The Cambridge Certificate: First and First for Schools, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE) and First Certificate in English (FCE) for Schools, respectively, are suitable if you want to use the English language for professional or academic purposes. First and First for Schools are the third level for general English exams.

Level of the FCE

First and First for Schools correspond to level B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Target groups of the FCE

First or First for Schools is designed for participants who wish to use everyday English in written or spoken form for study or work. These qualifications are often a prerequisite for attending university abroad. Practical language skills can be acquired through exam preparation.

The version First for Schools is particularly based on the experiences and interests of pupils and is to motivate these on the one hand to learn English, on the other hand in addition, an incentive to acquire further English qualifications in order to improve so the chances for occupation or study.

The advantages of the FCE

By attending a preparation course, participants should acquire everyday language skills that they can use in their jobs or studies. Both qualifications, which correspond to the upper intermediate level, prove that one is able to communicate effectively. As a reliable measure of English language proficiency, the course also includes different language variants (e.g. American English, British English). Because the preparation course is designed to accommodate participants of different nationalities and language backgrounds, it is recognized by thousands of employers, universities and governments worldwide. The exam certificates are valid for life.

The learning objectives of the FCE

Through the preparation course participants can

  • capture the essence of complex texts;
  • conduct a conversation on many topics;
  • write detailed and well-structured texts;
  • express and justify your opinion.

The registration for the FCE

The registration is to be made directly at the examination center where the examination will be held. The examinations are held worldwide on fixed dates. There are also fixed starting dates for the respective preparation courses. The courses last between 9 and 12 weeks.

The FCE exam

There are about 2,700 examination centers in more than 130 countries worldwide, which offer examinations in

  • Reading and listening comprehension
  • Oral and written expression
  • Knowledge of grammar and vocabulary
  • Communication skills

perform. A variety of aids and materials, such as textbooks, worksheets, sample exams, can be used to prepare for the exam. The exam is divided into five parts

90 minutes: Reading comprehension,
40 minutes: listening comprehension,
14-15 minutes: Speaking,
80 minutes: Writing
45 minutes: Use of the English language

and can be filed as a paper version as well as on the computer. Each test result flows equally into the final result.

The FCE costs

The examination fees are set by the various examination centers and must be requested locally.

Online preparation courses for the FCE

Books on FCE test preparation

Ready for FCE: Student’s Book with Key
Common Mistakes at First Certificate...and how to avoid them: Paperback with Testbank
New First Cert Lang Pract with key

Videos about the FCE

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