Cambridge English: FCE

Difficulty level: B2 /Upper Intermediate
The First Certificate in English is the most important of the Cambridge exams.

What is the FCE test like?
 The test has five sections:

  1. Reading - 60 minutes
    1. part 1 Read a text and answer multiple choice questions
    2. part 2 Article with sentences missing New!
    3. part 3 4 texts with matching questions New!
  2. Writing - 2 essays, 80 minutes - free practice test
  3. Use of English - 45 minutes -
    1. multiple choice cloze - free practice test
    2. open cloze - passage with gaps - free practice test
    3. word formation - free test
    4. key word transfomations free practice test
  4. Listening - 40 minutes
    1. part 1 - short extracts
    2. part 2 - dialogue + sentence completion questions
    3. part 3 - 5 short monologues New!
    4. part 4 - dialogue with 7 multiple choice questions
    free listening practice test
  5. Speaking - interview, normally with another candidate, 15 minutes

Paper-based or computer-based exams
You can do the FCE exam on a computer or on paper.

Score
A, B, C (pass), D, E or U (fail)
FCE A grade pass is accepted for entry to some universities

Level
B2 / Upper intermediate. Click here to see a comparison of FCE scores with other exams.

Where do I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre.

When can I take the test?
 The FCE test can be taken most months in either paper-based or computer-based format. The paper-based test can be taken in March, May, June, August and December. The computer-based test can be taken in February, April, July, August and November. Not all test centres will administer both types of test.

How much does it cost to take FCE?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around €160 euros.