B2 First for Schools (FCE FS) Exam: Prepare Your Child for Success - English Exam Centre

B2 First for Schools (FCE FS)

Next exam sessions
Enrolment open
Pre-enrolment

What is the B2 First for Schools (FCEfS)?

B2 First for Schools, also known as Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCEfS) is the first upper-level qualification. It is also one of the most recognised exams in Portugal. B2 First for Schools is a specific version of B2 First with content geared towards the interests and experiences of school-age children rather than adults. Both exams have the same level as well as the same format. However, B2 First for Schools is based on familiar themes and situations, adapting to students' interests, increasing their motivation to learn English and giving them the confidence to use their language skills in real life situations.

Read more about the difference between the for Schools (fS) and standard versions of the exams.

Required by some Portuguese universities for admissions, this exam proves you have the language skills to live and work independently in an English-speaking country or study on courses taught in English, such as Erasmus. It is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference

At B2 level, you should be able to:

  • scan texts for relevant information
  • make notes while someone is talking, or write a letter including non-standard requests
  • follow a talk on a familiar topic
  • keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics


B2 First for Schools give students the confidence to use their English in the real world


Q&A: B2 First

Is B2 First for me?

In Portugal B2 is aligned with the 11º and 12º ano according to the Metas Curriculares de Inglês. In some cases, strong 10º ano students with the necessary background take B2 First for Schools. 

As proof of independent use of English, it is a valuable qualification to add to any CV and is the logical step in your language learning journey between B1 Preliminary for Schools and C1 Advanced.

Not sure if this exam is for you? Test your current English level.

What is the structure of the exam?

There are four papers, but five parts:

Reading and Use of English

  • Duration: 75 minutes
  • Content: 7 parts with 52 questions
  • Percentage of total marks: 40%
  • Purpose: Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text, such as fiction, newspapers and magazines. Tests your use of English with tasks that show how well you can control your grammar and vocabulary.

Writing

  • Duration: 80 minutes 
  • Content: 2 parts
  • Percentage of total marks: 20%
  • Purpose: Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, reviews and essays.

Listening

  • Duration: about 40 minutes
  • Content: 4 parts with 30 questions
  • Percentage of total marks: 20%
  • Purpose: Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as news programmes, presentations and everyday conversations.

Speaking

  • Duration: 14 per pair of candidates or 20 minutes per group of three
  • Content: 4 parts
  • Percentage of total marks: 20%
  • Purpose: Shows how good your spoken English is as you take part in the conversation by asking/answering questions and discussing topics. Your Speaking test will be face-to-face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable.

This last part is done with two examiners and another candidate.

Depending on the date and format you choose it may be on a computer or on paper.

Preparation material

Feel free to browse our range of official preparation materials, the Cambridge English free resources, and have a look at the Sample Papers for exam practice.

More information

Computer Vs Paper. What’s the difference?

Computer based testing

B2 First for Schools | Cambridge English

How to Register for your Exam

Results and Certificates

Next exam sessions

Enrolment open
Pre-enrolment
Computer Based
Exam date - Saturday, 23 November 2024
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Friday, 8 November 2024, late enrolment deadline - Friday, 15 November 2024 (+55.00 €)
Computer Based
Exam date - Saturday, 21 December 2024
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Friday, 6 December 2024, late enrolment deadline - Friday, 13 December 2024 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 8 March 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 25 January 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 15 February 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 22 March 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 8 February 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 1 March 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 5 April 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 22 February 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 15 March 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Thursday, 10 April 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Thursday, 27 February 2025, late enrolment deadline - Thursday, 20 March 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 10 May 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 29 March 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 19 April 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Wednesday, 14 May 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Wednesday, 2 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Wednesday, 23 April 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Sunday, 18 May 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Sunday, 6 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Sunday, 27 April 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Wednesday, 21 May 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Wednesday, 9 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Wednesday, 30 April 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 24 May 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 12 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 3 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Wednesday, 4 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Wednesday, 23 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Wednesday, 14 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 7 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 26 April 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 17 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Friday, 13 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Friday, 2 May 2025, late enrolment deadline - Friday, 23 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 14 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 3 May 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 24 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 21 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 10 May 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 31 May 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 28 June 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 17 May 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 7 June 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 26 July 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 14 June 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 5 July 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Thursday, 31 July 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Thursday, 19 June 2025, late enrolment deadline - Thursday, 10 July 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 20 September 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 9 August 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 30 August 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 15 November 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 4 October 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 25 October 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Tuesday, 18 November 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Tuesday, 7 October 2025, late enrolment deadline - Tuesday, 28 October 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 29 November 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 18 October 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 8 November 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Thursday, 4 December 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Thursday, 23 October 2025, late enrolment deadline - Thursday, 13 November 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 6 December 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 25 October 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 15 November 2025 (+55.00 €)
Paper Based
Exam date - Saturday, 13 December 2025
Estoril
Enrolment Deadline - Saturday, 1 November 2025, late enrolment deadline - Saturday, 22 November 2025 (+55.00 €)
See more
Enrolment open
Pre-enrolment

Related products

B2 First & First for schools Exam Booster
B2 First & First for schools Exam Booster
ISBN 9781316648438
€35.57
First for Schools Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Teachers Notes with Audio 2nd Edition
First for Schools Trainer Six Practice Tests with Answers and Teachers Notes with Audio 2nd Edition
ISBN 9781107446052
€40.67
Cambridge Learner's Dictionary with CD-ROM 4th Edition
Cambridge Learner's Dictionary with CD-ROM 4th Edition
ISBN 9781107660151
€35.16
Complete First for Schools Student's Book without Answers
Complete First for Schools Student's Book without Answers
ISBN 9781108647335
€44.74
Think Level 3 Student's Book with Interactive eBook
Think Level 3 Student's Book with Interactive eBook
ISBN 9781009151955
€43.73
Think Level 4 Student's Book with Interactive eBook
Think Level 4 Student's Book with Interactive eBook
ISBN 9781009151962
€43.73
English Grammar in Use Book with Answers 5th Edition
English Grammar in Use Book with Answers 5th Edition
ISBN 9781108457651
€40.67
English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced Book with Answers: 3rd Edition
English Vocabulary in Use: Advanced Book with Answers: 3rd Edition
ISBN 9781316631171
€39.64
First Testbuilder 3rd Edition Student's Book with Key
First Testbuilder 3rd Edition Student's Book with Key
ISBN 9780230476110
€46.80
First 2 - Examination papers with answers
First 2 - Examination papers with answers
ISBN 9781316503560
€53.92
First 1 - Examination papers without answers
First 1 - Examination papers without answers
ISBN 9781107668577
€33.13
Language Practice for First 5th Edition
Language Practice for First 5th Edition
ISBN 9780230463752
€45.00
IELTS General Trainer
IELTS General Trainer
ISBN 9781108593663
€43.73
Test&Train B2 First for Schools
Test&Train B2 First for Schools
€9.99
Think Level 4 Workbook with Digital Pack
Think Level 4 Workbook with Digital Pack
ISBN 9781108855587
€30.47
IELTS Booster Academic
IELTS Booster Academic
ISBN 9781009249065
€31.49
FCE for schools with Answers Authentic Examination Papers
FCE for schools with Answers Authentic Examination Papers
ISBN 9781316503522
€53.92
English Vocabulary in Use (Pre Intermediate & Intermediate)
English Vocabulary in Use (Pre Intermediate & Intermediate)
ISBN 9781316628317
€40.67
English Vocabulary in Use (Upper Intermediate)
English Vocabulary in Use (Upper Intermediate)
ISBN 9781316631744
€40.67
Open World First Student's Book without Answers with Online Practice
Open World First Student's Book without Answers with Online Practice
ISBN 9781108647816
€45.76
Bundle 10º Ano Colégio Militar
Bundle 10º Ano Colégio Militar
ISBN CM202425-10
€81.02
Bundle First for Schools Externato N. Senhora do Rosário
Bundle First for Schools Externato N. Senhora do Rosário
ISBN ENSR24FirstForSchools
€49.73

Testimonials

The exam center is very well located for those who live in Linha de Cascais and that was a plus for me. The staff members were very supportive and friendly. Also the facilities were clean and comfortable.

Rating stars
Iara Matos

 

We use cookies for a better experience and personalised ads based on your activity. Click 'Manage Cookies' to change preferences.

Privacy Policy
Accept
Reject
Manage Cookies

Manage Cookies preferences

Most websites use cookies. Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device to store data that web servers can later use. English Exam Center and its external partners use cookies to remember your preferences and settings, help you log in, show you personalized advertisements and analyze how our websites work. For more information, see the Cookies section of the Privacy Policy

Required

We use cookies necessary to perform the essential functions of the websites. For example, they are used to log in, save your language preferences, provide a shopping cart experience, improve performance, route traffic between web servers, detect screen size, determine page load times, improve user experience and audience measurement. These cookies are necessary for our websites to function.

Functionality

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

Security

Security cookies help perform certain operations in safety. With these, we can ensure data is securely transmitted, detect and prevent malicious, fraudulent, invalid, or illegal activity, ensure correct and efficient operation of systems and processes, including to monitor and enhance the performance of systems and processes engaged in permitted purposes.

Analytics

We allow third parties to use analytics cookies to understand how you use our sites in order to improve them. These third parties may develop and improve their products, which they may use on websites that we do not own or operate. For example, they are used to collect information about the pages you visit and how many clicks are needed to perform a task. We use some analytics cookies for advertising purposes. Enables storage (such as cookies) related to analytics e.g. visit duration across multiple territories, including but not limited to the European Union, United States of America and other states around the world.

Social media

We, together with third parties, use social media cookies to show you ads and content based on your social media profiles and activity on our websites. These cookies are used to link your activity on our websites to your social media profiles, so that the advertisements and content you see on our websites and on social media better reflect your interests.

Advertisement

We use, together with third parties, advertising and marketing cookies to show you new advertisements by recording the advertisements you have already seen. They are also used to track which ads you click on or purchases you make after clicking on an ad for payment purposes and to show you ads that are more relevant to you. For example, they are used to detect when you click on an ad and show you ads based on your interests on social networks and your browsing history on websites.

URL Passthrough

When a user lands on our website after clicking an ad, information about the ad may be appended to the landing page URLs as a query parameter. In order to improve conversion accuracy, Google tags usually store this information in first-party cookies on our domain.

Reset all
Save changes
Accept all
Reject all

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe
Cancel
Professor PerfivalProfessor Percival
Close chat
Tell us about your experience with Professor Percival! Your feedback matters.
>
Clear conversationSend transcript