B2 · Adults and students

B2 First FCE

The certificate Swiss employers and universities know

Level

Length

about 3.5 hours

Result

approx. 3 weeks

Fee from

CHF 407.50

Next date: Sat 14 Mar 2026 in BaselRegistration deadline 3 Feb 2026

What it is

What B2 First proves about you

B2 First proves that you can use English independently at work and in your studies. Swiss universities of applied sciences, universities and employers accept the certificate as evidence of level B2 — valid for life, with no need to retake it.

The exam is the logical step between B1 Preliminary and C1 Advanced. If you are unsure whether B2 is the right level for you, our two-minute level check will tell you.

Formats

Paper-based
Computer-based
Result available online, certificate by post
No expiry date — valid for life

In brief

Everything that matters for the decision.

Who it is for: Adults and students
Papers: 4 papersReading and Use of English · Writing · Listening · Speaking
Fee: CHF 407.50CHF 417.50 at the venues on the Basel rate, incl. VAT.
Dates this year: 6 scheduledMore on request, including for classes

Choose a date

Questions about the procedure? +41 61 273 90 43 — Monday to Friday, 8 am – 12 noon and 1 – 5 pm

Where it counts

Three situations in which B2 First makes the difference.

Universities of applied sciences

Many Swiss universities of applied sciences require B2 to admit you to English-taught modules.

Level B2

Job applications

The most common proof to offer when a job ad asks for “good English”.

Level B2

Vocational qualifications

Recognised as an additional qualification in Swiss vocational education.

Level B2

Format

The papers in detail

Total length about 3.5 hours. The papers are taken on the same day unless the timetable lists a separate date for the speaking test.

Reading and Use of English

Reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar across several task types.

1 hr 15 min

Writing

Two pieces of writing: an essay and one task of your choice.

1 hr 20 min

Listening

Four listening parts; every recording is played twice.

approx. 40 min

Speaking

In pairs, with two examiners in the room.

14 min, in pairs

Dates

B2 First — scheduled dates

Fee and registration deadline are shown on every line. For classes and companies we set up additional dates.

6 dates · sorted by date

Exam	Written	Venue	Registration deadline	Fee	Action
B2 FirstPaper-based	Sat 14 Mar 2026Speaking Sun 15 Mar 2026	Basel	3 Feb 2026Registration open	CHF 417.50	Select
B2 FirstComputer-based	Tue 24 Mar 2026	Basel	13 Feb 2026Registration open	CHF 417.50	Select
B2 FirstPaper-based	Sat 9 May 2026Speaking Sun 10 May 2026	Bern	30 Mar 2026Registration open	CHF 407.50	Select
B2 FirstPaper-based	Sat 13 Jun 2026Speaking Sun 14 Jun 2026	Basel	4 May 2026Registration open	CHF 417.50	Select
B2 FirstPaper-based	Sat 5 Sep 2026Speaking Sun 6 Sep 2026	Genève	27 Jul 2026Registration open	CHF 407.50	Select
B2 FirstPaper-based	Sat 14 Nov 2026Speaking Sun 15 Nov 2026	Luzern	5 Oct 2026Registration open	CHF 417.50	Select