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English

You are here:

  1. Cambridge English
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  3. Cambridge English Qualifications
  4. B2 First for Schools and B2 First

B2 First for Schools and B2 First

  • Cambridge English Qualifications
    • Young learners (Pre A1 Starters, A1 Movers, A2 Flyers)
    • A2 Key for Schools and A2 Key
    • B1 Preliminary for Schools and B1 Preliminary
    • B2 First for Schools and B2 First
      • Exam format
      • Preparation
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    • Ways to take Cambridge English Qualifications
    • Exam preparation
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    • Results
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    • How our exams can help your students
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Proof that learners can communicate in an English-speaking environment

B2 First for Schools and B2 First are qualifications that show learners have the language skills to live and work in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English.

B2 First results are accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions worldwide.

This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between B1 Preliminary for Schools or B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced.

How to get started

Key facts

CEFR level: B2 what's this?
Scale score: 160–179 what’s this?
Test format: digital or paper-based
No. of papers: 4
Exam length: about 3.5 hours

B2 First for Schools and B2 First: What’s the difference?

B2 First for Schools and B2 First are at the same CEFR level and follow the same format. However, B2 First for Schools is tailored to the interests and experience of school-age learners, while B2 First is designed for adults.


Student speaking English in class, demonstrating B2-level communication skills.

B2 First for Schools and B2 First show that a student can

  • Communicate effectively face-to-face, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
  • Follow the news
  • Write clear, detailed English, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view
  • Write emails / letters, articles, reviews and other types of text
Engaged students in class, reflecting benefits of B2 First exams.

Reasons to choose B2 First for Schools and B2 First

  • Easily integrated into a school’s curriculum
  • Comprehensive support with exam preparation and administration
  • Students can gain a valuable qualification that is accepted worldwide
  • Accepted for entry to foundation / pathway / pre-sessional courses in English-speaking countries
  • Accepted for entry to undergraduate programmes taught in the medium of English in non-English-speaking countries

Ways to take your Cambridge English Qualifications

Our digital exams offer an enhanced candidate experience and faster results. Or, for a more traditional route, we continue to offer our paper-based exams. It’s the same qualification and there’s no need to change the way you prepare.

Find out more


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