B2 First

B2 First

An individual with a B2 First level of proficiency is ready to negotiate and debate easily and confidently in their communication and interpersonal skills. It is a springboard for further studies, a career abroad, and cross-cultural understanding.

This certification shows that you have the English language abilities needed to successfully navigate daily life, the workplace, or school without constant assistance from others.

A B2 first qualification shows that students can

Group 1506

Communicate effectively face-to-face, expressing opinions and presenting arguments

Group 1660

Follow the news

Group 1663

Write clear, detailed English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of views

Group 1673

Write letters, reports, stories and lots of other types of text

Reasons to choose B2 First

Group 1690

Acceptance for entry into foundation/pathway/pre-sessional courses in English-speaking countries

Group 1646

Acceptance for entry into undergraduate programmes taught in the English medium in non-English-speaking countries.- Easily integrated into a school’s curriculum

Can do summary

The tables below give some examples at each level of typical general ability
These statements are linked to the CEFR

Typical abilitiesReading and writingListening and speaking
Overall general ability
  • CAN scan texts for relevant information
  • CAN make notes while someone is talking or writing a letter, including non-standard requests
  • CAN follow a talk on a familiar topic
  • CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics
Social and tourist
  • CAN read the media for information quickly and with a good understanding
  • CAN express opinions and give reasons
  • CAN ask for clarification and further information and is likely to understand the answer
  • CAN keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics
Work
  • CAN understand the general meaning of non-routine letters and most of the content
  • CAN given enough time, write a report that communicates the desired message
  • CAN ask for factual information and understand the answer
  • CAN express own opinion and express arguments to a limited extent
Study
  • CAN make simple notes that are reasonably useful for essay or revision purposes, capturing the most important points
  • CAN present arguments, using a limited range of expressions (vocabulary, grammatical structures)
  • CAN answer predictable or factual questions
  • CAN check that all instructions are understood

B2 First exam consists of 4 parts

Group-1348

Reading & use of english

  • 1 hour 15 minutes
Screenshot 2023-06-06 at 8.18.16 AM

Writing

  • 1 hour 20 minutes
Listening

Listening

  • 40 minutes approximately
Speaking

Speaking

  • 14 minutes approximately

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

Check your English level with our English
placement test

Exam calendar & registration

Nail your Cambridge English exams with our official preparation materials

Latest blog

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Leave a message