First Certificate in English (FCE)

FCE is an exam for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level. It is an ideal exam for people who want to use English for work or study purposes

Is FCE for you?

Can you...

• understand texts from a wide variety of sources?
• use English to make notes while someone is speaking in English?
• talk to people about a wide variety of topics?
• understand people talking in English on radio or television programmes?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then FCE is the right exam for you.

What will taking FCE help you do?

FCE is at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The framework uses six levels to describe language ability from A1 to C2. 'Can Do' statements have been used to describe these levels in terms of real skills with language.

For example, at B2 level, typical users can be expected to:

• 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.

Your preparation for FCE will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

What does FCE involve?

FCE has five papers:

Reading: 1 hour 15 minutes
You will need to be able to understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines. Sample Paper

Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will have to show you can produce a number of different items such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report or a composition, each of about 120—180 words. Sample Paper

Use of English: 1 hour 15 minutes
Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you control your grammar and vocabulary. Sample Paper

Listening: 40 minutes
You need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including lectures, news programmes and public announcements.
Sample Paper
Audio part 1, 2, 3, 4.

Speaking: up to 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with another candidate or in groups of three, and you will be tested on your ability to take part in different types of interaction: with the examiner, with the other candidates and by yourself. Sample Paper

For further information see Information for Candidates.