First Certificate in English
University of Cambridge ESOL Division
offers 5 main examinations
The English for Speakers of
Other Languages (ESOL) Division
is responsible for these
examinations.
These examinations can be
taken at centres in the UK and
abroad.
Results are issued to centres
approximately eight to ten weeks
after the examination.
The examinations presented in
this document are (in order of
increasing difficulty):
Key English Test (KET)
Preliminary English Test (PET)
First Certificate in English
(FCE)
Certificate in Advanced English
(CAE)
Certificate of Proficiency in
English CPE)
 The FCE exam has four papers :
 Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 15 minutes

You will need to demonstrate ability to read and understand information in fiction and non-fiction books,
journals, newspapers and magazines. You will be tested on how well you control your grammar and
vocabulary.

 Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes

You will have to produce two different pieces of writing such as a letter, an article, a report, a review or an
essay.

 Listening: 40 minutes

You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of spoken material, including news
programmes, speeches, stories and anecdotes and public announcements.

 Speaking: 14 minutes

You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates, and you will be required to demonstrate
different types of speaking, including by yourself and in discussion with the examiner and other candidates.