B2 First (FCE) Certificate in Bratislava - Cambridge Exam

• International Recognition: Accepted by universities, employers, and government institutions worldwide
• Lifelong Validity: Unlike other certificates, the B2 First does not have a time limit
• Career Advancement: Opens doors for travel, work, and study on a global scale, as well as in Slovakia, where it is accepted by many employers and schools.
• Academic Opportunities: Allows for study at universities in English-speaking countries

Successfully passing the B2 First (FCE) exam at B2 level demonstrates that you are capable of following an academic course or studying at a university in English.

• B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) is specially tailored for secondary school students to increase their motivation to learn English.
• It is identical in format and difficulty level to the B2 First exam. The only difference is in the content and topic formulation, as the test creators focus on the interests and experiences of secondary school students.
• The certificate from the B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) exam is identical to the certificate from the B2 First (FCE) exam, and there is no reference to the "for Schools" version.
• The exam can be organized on your school's premises.

What's important: regardless of age, you can do both B2 First and B2 First for Schools.

The B2 First exam consists of four main parts that test all language skills.

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes)

Number of parts/questions: 7 parts / 52 questions
Weight in overall assessment: 40%
Content: Reading various types of texts (fiction, newspapers, magazines) and testing grammar and vocabulary

Writing (1 hour 20 min.)

Number of parts/questions: 2 tasks
Weight in overall assessment: 20%
Content: Writing two texts of different types (essays, letters, reports, reviews)

Listening (40 minutes)

Number of parts/questions: 4 parts / 30 questions
Weight in overall assessment: 20%
Content: Listening and understanding various types of recordings (interviews, radio broadcasts, presentations)

Speaking (14 minutes)

Number of parts/questions: 4 parts
Weight in overall assessment: 20%
Content: Oral communication in pairs or groups of three, testing the ability to communicate effectively

View exam dates in Bratislava

The B2 First exam uses a scoring system from 140 to 190 points. Based on your score, you will receive one of the following grades:

If a candidate achieves grade "A", they have demonstrated exceptional skills above the required B2 level and will receive a certificate showing the higher C1 level.

If a candidate achieves grade "B" or "C", they have passed the exam successfully and will receive a certificate showing the achieved B2 level.

A certificate will also be issued to a candidate who, even if they do not reach the B2 level, demonstrates all skills at the B1 level. In such a case, the achieved B1 level will be indicated on the certificate.

Results for digital exams are available 5 to 10 working days after the exam. For paper-based exams, results are usually available 4–6 weeks after the exam. Through the FREE online results service you have access to the Statement of Results document, where the results of each part of the exam and your overall score are provided.

Sample Assessment

How to Understand the Assessment

You can take the B2 First exam in two different formats: digitally or on paper. Both versions have the same format and content but differ in the way they are conducted.

Digital version (Computer-based)

• Taken on a computer at an authorised test centre
• Results are available within 5–10 working days after the exam date
• More exam dates available throughout the year
• Option to flexibly add a date in the event of high demand
• Registration deadline is approximately 2 weeks before the exam date
• Writing is done on a keyboard
• Certificate: approximately 3–4 weeks from the exam date

Find out more about the digital exam format

Paper-based version

• Traditional format with printed test booklets
• Results within 4–6 weeks after the exam date
• Fewer dates per year, set by Cambridge
• Registration deadline is approximately one month before the exam date
• Suitable for candidates who prefer writing by hand
• Certificate: approximately 7–10 weeks from the exam date

Both formats have the same structure and the same level of difficulty – the choice depends solely on your preferences and the available dates.

If you have decided to take the B2 First exam, you can register for one of our dates in Bratislava.

Detailed registration process

Registration Process (main points)

1. Select a suitable date in Bratislava from the options on our page.
2. Fill out the registration form with the required information.
3. Pay the exam fee according to the instructions.
4. Confirmation of registration will be sent to your email.

 

For more information on dates and registration, visit our exam dates page.
 

For better preparation for the B2 First exam, you can use various preparation materials and sample tests:

Sample Tests

B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools)

Paper

• Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking B2 First fS (.zip)
• Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking B2 First fS_2 (.zip)
• Speaking B2 First fS (YouTube)

Digital

• Digital Listening Sample Test
• Digital Reading Sample Test
• Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript

• B2 First for Schools Listening Sample 1 answer key (pdf)
• B2 First for Schools Listening Sample 1 tapescript (pdf)
• B2 First for Schools Reading & Use of English Test Answer key (pdf)

The speaking test is the same as for paper-based exams.

B2 First (FCE)

Paper

• Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking B2 First (.zip)
• Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening, Speaking B2 First_2 (.zip)
• Speaking B2 First (YouTube)
• B2 First Oral Exam Assessment (PDF)

Digital

• Digital Listening Sample Test
• Digital Reading Sample Test
• Digital Writing Sample Test

Answer keys and tapescript

• B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer key (pdf)
• B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer tapescript (pdf)
• B2 First Reading & Use of English Test Answer key (pdf)

The speaking test is the same as for paper-based exams.

How long is the B2 First exam?

You should arrive half an hour before the exam starts. The actual length of the exam without breaks is approximately 3.5 hours. You must account for additional time for instructions and breaks.

When will I receive my results?

Results for digital exams are available 5 to 10 working days after the exam.
For paper-based exams, results are usually available 4–6 weeks after the exam.

How long is the B2 First certificate valid?

The B2 First certificate is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.

Do you have more questions? Check out our FAQ:

Cambridge Exams - Questions and Answers

Where can I take the B2 First exam in Bratislava?

 

You can take the B2 First exam at IH Bratislava, which is the only official Cambridge English testing center in Bratislava. The exam can be started with as few as four candidates. The current success rate of candidates at IH Bratislava is 92%. You can find the exam dates directly on the IH Bratislava website.

 

• Useful Information for B2 First fS Candidates (PDF)
• Useful Information for B2 First Candidates (PDF)
• Summary Regulations for Candidates
• Cambridge Support Site
• B2 First and B2 First for Schools Digital Tutorial