The B2 First (FCE) Speaking Test: Parts, Timing, and Tips
The B2 First is a popular Cambridge English exam. Cambridge has rebranded it as B2 First, but many people still call it by its former name, the First Certificate in English (FCE). Today we’ll walk through the Speaking test.
The B2 First Speaking test lasts about 14 minutes, and candidates are usually assessed in pairs by two examiners. The times below can vary slightly if there’s an odd number of candidates and you’re in a group of three.
| Part | What happens | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Interview | The examiner asks about you: where you’re from, your family and background, studies, work, and interests. | ~2 min |
| Part 2: Long turn | You speak on your own about two photos (answering a written question), then briefly answer a question about your partner’s photos. | ~1 min each |
| Part 3: Collaborative task | You and your partner discuss options on a mind map, then decide together. | ~3 min |
| Part 4: Discussion | The examiner leads a discussion with both candidates on the Part 3 topic, moving to broader ideas. | ~4 min |
Part 1: Interview
The interview lasts about two minutes. The questions are all about you: where you’re from, your family and background, your studies, work, and interests.
- How many people are there in your family?
- Tell me a little about where you are from.
These questions test your ability to speak English for everyday, social purposes.
Tip: Practice expanding closed questions into longer answers, so you never give a one-word reply no matter what you’re asked.
Part 2: Long turn
You speak on your own about two photographs for about one minute, answering a question printed above them. After you finish, the examiner asks you a short follow-up question about your partner’s photos (around 30 seconds).
Tips: Practice speaking uninterrupted for one minute so you get a feel for how long it is. Use discourse markers and conjunctions to compare and contrast, for example: while, in contrast to this, both A and B are…, in comparison to B, A is…
Part 3: Collaborative task
You and your partner discuss a set of options shown on a mind map for about two minutes, then take about a minute to decide together. This part lasts around three minutes in total.
Tips: Work with your partner; it isn’t an argument. The discussion matters more than “winning.” Go through each option and weigh the pros and cons before you try to reach a decision.
Part 4: Discussion
The examiner joins you and your partner for a discussion about the topics raised in Part 3, moving from concrete examples to broader, more abstract ideas. This part lasts about four minutes and is designed to see whether you can express and justify your opinions in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FCE the same as B2 First?
How long is the B2 First Speaking test?
How many parts does the B2 First Speaking test have?
Do I take the Speaking test with another candidate?
How can I prepare for the B2 First Speaking test?
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