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B2 First vs B2 First for Schools: what is the difference?

B2 First and B2 First for Schools are at the same level (B2) and share the same overall format and grading. The main difference is the audience: the For Schools version is designed for school-age learners, so its topics suit teenagers. Writing task options can differ, so check the official For Schools information. This page is part of our B2 First exam guide.

By Eleanor BennettLast updated:

What the two versions have in common

Both exams are designed to show that you can use English at B2 level. They share the same overall structure:

  • four papers: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking
  • five scores on the Cambridge English Scale
  • the same grades: A (180–190, C1), B (173–179), C (160–172) and a Level B1 certificate for 140–159

Our FCE exam format and B2 First grades pages describe the standard B2 First exam in detail. Most of the skills and strategies on this site, such as how to approach the open cloze or Speaking Part 3, are useful for both versions.

The main difference: who the exam is for

B2 First for Schools is made for school-age learners. The texts, recordings and speaking topics are chosen to match the interests and experience of teenagers, for example school life, hobbies, friends and technology.

B2 First (sometimes called the “general” version) is for adults and older students. Topics are wider and can include work, travel, study and society.

The level is the same. The difference is the world the tasks come from. A topic you know well is easier to talk and write about, even at the same level of English, so choosing the version that suits your age and experience makes sense.

Which one should you take?

In our experience, the decision is usually simple:

  • You are at secondary school and taking the exam through your school or a language school for teenagers: the For Schools version is probably the one offered to you.
  • You are an adult or university student: take B2 First.
  • You are in between (for example 17 or 18): think about which topics you feel more comfortable with, and ask your teacher or exam centre which version they offer.

Whichever you choose, the preparation is very similar. Build your grammar, vocabulary and exam technique, and practise every part. Our FCE study plan and how long to prepare for FCE work for both versions.

How to prepare if you take the For Schools version

  1. 1

    Confirm the details

    Read the official For Schools information, especially the Writing section, before you start practising Writing tasks.

  2. 2

    Use our skills guides

    Our guides to Reading and Use of English, Listening and Speaking teach strategies that apply to both versions.

  3. 3

    Choose teen-friendly practice topics

    When you practise Speaking and Writing, choose topics from your own life: school, friends, sport, social media and free time.

  4. 4

    Practise with official For Schools materials

    Use official For Schools sample tests for timed practice so the topics and task types match what you will see.

Common traps

  • Trap: Thinking the For Schools version is a lower level.

    Fix: It is not. Both versions target B2 and use the same grades.

  • Trap: Practising only task types from the wrong version.

    Fix: Check which Writing tasks your version includes and practise those.

  • Trap: Assuming you can only use For Schools materials.

    Fix: Most grammar, vocabulary and strategy practice is useful for both versions. Just do your final timed practice with materials for your version.

Frequently asked questions

Is B2 First for Schools easier than B2 First?

No. Both target B2 level and use the same grading. The For Schools version uses topics that suit teenagers, which some school students find more familiar, but the level of English required is the same.

Is the certificate different for B2 First for Schools?

Both versions lead to a B2 First qualification at the same level. For details of how the certificate is presented, check the official Cambridge English information.

Can an adult take B2 First for Schools?

The For Schools version is designed for school-age learners. Adults normally take B2 First. If you are unsure, ask your exam centre which version is right for you.

Are the Writing tasks the same in both versions?

Not necessarily. Writing task options can differ, so check the official For Schools information before you practise Part 2 tasks.

Can I use this website to prepare for B2 First for Schools?

Yes. Our strategies for each paper and our practice tasks build the same skills. Just confirm the Writing task types for your version in the official information.