FCE stands for First Certificate in English. It’s an upper-intermediate English language test for both written and spoken English administered by Cambridge ESOL. FCE is at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At level B2 candidates will be able to:
hold a conversation on a wide range of topics
express opinions and present arguments fairly well
understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
produce detailed writing in different formats including, letters, reports, essays, emails etc.
2 What are the benefits of taking the FCE exam?
FCE is ideal for people who want to use English for study or work. Thousands of employers and academic institutions all over the world recognise FCE as a qualification in English at an upper-intermediate level
FCE exams are a good way to improve your practical English skills. FCE focuses on communication in real-life through reading, writing, listening and speaking, helping you to use English in everyday situations more confidently
FCE is also a good start to gaining qualifications in more advanced exams like CAE and CPE
Once you have earned your certificate it is valid for life – so there’s no need to take the FCE again.
3 What is the format of the FCE test?
There are five papers for the FCE test:
Reading
You will have one hour to answer 30 questions on three different texts. You will be required to answer questions on a variety of different text types, such as newspaper articles, reports, advertisements, brochures, letters and messages.
Writing
You will have one hour and 20 minutes to write two short pieces of about 120 – 180 words each. You will need to demonstrate the ability to write different text types, such as letters, reports, essays, emails and short stories.
Use of English
You will have 45 minutes to answer 42 questions. You will be required to answer questions to demonstrate your understanding of English grammar and vocabulary.
Listening
You will have 40 minutes to answer 30 questions. You will be required to demonstrate the ability to understand spoken English in a variety of different situations, such as interviews, lectures, news programmes and public announcements.
Speaking
The speaking part of the test lasts up to 14 minutes. You will take your speaking test with two other candidates. You will be required to discuss topics or materials such as pictures or a listening text as part of the group and also by yourself.
Each section makes up 20% of the total mark. There are five grades: A, B, C, D and E. Candidates who achieve an A, B or C grade will pass the exam and be awarded a certificate.
4 How do I prepare for the FCE?
In addition to following an FCE course with an English language teacher, it is also useful to take some FCE practice tests so that you will know what to expect in the real exam. If you practise the different parts of the exam individually and check your scores, you can then see the exam parts which you need to practise most. Overall scores on practice exams can also help to give you an idea of how you might perform in the real exam.
Interactive practice tests on iTests follow the same format, questions and timing as the real exam so that you get a realistic exam experience. iTests practice tests are divided into small parts so you can choose which exam parts you need to practise. Your personal score chart shows your performance so you can check your own performance. There are even some writing questions with automatic marking allowing you to practise for the writing part of the exam and receive your grades immediately.
5 How do I sign up for FCE?
Speak to your teacher or language school about how to enrol for the FCE. If you’re not studying English at the moment you can sign up for the FCE exam at your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you visit the Cambridge ESOL website.
6 How much does it cost?
FCE test fees can vary from country to country. To find out more information contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre.
7 Where can I take FCE?
You can take the FCE exam at any authorised Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you visit the Cambridge ESOL website.