FCE Q&A

How long, on average, should a candidate should have studied English before they are able to pass the FCE?

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 5 years

• The entire duration of The Hobbit’s and The Lord of the Rings’ extended edition films back to back (12 years)

Answer explanation

This is not mandatory, it’s just the time it usually takes for people to reach the necessary level to pass the test successfully

Is there an age limit to take the FCE?

• Yes, you need to be at least 13 years old

• No, not at all

• No, but there is a suggested age range for the regular version of the FCE

• You can’t be older than 45 years

Answer explanation

Although an age limit is suggested for the Schools version, the regular FCE has no real age limit, other than what common sense dictates, you’re obviously not going to have a toddler take a Cambridge examination for a B2 level.

How many parts does the FCE have?

• 5: Listening, Speaking, Writing, Reading, Use of English

• 4: Speaking, Reading & Use of English, Listening, Writing

• 4: Reading & writing, Use of English, Speaking, Listening

• 3: Reading & Writing, Listening & Speaking, Use of English

Answer explanation

Reading and Use of English are one single section. The other skills come one by one.

When in the Speaking interview, you should …

• Answer straight and to the chase

• Try to use all the opportunities that you ahve to show your language skills

• Take the conversation to a topic you’re comfortable with, even if it deviates from the original question

• Remember to ask all and any questions to the interviewer

Answer explanation

You’re the star in this show. Do your best to show your grammar skills, the way you organise your ideas, how you connect them, and when it’s time to interact, show how well you can negotiate, share information and reach agreements.

It’s better to have long answers prepared in advance for the speaking section.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Pre-fabricated answers sound fake and using them to grade you is difficult for the examiner since they don’t really provide any insight on your actual skill level.

You get to choose the person you enter the interview with.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The partners are selected previously and notified to you in advance.

Which of the following Levels CAN’T the FCE certify?

• A2

• B1

• B2

• C1

Answer explanation

Even though the exam is aimed at a B2 level, it will tell you if you are within the B1 to C1 level range, however, it will not measure A1, A2, or C2 levels.

How long does the entire test last?

• Two hours

• About 3 and a half hours

• 5 hours

• 6 hours

Answer explanation

14 minutes for the interview, an hour and fifteen minutes for the R&UoE, an hour and 20 minutes for writing, and 40 minutes for the listening section… that’s almost 3 and a half hours.

What’s more difficult, FCE or IELTS?

• IELTS

• FCE

• They are both equally difficult

Answer explanation

Ooobviously

Do I need to pass all four sections in order to get my grade?

• Yes, and they should all have at least a B1 level

• Yes, and they should all have at least a B2 level

• Not really, but it helps

• No, regardless of your performance, you will get your paper, after all, you already paid for it

Answer explanation

The reason why these tests are so highly regarded by institutions and employers around the world is precisely the standards you have to meet in order to get them. The fact that you paid for it does not guarantee that you’ll get your paper, you still need to prove you have the skills.