B2 First for Schools: the level of confidence to use your English in the real world
The B2 First for Schools 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 for Schools 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, students read a range of texts and do grammar and vocabulary tasks. For Parts 5 to 7, students read a series of texts and answer questions that test reading ability and show that they can deal with a variety of different types of texts.
This paper accounts for 40% of the total mark.
Writing
Writing
The B2 First for Schools Writing paper has 2 parts. The student has to show that they can write different types of text in English.
This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Listening
Listening
The B2 First for Schools Listening paper has four parts and 30 questions. For each part students have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. They will hear each recording twice.
This paper accounts for 20% of the total mark.
Speaking
Speaking
The B2 First for Schools Speaking test has four parts and the student takes it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners conducts the test (asks questions, gives the student a booklet with things to talk about, and so on). The other examiner listens to what the student says.
The Speaking test 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 for Schools exam and understand your results.
The site includes:
- B2 First for Schools 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 for Schools 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 for Schools 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 for Schools exam.
