Free: Paper-based sample test
Download sample paper 1 for B2 First
Download sample paper 2 for B2 First
Free: Digital sample tests
During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which offer you even more benefits.
If you are planning to take your exam during March 2024, please contact your chosen exam centre to discuss their schedules.
Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete an B2 First digital exam. Please also review this document which covers minor differences between the sample tests and the live exam.
Listening
Time: approximately 40 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- Answer all the questions.
- You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
- There are 30 questions in this test.
- Each question carries one mark.
- You will hear each recording twice.
- For each part of the test there will be time for you to look through the questions and time for you to check your answers.
B2 First Digital Listening Sample Test
Reading and Use Of English
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- Answer all the questions.
- You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
- There are 52 questions in this test.
- Each question in Parts 1, 2, 3 and 7 carries one mark.
- Each question in Part 4 carries up to two marks.
- Each question in Parts 5 and 6 carries two marks.
B2 First Digital Reading Sample Test
Writing
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Instructions to candidates
- Answer the Part 1 question, and one question from Part 2.
- You can change your answers at any time during the test.
Information for candidates
- There are two parts to this test.
- Each question carries equal marks.
B2 First Digital Writing Sample Test
Answer keys and tapescript:
B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer key
B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer tapescript
B2 First Reading & Use of English Test Answer key
Free: Computer-based sample tests
During March 2024, we will be moving from our current computer-based exam delivery to Cambridge English Qualifications Digital, which will offer you even more benefits. Information on the switch and what this means for you can be found on our Cambridge English Qualifications Digital page.
Watch this tutorial for more detail on the B2 First computer-based exam to show you what you need to do before you start.
The computer-based sample test does not mark your exam, so check your answers as you do the test using the answer keys below. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them.
Reading sample test
Writing sample test
Listening sample test
Answer keys:
Reading and Writing answer key
Listening answer key
There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B2 First handbook.
The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.
For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers.
Converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores
Have you thought about taking digital exams? Find out more about the benefits of digital exams.
Watch this short video to see what it’s like to take a digital exam.
Watch the video tutorial for help on how to complete an B2 First digital exam.
Read our FAQs if you have any more questions about taking digital exams.