B2 First: the language skills to live, work an study in an English-speaking country
The B2 First exam is a test of all areas of language ability. The exam is made up of four papers – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking – developed to test your English language skills. You can see exactly what is included in each paper below, with the same formats applying to both the paper-based and Digital exams.
Cambridge B2 First consists of 4 tests:
Reading and Use of English
Reading and Use of English
The B2 First Reading and Use of English paper has 7 parts and 52 questions. For Parts 1 to 4, you read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks. For Parts 5 to 7, you read a series of texts and answer questions that test your reading ability and show that you can deal with a variety of different types of texts.
This paper accounts for 40% of the total mark.
Writing
Writing
The B2 First Writing paper has 2 parts. You have to show that you can write different types of text in English.
This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Listening
Listening
The B2 First Listening paper has four parts and 30 questions. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.
This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Speaking
Speaking
The B2 First Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners asks you questions and gives you the booklet with things to talk about. The other examiner listens to what you say.
This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Exams Owl: Your go-to portal for teacher and learner resources
Exams Owl is the official support site for Exams Catalunya, Exams Madrid, Exams Balears and Andorra. Whether you are a teacher or candidate, you will find a wide range of free resources to help you prepare for the B2 First exam and understand your results.
The site includes:
- B2 First sample tests and Speaking test videos
- Exam day tips and preparation advice
- Support and materials for candidates, teachers and Preparation Centres.
Exams Owl offers everything you need to understand the B2 First exam format and support your Cambridge English journey.
On-the-go practice with Test & Train
Test & Train is an easy-to-use practice tool to help you get ready for your B2 First exam through short, sharp workouts. With over 300 practice questions, you can use it anytime, anywhere and as many times as your like!
You can buy Test & Train when you register for your B2 First exam.
