FCE exam

Why take FCE?

The Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) is recognised by many universities and other educational institutions as proof of high level English skills. An FCE certificate is an important asset for anyone who wants to work or study abroad, or in international business. 

FCE is taken by more than 270,000 people each year in more than 100 countries. It is a valuable qualification for anyone who wants to work or study abroad or to develop a career which requires language skills, including business, medicine, engineering and many other professions. It is also useful preparation for higher level examinations, such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English and the Certificate of Proficiency in English.

Cambridge Certificates are acknowledged by employers and education institutions throughout the world.

Exam recognition

You can search the recognition database for up-to-date lists of organisations which officially accept or use Cambridge English exams here.

Exam information:

The exam is set at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) recognises the ability to deal confidently with a range of written and spoken communications.

If you are not sure which exam is right for you, you can test your English at English Academy during one of our registration periods. Our test will give you an idea of your English level and tell you which Cambridge ESOL exam might be the most appropriate for you.

FCE is also useful preparation if you are working towards higher level exams, such as CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) and CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English).

The Cambridge exams cover the four language skills - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. They include a range of tasks which assess your ability to use English. The Cambridge exams assess your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in English in a wide range of situations for almost any purpose.

Paper

Content

Marks
(% of total)

Purpose

Reading
(1 hour)

3 parts/30 questions

20%

Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines.

Writing
(1 hour 20 minutes)

2 parts

20%

Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and short stories.

Use of English
(45 minutes)

4 parts/42 questions

20%

Your use of English will be tested by tasks which show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.

Listening
(about 40 minutes)

4 parts/30 questions

20%

Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.

Speaking
(14 minutes per pair of candidates)

4 parts

20%

Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.

Exam preparation:

English Academy provides FCE preparation courses 3 times a year. Please check FCE preparation course for more information.  

Exam Dates 2013

At English Academy you can prepare for the following exam sessions:

Dates for Reading, Writing, Use of English and Listening

Dates for Speaking within the period:

Deadline for regisration:

13 April 2013

05 - 14 April

27 February

26 July 2013

19 – 28 July

14 June

07 December 2013

15 Nov – 08 Dec

11 October

For alternative dates please check the British Council website.

Results:

Results are issued approximately two months after the date of the written exams. Certificates are sent to successful candidates approximately one month after results are issued. All candidates who register at English Аcademy will receive their certificates from us. You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Results Online access details are provided by exam centres.

Your score is based on your total score in all five papers and is shown as a percentage between 0 and 100.

Your grade depends on the score you achieve:

Grade

Score %

CEFR level

A

80–100

C1*

B

75–79

B2

C

60–74

B2

CEFR Level B1

45–59

B1*

*EXTENDED CERTIFICATION
From March 2011 Cambridge ESOL has introduced Extended Certification aimed at giving many candidates additional credit for the language skills they have demonstrated in a Cambridge ESOL examination. Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level.

  • First Certificate in English – Level C1 - Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level. If you achieve grade A in your exam, you will receive the First Certificate in English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.
  • First Certificate in English – Level B2 - If you achieve grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the First Certificate in English at Level B2.
  • Level B1 certificate - If your performance is below Level B2, but falls within Level B1, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B1 level.

How to register for FCE:

You can register for the FCE exam at English Academy. Please bring with you your ID card/passport, a proof of a bank transfer, complete and sign an individual entry form. If you are unable to come you can send a person with your notarised written agreement and with a copy of your ID card/passport to register you.

The fee for the test for 2013 is 318 BGN. Fees must be paid by bank transfer to British Council bank account:
CITIBANK, 2 Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia.
IBAN Leva account: BG24 CITI 9250 1051 0009 03

For further information about Cambridge Exams visit Cambridge ESOL website.