FIRST CERTIFICATE B2

The FCE is the first level of worldwide recognition and provides access both to higher education in Spain and to studies abroad. Within the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), it corresponds to a B2 level. Once achieved, a person is considered fully prepared to enter the workforce using English as the working language. This is also the last intermediate level before beginning the professional stages.

Certifying this level demonstrates the skills acquired at all previous levels. The five competencies learned and certified at B2 and higher include:

Reading: Involves interpreting different types of texts and answering comprehension questions appropriately. All exam tasks are multiple-choice.
Writing: Through two written productions of 140–190 words each, the student must convince the examiners of their technical proficiency in various aspects of the language.
Listening:The student must listen to and interpret different English accents in diverse contexts and heterogeneous formats. It includes both open-response and multiple-choice tasks.
Speaking: Using various formats, the examiner tests the student’s English through everyday topics. Grammar, vocabulary, coherence of expression, and organization of information are assessed.

The exam lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with breaks. Obtaining a First Certificate is not difficult if an expert teacher monitors your performance and progress and corrects areas for improvement.

The main aspects to be consolidated upon completing this stage are:

Acquisition of communication skills in any environment where English is the medium of oral and written communication.
Understanding and applying the main ideas of complex texts covering any type of concept including abstract concepts.
Creating clear and detailed texts and speeches on various topics, as well as debating perspectives and contrasting ideas.
Developing the habit of thinking directly in English, with confidence and demonstrating balanced proficiency across all language skills.

This level often corresponds to students in the second cycle of Secondary Education and Baccalaureate, as well as Vocational Training or Undergraduate University Studies. It is also a level commonly taken by adults. This age diversity is due to students’ prior knowledge of English as well as their individual needs.

The FCE B2 is currently the minimum level required to obtain a university degree. Additionally, it is the minimum level requested by many private universities and business schools before enrolling in certain master’s programs.

Students at this level usually work on projects in parallel with their more theoretical learning. These projects are related to research papers or other school assignments where great importance is given to students’ communication, presentation, and public-speaking skills. The quality and richness of vocabulary carry significant weight at this level, and students are taught to think in English to express themselves more accurately and fluently.

It is very common that once students reach this level, they take the official CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH First Certificate in English exam, obtaining accreditation that can be key for their personal and professional future.

Due to the wide range of student profiles taking the FCE B2 exam, CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH offers two exam alternatives:

At NOVACADÈMIA, students are prepared for the B2 exam using materials adapted to both exam formats, familiarizing them with the typical topics of the exams and, especially, the types of questions and answers they will encounter. Typically, this level is completed over two courses from September to June, or with a course from September to June followed by an intensive course in July. In most cases, the time a student needs before moving on to C1 depends on their individual abilities, the extra time they dedicate to English outside the classroom, and their initial English foundation.

NOVACADÈMIA provides an official placement 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 comprehensive final level test is conducted, allowing us to analyze and verify your progress and performance level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

We also offer a professional advisory service regarding CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH official exams, and we have official materials to practice the different sections and tests of the FCE or FCE for Schools exam before taking it officially. If you want more information about this level, you can contact us here.

Below you will find the schedules for our courses in Caldes de Montbui and Barcelona. Remember that we can also offer classes at this level privately, either at home or in our centres. Tell us your needs, and we will provide you with the best option.