International Language

• English is the fourth most widely spoken native language in the world, and in terms of sheer number of speakers, it is the most spoken official language in the world. It is the primary language used in international affairs. The English language has official status even in nations where it is not the primary spoken language. English is indisputably the primary language of global trade and commerce. In many countries, most tourism authorities and other officials in contact with the public speak English to interact and engage with tourists and immigrants.

Digital Age

• While progress has been made in language-translation software and allied technologies, the primary language of the ubiquitous and all-influential World Wide Web is English. English is typically the language of latest-version applications and programs and new freeware, shareware, peer-to-peer, social media networks and websites. Software manuals, hardware-installation guides and product fact sheets of popular consumer electronics and entertainment devices usually are available in English first before being made available in other languages.

Higher Learning

• In universities and colleges in Great Britain, the Unites States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, which attract the most number of international students, the primary language of instruction is English. Most of the top business schools, medical centers and advanced-study institutes are located in North America and Great Britain, and English is the language used in every activity at these institutions of higher learning. Most peer-to-peer journals and technical periodicals that give international acclaim to scientists, engineers, technologists, and technocrats are printed in English.

Anglo-Saxon Influence

• The influence of the United States and Great Britain on political affairs and international relations for the past 100 years has ensured the proliferation and acceptance of English as the primary spoken language in many countries. The widespread acceptance of American pop culture also has contributed to the primacy of the English language. A working knowledge of English is important for diplomats and high-ranking officials in such major countries as Germany, Japan, France, South Korea, Brazil, Italy, and Russia so they can better understand the nuance and craft of global affairs and international diplomacy.

Job Opportunities

• Knowing English opens job and employment opportunities in many countries and markets. Multilateral institutions and agencies in the four United Nation cities of New York, Vienna, The Hague and Geneva recruit professionals with multilingual skills but also expect the candidates to have good English-speaking skills. The Commonwealth of Nations, made up of 50-plus countries that were former British colonies or dependencies, also offers numerous employment opportunities to those who understand and communicate in English.

exam for people who need to prove they can use everyday written and spoken English

at an upper-intermediate level for work or study purposes.

Ready for success in the real world

The Cambridge English: First exam uses real-life situations that are especially designed to help you communicate more effectively and learn the language skills you need.

Cambridge English: First – at a glance

Cambridge English: First is set at Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. B2 is the level of English needed to:

• start working in an English speaking environment
• study at an upper intermediate level – such as foundation or pathway courses

It shows that you are becoming skilled in English.
For example, at B2 level typical users can be expected to:

• understand the main ideas of complex pieces of writing
• keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics, expressing opinions and presenting arguments
• produce clear, detailed writing, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.

Preparing for Cambridge English: First will give you these kinds of practical language skills.

World-class recognition

• Cambridge English: First is a truly international exam, recognised by thousands of industrial, administrative and service-based employers as a qualification in upper-intermediate English.
• It is also accepted by a wide range of educational institutions for study purposes.
• Companies such as American Express, Agfa-Gevaert GmbH, Siemens and Procter & Gamble all recognise the value of Cambridge English: First in their overseas offices.

Search our online database for organisations and educational institutions that recognise Cambridge English: First.

Format of the exam

Cambridge English: First has five papers:

Reading: 1 hour
You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand information in fiction and non-fiction books, journals, newspapers and magazines.

Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
You will have to produce two different pieces of writing such as a short story, a letter, an article, a report, a review or an essay.

Use of English: 45 minutes
You will be tested on how well you control your grammar and vocabulary.

Listening: 40 minutes
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements.

Speaking: 14 minutes
You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates, and you will be required to demonstrate different types of speaking, including by yourself and in discussion with the examiner and other candidates.

Your results

Cambridge English: First gives detailed, meaningful results. All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose performance ranges between CEFR Levels C1 and B1 will also receive a certificate.

Statement of Results

This document outlines:

• Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all five papers.
• A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
• A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed. It has set values for each grade, allowing comparison across sessions of the exam.

Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge English: First

You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website.

Your certificate

• Cambridge English: First – Level C1
  Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond B2 level. If you achieve a grade A in your exam, you will receive the First Certificate in English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.
• Cambridge English: First – 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.

Cambridge English: Advanced also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) is the leading English exam for professional and academic success.

In response to the global demand for information about this exam, we have developed a dedicated microsite to help you find the information you need quickly and easily.