Cambridge B2 First exam-day guide
Cambridge B2 First · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Statement of Entry or booking confirmation
A printed copy of your entry confirmation or Statement of Entry. Some centres ask for this at registration; confirm with your centre whether a printed copy is required or whether an email on your phone is enough.
Valid photo ID
Passport or national identity card, matching the name on your entry. Accepted document types differ between centres and countries, so confirm the exact ID rules with your centre well before the test.
Two or more HB pencils
Pencils are normally used for the multiple-choice and gap-fill answer sheets. Bring spares.
Eraser and pencil sharpener
You will want to change answers cleanly on the answer sheet.
Black or blue pen
Useful for the Writing paper if your centre allows pen for written answers; confirm the centre's preference for pen or pencil.
Clear water bottle with labels removed
Many centres allow a transparent bottle on the desk. Confirm what is permitted in your exam room.
Simple wristwatch
Smartwatches and phones are not allowed at the desk. Some rooms have a clock, but a plain watch helps you pace the Reading and Use of English and Writing papers.
Glasses, hearing aid, or required medication
Bring anything you normally need. Tell your centre in advance about medical needs or access arrangements.
Phone switched off and stored as instructed
You will normally be asked to leave bags and phones outside the exam room. Do not keep a phone on your person during the test.
Travel plan and arrival time
Check the venue location, journey time, and the arrival time stated by your centre. Candidates are often asked to arrive well before the start; confirm the exact time rather than guessing.
Speaking test details
If your Speaking test is on a different day or session, note the time and room. Confirm the arrangements with your centre.
Small snack for between papers
There may be a short break between papers. Confirm the break arrangements and whether food or drink is allowed outside the exam room.
Plan the day
Confirm your venue, arrival time, and which papers are scheduled on which day. Check that the name and details on your entry are correct and contact your centre immediately if anything is wrong.
Confirm your Speaking test slot if it is on a separate day, and check the ID documents your centre requires.
Do at least one full paper under timed conditions, then review your timing plan for each paper rather than learning new grammar.
Start shifting your sleep schedule so you are alert for the actual start time, and plan your journey with a buffer for delays.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, pencils, eraser, sharpener, pen, watch, water, and any medical items. Lay out clothes and check transport times.
Do a short, light review only: a few Writing structures, a checklist of common Use of English traps, and a reminder of the format and timing of each paper. Then stop.
Eat normally, avoid heavy drinking, and go to bed at a reasonable time. Do not stay up cramming.
Eat breakfast and hydrate. Arrive at the venue with time to spare, allowing for transport problems.
Switch your phone off and store it as instructed before entering the exam room. Keep your ID ready for checking.
Use the bathroom before registration and again before the papers start if there is an opportunity, since leaving during a paper is usually restricted.
Listen carefully to the invigilator, read the instructions on the front of each paper, and check that you have all pages before you begin.
Reading and Use of English: keep an eye on the clock, do not let one gap or matching task consume too much time, and make sure every answer is transferred to the answer sheet.
Writing: spend a few minutes planning each task, respect the word limit, leave time to check your work, and make sure you answer the task that is set, not a prepared topic.
Listening: use the pause before each part to read the questions, and use the second hearing to check and complete your answers.
Speaking: speak clearly, answer the question you are asked, interact with your partner, and ask the examiner to repeat a question if you did not catch it.
Rules to check
Bring the ID your centre requires, with a name matching your entry. Accepted document types vary, so confirm the exact rules with your centre before test day.
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and unauthorised materials must not be in the exam room. Switch devices off and store them as instructed; possession of a device during the test can lead to your result being cancelled. Confirm your centre's policy.
Follow the invigilator's instructions at all times: do not open the paper early, and stop writing immediately when told. Continuing after time is called can be treated as malpractice.
Do not communicate with other candidates once the test has started. Any form of cheating or disruption may result in your result being voided.
Leaving the exam room during a paper is normally allowed only for genuine emergencies and with permission. Confirm with your centre whether any time is added back.
Write your answers in the place and format the paper requires. Confirm with your centre whether answer sheets must be completed in pencil and whether Writing answers may be in pen.
Your result is reported on the Cambridge English Scale: 160-190 corresponds to a B2 First certificate at grades A-C, and a score below 160 may still earn a B1-level statement depending on your performance. Confirm with your centre what certificate or statement you would receive.
In many centres the Speaking test is recorded for moderation. Confirm with your centre if you want to know the local procedure.