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Cambridge Certificate - What We Need to Know

Cambridge Certificate - What We Need to Know
Cambridge First Certificate or FCE is one of the most important and useful certificates for English knowledge. It is recognized by many institutions and educational establishments worldwide, and unlike other certificates - there is no limitation. That is, once you pass the exam for it - it remains valid for life. 

What Cambridge First Certificate stands for

In general, it certify the language at level B2 of European Language Framework. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down detailed rules for the implementation of this Regulation. The FSE also certify that you are not alone in an emergency situation, but also to be fully involved in this case, i.e.:
  • understand the common meaning of different types of texts - with a specific or abstract topic;
  • conduct both general, daily and conversations closely related to your professional qualifications;
  • be able to express yourself with ease and spontaneity in a conversation with English speakers without being difficult by speed and without having problems with forms of courtesy;
  • to express your reasoned opinion, written and oral, on various topics and in detail on a large number of subjects.

When to choose this type of certificate

If you have the ambition to study or work in an English-speaking country, this certificate will be more than useful. You can also take advantage of it if you want to work in an international company. Usually in such corporations, no matter where they are based, the working language is English. The availability of the FCA will save you the need to continuously renew your certification if you want to apply for a new position, for example. 

Is he qualified for university applications

The FCE is often the minimum language requirement that universities in the English-speaking countries place on their candidates. The first certificate is also an ideal basis and preparation for harder exams at Cambridge at higher levels such as CAE or CPE. 

What Cambridge certification is

Cambridge First Certificate tests your knowledge in four skills in English - listening, reading, writing and speaking. That's why the exam is structured into four parts. The total duration is about 3 hours and for each part a time is set for laying. 
  • FCE Part 1 (75 minutes): The first part tests your grammar, vocabulary and reading with understanding. Your ability to read and understand texts taken from various genres of art, newspapers and magazines is appreciated. You are expected to be able to show an understanding of the essence, details and structure of the text and make sense;
  • FCE Part 2 (80 minutes): The second part tests your ability to write non-specialized texts such as letters, articles, reports and reviews. You have to write two texts, each 120 to 180 words. The first assignment is an essay. For the second text you get a choice of different types of text: article, letter, discussion/recent etc.
  • FCE Part 3 (40 minutes): The third part tests your listening skills with understanding. You will listen to different types of texts - interviews, discussions, lectures and conversations. The goal is to evaluate your ability to understand the meaning and extract the essence.
  • FCE Part 4 (14 minutes): The last, fourth part tests your ability to speak English on different topics in a different context. This test contains a total of four parts, one of which is an interview. It also includes different types of paired conversations with another candidate for FCE

Preparation for the FCE

Although we put it at the end of our article, this is probably the most important part of your application. Here are some practical tips on how to approach when you want to obtain Cambridge First Certificate:
  1. Test your current knowledge! It is best to do this in a good school with experience in preparing candidates for FEMA, such as the Language School . You will be sure of the assessment and recommendations you will receive for your preparation. The preliminary test is very important because it will show if you have gaps in the base B2 level, which you need as a starting point of your preparation. 
  2. Begin preparation for the exam! Covering the material from B2 is not yet sufficient to take the exam. You should train each of the exam rounds. Working with a qualified and experienced teacher will be crucial to your result. The At each stage of the preparation you will get an adequate evaluation of your results, as well as specific guidelines on how to improve them. 
  3. Check exams for exam centers and dates! You decide whether you will do so before starting with your preparation or only when you feel more confident. Our advice is to do it after you do a trial test and consult with a Methodologist. And in Language School . .Omega . you can do both completely for free. Learn more about preparation for the FCA at the Language School of Omega. You can also view the common page with information about preparation for English certification exams.
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