The FCE is the first level of worldwide recognition and gives access both to higher education within the Spanish state and to studies in a foreign country. Within the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), it corresponds to a B2 level. Once achieved, it is considered that a person is already prepared to face the working world 100% with the English language as the vehicular language. This is also the last intermediate level before starting the stages of professional levels.
Therefore, certifying this level is a demonstration of the abilities acquired at all levels. These are the 5 competences that are learned and certified at B2 level and above:
Use of English: it is equivalent to the use of grammar within a context, never as a mechanical exercise.
It consists of exam tests with open-answer and closed-answer questions.
- Reading:It consists of interpreting different types of texts and being able to respond appropriately to the comprehension questions that are posed. All the exam tests are closed-answer.
- Writing: Through two written productions of between 140 and 190 words each, the student must convince the examiners that they have technical competence in different aspects of the language.
- Listening:The student must listen to and interpret different accents in the English language within diverse contexts and heterogeneous formats. It consists of exam tests with open-answer and closed-answer questions.
- Speaking: Through different formats, the examiner will test our English using different everyday topics. Grammar, vocabulary, the consistency of what is expressed, and the organization of the information are assessed.
The duration of the exam is approximately 4.5 hours, with different breaks. Obtaining a First certificate is not complicated if you have an expert teacher by your side who monitors your performance and progress and corrects the aspects to be improved.
The main aspects that must be consolidated upon completing this stage are:
- Acquisition of communicative skills in any environment where the English language is the means of communication and expression, both oral and written.
- Understanding and applying the main ideas of complex texts that deal with any type of concept (including abstract concepts).
- Creating clear and detailed texts and speeches on diverse topics, as well as debating perspectives and contrasting ideas.
- Acquisition of the habit of thinking directly in English, with confidence and showing a balance with regard to all the language competences.
This level often coincides with students in the second cycle of Secondary Education and Bachillerato, as well as Vocational Training or University Degree Studies. It is also a level commonly taken by adults. This diversity in terms of age is caused by the students’ prior knowledge of English as well as their needs.
The FCE B2 is the minimum level currently required in order to obtain a university degree. However, it is the minimum level requested by a large number of Private Universities and Business Schools before taking certain Master’s programmes.
Students who take this level usually work on projects in parallel with their more theoretical learning. These are projects related to research work or other school-related assignments where great importance is given to students’ communicative, presentation, and public-speaking skills. The quality of vocabulary as well as its richness carry great weight at this level, and students are taught to think in English in order to express themselves in a more accurate and agile way at the same time.
It is very common that once a student reaches this level, they sit the official CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH exam, First Certificate in English, thus obtaining an accreditation that can be key to their personal and professional future.
Due to the wide range of student profiles that take the FCE B2 exam, CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH offers two exam alternatives:
- First Certificate in English:B2 exam for all audiences
- First Certificate in English for Schools: B2 exam specifically for adolescents
The preparation of students for the B2 exam by NOVACADÈMIA is carried out through materials adapted to both exams, familiarising students with the usual exam topics and, especially, with the type of questions and answers they will encounter. This level is usually taken over two academic years from September to June, or with one course from September to June and an intensive course in July. In most cases, the factor that indicates how long a student needs before moving on to level C1 is related to the student’s own abilities, the extra time they devote to the language outside the classroom, and their initial level of English.
NOVACADÈMIA carries out an official level test and a personal interview before the start of the course, which allows us to group students by level rather than by age in the case of young people and adults. At the end of the course, a complete final level test is carried out, allowing us to analyse and verify your progress and the level of your performance within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. We also provide a professional advisory service in relation to the official CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH exams, and we have official materials to practise the different parts and tests of the FCE or FCE for Schools exam before officially sitting it. If you would like more information about this level, you can contact us here.
Below you will find the timetables for our courses in Caldes de Montbui and Barcelona. Remember that we can also offer you classes at this level on a private basis, either at home or at our centres. Tell us your needs and we will give you the best alternative.
SCHEDULES BARCELONA
SCHEDULES CALDES
