How B2 First and C1 Advanced work
Four papers, and a certificate that does not expire.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Start here
Cambridge English Qualifications test your English at a target level. B2 First is the upper-intermediate exam; C1 Advanced is the advanced one. Both have four papers:
| Paper | B2 First | C1 Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Use of English | 7 parts, 1 hour 15 minutes | 8 parts, 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Writing | an essay + one task from a choice, 140–190 words each, 1 hour 20 minutes | an essay + one task from a choice, 220–260 words each, 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Listening | 4 parts, about 40 minutes | 4 parts, about 40 minutes |
| Speaking | 4 parts, about 14 minutes, usually with another candidate | 4 parts, about 15 minutes |
Unlike many tests, the certificate does not expire — though a university or employer may ask for a recent result.
Quick check: How many words should a B2 First writing answer have?
- 100–120
- 140–190
- 220–260
Show the answer
B: 140–190
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Does a Cambridge English certificate expire?
- Yes, after two years
- No, though a university or employer may ask for a recent result
- Yes, after five years
Show the answer
B: No, though a university or employer may ask for a recent result — Unlike many tests, the certificate itself does not expire.
Quick check: How many words should a C1 Advanced writing answer have?
- 140–190
- 100–120
- 220–260
Show the answer
C: 220–260 — B2 First answers are 140–190 words each.
Quick check: How is the B2 First speaking test usually taken?
- With another candidate
- Alone, with a computer
- On the phone
Show the answer
A: With another candidate — It has four parts and lasts about 14 minutes.
Quick check: How long is the C1 Advanced Reading and Use of English paper?
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- 40 minutes
- 1 hour 30 minutes
Show the answer
C: 1 hour 30 minutes — B2 First's takes 1 hour 15 minutes.