B2 First for Schools and B2 First preparation

Free: Digital sample tests

Cambridge English Qualifications Digital have now replaced our old computer-based exams and offer you even more benefits. Watch this video tutorial for help on how to complete a B2 First for Schools 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 for Schools Digital Listening Sample Test

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 for Schools Digital Reading and Use of English Sample Test

B2 First for Schools 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 for Schools Digital Writing Sample Test

B2 First Digital Writing Sample Test

Speaking

Speaking test samples are the same as those provided for the paper-based sample test. Please find these in the folders in the paper-based sample test section below.

Answer keys and tapescript – B2 First for Schools:

B2 First for Schools Listening Sample 1 answer key

B2 First for Schools Listening Sample 1 tapescript

B2 First for Schools Reading & Use of English Test answer key

Answer keys and tapescript – B2 First:

B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer key

B2 First Listening Sample 1 answer tapescript

B2 First Reading & Use of English Test answer key

Free: Paper-based sample tests

Sample test 1 for B2 First for Schools

Sample test 2 for B2 First for Schools

Sample test 1 for B2 First

Sample test 2 for B2 First

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

Thinking 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 a B2 First for Schools digital exam.

For teachers, we have a teaching tips booklet. If your candidates have questions, you can find the answers in our frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Find out more about preparing for Cambridge English Qualifications Digital and digital exam preparation products.

Watch our video with 10 top tips for exam day so that you feel as prepared as possible.

Explore useful information about the exam day, including exam day tips and the Information for candidates booklet to help you prepare.

These videos will help your students understand what happens during a B2 First for Schools Speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Francesco and Emma's Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Lara, Agustina and Mateo's Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Malena and Julia's Speaking test

These videos will help your students understand what happens during a B2 First Speaking test. You can also download examiner comments.

Read the examiner comments for Giulia, Tabatha and Elena’s Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Julia and Isabela’s Speaking test

Read the examiner comments for Natalia and Enzo’s Speaking test

The Exam Preparation Journey is a central online hub with teaching tips, classroom activities and more to support teachers preparing students for Cambridge English Qualifications.

Whatever stage you are at – starting out, considering a mock test or exploring your digital options – we offer timely support when you need it. Find advice such as how to create a positive learning environment, structure exam readiness and save time with lots of practical ideas ready to use in class.

Go to the Exam Preparation Journey

The B2 First for Schools handbook gives an overview of the exam and its place within Cambridge English examinations. This is followed by a focus on each paper and includes content, advice on preparation, and example papers.

B2 First for Schools Handbook for teachers

B2 First for Schools: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 72MB)

B2 First: Handbook for teachers

B2 First: Handbook for Teachers Listening Audio Files (ZIP, 72MB)

Our lesson plans include everything you need to deliver a 45-minute lesson in the classroom or online, including activity sheets, homework, and more.

B2 First for Schools lesson plans

B2 First lesson plans

Developing listening skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Developing reading skills for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing writing for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

Assessing speaking for Cambridge English Qualifications: A guide for teachers

B2 First for Schools Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your students’ writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions tailored to each writing type in the Writing paper.

Guide to integrating learning and assessment in your teaching

How can you get the most from every moment of learning in your classes? The best way to help learners succeed is by providing evidence of progress and actionable feedback as part of an Integrated Learning and Assessment (ILA) approach.

Teaching tips from Cambridge English examiners for B2 First for Schools and B2 First.

Running a mock test gives your learners a true exam day experience, and helps you understand their progress and decide if they are ready for their exam. Our interactive mock test toolkits are full of tips, strategies and materials to help you ensure your students are confident and fully prepared for their exam.

Mock test toolkit for older learners

Have a look at our colourful posters and activities to use with the posters. The activity booklet includes lesson plans for vocabulary, grammar and speaking.

Environment poster
Environment activity booklet

Technology poster
Technology activity booklet

Entertainment poster
Entertainment activity booklet

Classroom warmers activity booklet

This booklet includes seven exercises each for primary, lower secondary and upper secondary students.

Supporting learners with dyslexia: A guide for teachers

Many teachers have learners with dyslexia in their exam preparation classes. This guide is for you. With lots of practical tips and ideas for lesson plans, it will help you prepare materials to support learners with dyslexia in preparation for our qualifications.

Cambridge webinars offer practical, research-informed support for English language teachers at every stage of their career. Delivered by Cambridge experts, these free online sessions cover a wide range of topics designed to enhance both classroom practice and professional knowledge.

Webinar themes include:

• Effective teaching methodologies and classroom strategies
• Practical tips for increasing learner engagement
• Insights into Cambridge English Qualifications and assessments
• Professional development for career progression

Each session includes opportunities to interact with our presenters, ask questions and connect with a global community of educators.

Whether you’re preparing learners for exams or exploring new approaches to teaching, our webinars are designed to keep you informed, inspired and supported in your professional journey.

Register for upcoming webinars for teachers

Watch our past webinars on YouTube

You can connect with a lively community of teachers on our social media channels.

We have lots of free learning activities to help you practise your English and prepare for your B2 First for Schools and B2 First exam.

Find out more

Download our guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day, and useful links.

B2 First: Information for candidates

B2 First for Schools: Information for candidates

You can also watch our video with top tips for exam day.

Practise your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills using these free online resources for B2 First for Schools. These materials are designed to help you develop reading for gist and detail, managing unfamiliar vocabulary, as well as planning, drafting, editing and writing for the exam.

Writing Part 1 (An opinion essay)

Writing Part 2 – Writing an article

Reading and Use of English Part 1 (Multiple-choice cloze)

Reading and Use of English Part 5

Reading and Use of English Part 6 (Gapped text)

Speaking Part 2 (Long turn)

Writing checklist

This checklist is designed to help you assess your writing. It includes a summary of the assessment criteria and useful questions to check whether you’ve met each of the criteria of the B2 First for Schools and B2 First Writing tests.

Join our lively learner communities and take part in quizzes, talk to other English language learners and learn on the go.