The B2 First, previously called Cambridge English: First (FCE), is one of the most popular English language qualifications. At ELC Chester we offer a comprehensive programme designed to fully prepare you for this examination, under the guidance of our expert staff.
Cambridge’s B2 First English has had many names, including Cambridge English: First, the First Certificate in English and simply the FCE. It is Cambridge’s most popular exam, accepted by thousands of businesses and educational institutions around the globe.
A B2 First qualification is the third-highest on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale. It will demonstrate to educational institutions and potential employers that you have attained a competent level of English language ability, meaning you can comfortably live, work or study in an English-speaking country.
The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Examination course at ELC Chester helps improve your overall language ability as well as developing the skills necessary to pass the Cambridge First exam. The course provides complete and careful preparation for all aspects of the examination.
* Minimum age: we occasionally accept 15 year olds in international classes provided they are part of a group with a group leader. Our safeguarding and child protection policy document has more information, but please contact us if you require further details.
The B2 First preparation courses includes:
We offer two course options:
28 lessons (21 hours) per week
Our General English and Cambridge B2 First preparation runs for 4 weeks in February, May and November, with corresponding exams at course end in March, June and December. There are 20 lessons per week of General English in the mornings with 8 lessons per week of Advanced exam preparation.
30 lessons (22.5 hours) per week
Our short 4-week full intensive courses in summer lead to exams in July and August. You study for the Cambridge B2 First exam all day in dedicated classes
You may choose from:
| Dates | Duration | Intensity | Exam on |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Feb – 10 Mar | 5 weeks | 28 lessons per week | 10 March |
| 15 May – 16 Jun | 5 weeks | 28 lessons per week | 17 June |
| 3 Jul – 28 Jul | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 27 July |
| 31 Jul – 25 Aug | 4 weeks | 30 lessons per week | 24 August |
| 6 Nov – 8 Dec | 5 weeks | 28 lessons per week | 9 December |
If you are planning to study for 24 weeks or more, the Cambridge Examination Courses can be taken as part of our Study Year Programme..
If you are an international student, aged 16 years or over, and possess a CEFR level of B1 to CEFR C1 then this might be the ideal course for you. It will help prepare you for Cambridge’s third-highest qualification and demonstrate your English language abilities.
The B2 First exams take place at a test centre in nearby Manchester or Liverpool. Please contact us for further details.
We book the exam with the test centre in the first weeks of the Cambridge course so you will have plenty of time to see how you are getting on and what is best.
Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport are the closest to Chester, at 45 and 35 minutes’ drive respectively. We can organise an airport transfer for you from these airports to your accommodation in Chester. Or alternatively you can use public transport. Some students also choose to travel to Heathrow Airport in London. This is only recommended for experienced travellers as you will then have to take the Underground to central London and then a direct train to Chester (CTR).
We can organise a taxi for you and the price is £80 each way from Manchester or Liverpool airports. You can also take a taxi at the airport but it may be more expensive. Uber also operates in most cities in the UK.
Eastbourne School of English teacher, Clive, gives his top tips for students taking the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) and C1 Advanced (CAE) exams.
Nervous about your English speaking exam? Wondering how you can get a good score? Worried about achieving the qualification you have dreamed about? To help you, we…
ELC Brighton’s Assistant Academic Director gives her advice on how best to prepare for your Cambridge First, Advanced or Proficiency exam preparation course.
The IELTS preparation course in Chester combines morning General English with focussed IELTS exam preparation in the afternoons.
This course in Chester will help prepare you for the challenging C1 Advanced (Cambridge Advanced). A great course for a brilliant test of your English skills.
Our language learning levels relate closely to how the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) define them, but with a difference which we have found to help our students at Elementary level.
| ELC level | Equivalent CEFR levels | |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | ||
| A1 | ||
| Upper A1 | Lower A2 | |
| A2 | ||
| B1 | ||
| B2 | ||
| C1 | ||
| C2 | ||
We offer an English level test which anyone can take. It involves 50 questions and, depending on your level, will probably take you from 10 to 20 minutes. At the end of it, we will tell you your probable level.
But when you book, we will ask you to take a more detailed and accurate test, to make sure that you start in the class which is best for you.
We are sure you have questions about this exam, and the preparation course. So please get in touch and we’ll do our best to answer your questions.