Other Information

First is a high-intermediate exam at CEFR B2 level. It is the gold standard of English language learning; the level to which the majority of students aspire, because employers throughout the world recognise this exam.

Because the examination is based on realistic tasks, a First certificate is an important asset for anyone who wants to work or study abroad, or in international business. It indicates sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs in many industries, in particular tourism, where contact with English speakers is required.

Successful candidates will have the ability to deal with routine letters and telephone enquiries, and to cope with some non-academic training courses and some textbooks and articles. They will also have a wide grasp of vocabulary, and will be able to construct an argument and use appropriate communication styles for a variety of situations. They will also have a good awareness of register and of the conventions of politeness and degrees of formality as they are expressed through the English language.