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English Language Assessment
B2 First is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is our most popular exam, accepted by thousands of institutions and businesses worldwide.
This exam is the logical step in a student’s language-learning journey between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced.
Key facts
| CEFR level: | B2 What's this? |
|---|---|
| Scale score: | 160–179 What's this? |
| Test format: | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers: | 4 |
Who accepts B2 First?
These are just a few of the leading organisations that accept B2 First:
- Seattle Central College, USA
- RMIT University, Australia
- Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands
B2 First proves that students have the practical language skills they need to study on foundation, pathway or pre-sessional programmes, and on courses taught in the medium of English.
What can students with B2 First do?
- Understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing.
- Keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments.
- Produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
- Make simple notes for essay or revision purposes, capturing the most important points.
- Scan texts for relevant information.
Test format
B2 First is a test of all areas of language ability and uses tasks that reflect situations found in everyday life or study.
Paper 1: Reading and Use of English
| What does it test? | Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| The ability to deal confidently with different types of text – such as journals, books (fiction and non-fiction), informational materials, newspapers and magazines. | 7 parts/52 questions | 1 hour 15 minutes |
Paper 2: Writing
| What does it test? | Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| The ability to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays. | 2 parts | 1 hour 20 minutes |
Paper 3: Listening
| What does it test? | Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| The ability to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations. | 4 parts/30 questions | 40 minutes |
Paper 4: Speaking
| What does it test? | Questions | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| The ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. | 4 parts | 14 minutes |
Download B2 First sample papers
Test delivery
Our global network of test centres allows students to typically take B2 First in their own country. This means your selection procedure is accessible to all applicants, wherever they may be, and quick and convenient for your staff.
Students can choose to take the paper-based or the computer-based version of the exam. The Speaking test is face-to-face with at least one other candidate. The paired format means candidates experience a more authentic exercise in communication, which gives a more reliable measure of their ability to use English.
B2 First results
B2 First is targeted at CEFR Level B2 (Cambridge English Scale: 160–179). The exam also provides reliable assessment at the level above B2 (Level C1) and the level below (Level B1).
The following scores are used to report results.
| Cambridge English Scale score | Grade/CEFR | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 180–190 | Grade A | C1 |
| 173–179 | Grade B | B2 |
| 160–172 | Grade C | B2 |
| 140–159 | Level B1 | B1 |
The overall score is calculated by averaging the scores achieved in Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking and Use of English. The weighting of each of the four skills and Use of English is equal.
What do B2 First exam results look like?
The Statement of Results contains the following information:
- a score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and use of English
- a score on the Cambridge English Scale for the overall exam
- a grade (A, B, C, Level B1) for the overall exam
- a CEFR level for the overall exam.
View sample Statement of Results for B2 First
Find out how to officially accept Cambridge English Qualifications
Accept B2 First
