First Certificate: The Exam

CONTENTS


Reading (60 minutes)
Writing (80 minutes)
Use of English (45 minutes)
Listening (40 minutes)
Speaking (15 minutes)


AVAILABLE SESSIONS


December

June


Marking and Issue of Results

All completed exam papers are returned to Cambridge for marking. The examiners are English-teaching specialists with relevant experience at the appropriate level. Examiners are trained, their work is continuously monitored and checked by highly experienced senior examiners as they work.

There are five possible grades for FCE: A, B and C are 'pass' grades; D and E are 'fail' grades. The grade is based on the candidate's total score in all the papers. Nine weeks after the exam all candidates receive a Statement of Results giving the overall grade and including a graphical display of the candidate's performance in each component. These are shown against the scale Exceptional - Good - Borderline - Weak. Certificates are issued to successful candidates approximately four months after the exam.