B2 First

Who it's for

Who is this exam for?

Students preparing for foundation, pathway or pre-sessional courses at English-speaking universities, applicants to English-medium undergraduate programmes outside English-speaking countries, and professionals seeking work overseas or with international employers. B2 First for Schools is also available for school-age learners.

Test format

Test format by section

The number of parts, questions, and timing are identical for Paper and Digital.

Paper vs Digital

Two ways to take it

This exam can be taken in two formats — Paper-based and Digital. The structure, scores, and certificate are identical; only the delivery differs.

Structure, scores, certificate

Paper and Digital run with the same number of parts, questions, timing, and marking criteria, and the certificate issued is identical.

Paper-based

You receive paper question and answer sheets and write with a pen. Extra time is given to transfer answers (e.g. 6 minutes for Listening).

Digital

You take it on a computer screen by typing and clicking. As there's no answer-transfer step, some sections are slightly shorter. Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner regardless of format.

Results

Digital tends to have faster Cambridge processing, so results are usually released earlier than Paper (the exact schedule per session takes precedence).

Recognition

Recognition / use

Recognised by more than 28,000 universities, employers and government bodies worldwide. In Korea, it is used for undergraduate English requirements at universities in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Europe, as evidence of English for international employers, and for progression after a working holiday or language course.

Preparation

How to prepare

Standard coursebooks include Complete First, Compact First, Prepare 2nd Edition and First Trainer. Free materials include two Paper sample tests, Digital samples for Listening, Reading and Use of English, and Writing, plus Write & Improve and Speaking videos.