Contents of the exam

1. Reading – 1 hour 15 minutes
2. Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes
3. Use of English – 1 hour 15 minutes
4. Listening – approx. 40 minutes
5. Speaking – 14 minutes

Marks and results

To pass the FCE exam successfully, a candidate must reach a minimum of 60 % of the total number of points but it is not necessary to reach this level of percentage in all parts of the exam. Successful candidates will obtain a certificate with either of these marks: 'Pass with Merit' (A), 'Pass' (B) or ‘Narrow Pass’(C). Unsuccessful candidates will receive “Narrow Fail” or “Fail”.