In this first episode of PASS FCE….What is the FCE exam? Why take First Certificate? How can you register with Cambridge?

Welcome to PASS FCE, a Mansion Ingles podcast specifically created to help you pass the Cambridge First Certificate in English Exam.

I’m Craig, I’m a teacher at the British Council in Valencia, Spain, a Cambridge Oral examiner (that means speaking!) with over 20 years of teaching experience.
What is the FCE exam?

Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), is an upper-intermediate level qualification.

Level B2 in the The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF, CEFR)

B1 is PET (preliminary English Test, CAE Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English.

The exam is offered in two variations / flavours: Cambridge English: First for adult learners and Cambridge English: First for Schools.

Both versions are at the same level, have the same exam format (four papers) and lead to the same qualification – the First Certificate in English.

The only difference between the two versions is that the topics in the ‘for Schools’ version have been targeted at the interests and experiences of school-aged learners.(13 or 14 up to 16 or 17 years old)

There are four papers: Reading and Use of English; listening, writing and speaking.

Usually do the Reading and Use of English, listening and writing on the same day at a Cambridge Exams centre. You do the speaking on a different day.

It’s also possiblle to do a computer-based exam. Same exam but for people who feel more comfortable with the mouse and keyboard than pen and pencil.

There are advantages:

– quicker results (2 weeks after test)
– online timer to help you with timing
– word count for writing
– headphones to adjust volume for listening

Exactly the same as normal exam – sample tests on website

For more information click here
Why take it?

It’s accepted globally – there’s a long list of universities and employers that accept the exam – Employers really like it!

It proves you can use everyday written and spoken English for work or study purposes.

It shows you have a minimum level of English to function in a job, and that you can study abroad.

If you don’t need it now, maybe you’ll need it in the future, and it gives you a reason to study, a goal, an aim, to study towards.
How can you take it?

Register with Cambridge

There are around 2,800 centres around the world.

To find a centre near you click here 

How much does it cost? It depends where you take it. In Spain it’s about 200 euros (at the end of 2014) Exam is changing in 2015, maybe the price will change too.
Next episode:

Do I have the level?
What do I do if I already have the level?
What do I do if I don’t have the level?

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