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Cambridge exams

B2 First or C1 Advanced: which one to take

Both are Cambridge exams with four papers. The difference is the level, and what you want the certificate for.

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Side by side

B2 First and C1 Advanced compared
B2 FirstC1 Advanced
LevelB2, upper intermediateC1, advanced
Old nameFCECAE
Score scale140 to 190160 to 210
Pass160180
Reading and Use of English7 parts8 parts
SpeakingAbout 14 minutesAbout 15 minutes
Our course12 weeks, 24 classes16 weeks, 32 classes

How to choose

  • Choose B2 First if you can hold a meeting or a chat in English but still search for words.
  • Choose C1 Advanced if you follow fast speech and jokes and rarely search for words.
  • Not sure? Take the level test, then book a trial class. Pili can tell you in one conversation.

Practice

Check what you know about the two exams.

Choose the correct answer.

  1. 1. On B2 First, a score of is a pass at B2.
  2. 2. On C1 Advanced, a score of is a pass at C1.
  3. 3. A score of 180 or more on B2 First shows level .
  4. 4. A score of 200 or more on C1 Advanced shows level .
  5. 5. The Reading and Use of English paper of C1 Advanced has parts.
  6. 6. FCE is the old name of .

0 of 6 checked

Questions

Which certificate do employers and universities prefer?
It depends on the institution. Ask the university or company which level they ask for, then choose the exam that matches.

Keep going

Want to practise this with Pili?

Book a trial class. She writes back with times in Buenos Aires time.

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