Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)

First Certificate in English (FCE) is an upper intermediate level qualification that recognises the candidate's ability to confidently deal with a range of written and spoken communication. First Certificate in English for Schools follows exactly the same format but uses topics specifically targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils.

First Certificate in English (FCE) is an English language qualification at B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages. The test demonstrates that you are able to communicate at an upper intermediate level of English. FCE is globally recognised by universities, employers and governments.

FCE can provide you with an upper intermediate level English language qualification that prepares you to study and work in an English-speaking environment and can use written and spoken English for professional or academic purposes.

The examination comprises of five sections: Reading (20%), Writing (20%), Use of English (20%), Listening (20%) and Speaking (20%).

Reading: 1 hour
The test comprises of three parts, with candidates required to read a total of approximately 2,000 words. Texts may be taken from newspaper and magazine articles, reports, fiction, advertisements, letters, messages and informational material.

Writing:  1 hour 20 minutes
This section requires candidates to produce two pieces of writing. The first section is compulsory and requires candidates to write a letter or an email. The second section contains a choice of tasks from one of the following: an article, essay, letter, report, review or story.

Use of English: 45 minutes
The paper tests a candidate’s understanding of upper intermediate grammar and vocabulary. This section contains four parts.

Listening: 40 minutes  
The listening test contains four parts. In each section, you have to listen to a number of recorded texts and answer a series of questions. The recording will be played twice. The listening test requires you to be able to follow and understand texts taken from news programmes, presentations, speeches and everyday conversations.

Speaking: 14 minutes
The speaking test has four parts and you take the test with another candidate. Two examiners will assess your spoken English language skills. One of the examiners will talk to you and the other will listen to you and take notes. Both examiners decide your grade. The format of the test covers a one-to-one interview with the examiner, an extended turn, a collaborative task and a discussion.

The British Council India offers First Certificate in English (FCE) in its four offices in Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai. There are fixed examination dates for this test. Registrations are centralized and processed in these four offices. Check available test dates in your nearest British Council Office.

Please note

We will conduct the examination when we have received the minimum required registrations. Minimum number of registrations may vary in different regions. Please contact your nearest British Council Office to learn more.

Documents Required

• Application form (Completed and Signed by the candidate)
• One coloured passport size photograph of candidate
• Photocopy of candidate’s valid government photo-id proof
• Examination fee

Mode of Payment

We accept examination fee through

• Cash payment
• Card (Visa / Master)
• Demand Draft

Registration Checklist

Make sure all the required documents reaches us before the registration closing date.

Demand drafts should be made in favour of “British Council Division”, payable at

• Delhi for North India
• Mumbai for West India
• Chennai for South India
• Kolkata for East India