanish universities) and employers. A score of 180 or more also shows C1.
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.
No. The certificate has no expiry date. Some authorities, universities or employers only accept certificates up to a certain age, so check what the place you apply to asks for.
Normally no: Cambridge gives one result for the whole exam, so a resit means all four papers again. Check the official page for any newer options.
Online, through Cambridge’s results service: usually about two to three weeks after a computer-based exam and four to six weeks after a paper-based one. The certificate follows through your centre.
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.
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