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Best books for FCE: how to choose the right B2 First books

The best books for FCE depend on what you need: a coursebook to build your English, official practice tests for timed rehearsal, and a grammar or vocabulary reference for your weak areas. Most students need one book from two or three of these types, not ten books. This guide explains each type and how to choose, alongside our free B2 First exam guide.

By Eleanor BennettLast updated:

Do you need to buy books at all?

Not necessarily. You can prepare seriously for B2 First with free material: the official sample papers on the Cambridge English website, our guides to every paper and our free practice tasks. Books are useful when you want structure (a full course to follow), lots of practice (several complete tests) or a reference you can return to.

If you do buy, buy with a plan. Many students own a shelf of half-used exam books. It is better to choose two well-matched books and finish them than to start five.

The four types of B2 First books

1. Coursebooks A coursebook takes you through the whole exam over many units, mixing grammar, vocabulary, skills and exam tasks. It is the best choice if you have several months and want a complete route, especially in a class or with a teacher.

Good for: students who need to build their English and learn the exam. Less good for: last-minute revision.

2. Official practice test books These contain complete practice tests in the exam format, published by the exam board. They are essential in the final weeks for timed rehearsals, and you can use your marks with our FCE score calculator to estimate your scores.

Good for: students who already have a reasonable level and need exam practice. Less good for: learning new grammar or vocabulary.

3. Grammar and vocabulary books These focus on the language itself, with explanations and lots of exercises. Some are general reference books; others are written specifically for the B2 level. They are particularly helpful for Use of English.

Good for: fixing specific weak areas. Less good for: learning exam technique.

4. Exam-strategy and trainer books These books focus on how to approach each part of the exam, often with guided practice tasks and tips. They sit between a coursebook and a practice test book.

Good for: students who know English well but feel unsure about the tasks. Our free guides to Reading and Use of English, Writing, Listening and Speaking cover a lot of the same ground.

coursebook

Complete First

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Best for: Students who want a structured course that builds general English and exam skills together

Pros

  • Gives a clear, step-by-step route through the exam
  • Mixes language practice with exam-style tasks
  • Works well in a class or with a teacher

Cons

  • Designed for a full course, so it can feel slow if your exam is soon
  • Self-study is harder without the answer key or a teacher

Find it on Amazon:

coursebook

Gold B2 First

Pearson

Best for: Students who prefer a topic-based coursebook with regular exam practice

Pros

  • Organised by topic, which helps with vocabulary building
  • Includes regular exam-style practice
  • Suitable for classroom courses

Cons

  • Makes most sense as part of a course, not for last-minute revision
  • Check which components (answers, audio) come with the version you buy

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practice tests

Official B2 First practice test books

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Best for: Students in the final weeks who need full, timed practice tests

Pros

  • Published by the exam board, so the tasks follow the exam format
  • Good for timed rehearsals and for tracking your estimated score

Cons

  • Tests show your level but teach little on their own
  • Check that you buy a version with answers and audio if you study alone

Find it on Amazon:

grammar

English Grammar in Use

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Best for: Self-study learners who want clear grammar explanations with practice

Pros

  • Clear explanations with practice exercises
  • Easy to dip into for the grammar point you need
  • Works well for self-study

Cons

  • A general grammar book, not an exam book: it has no B2 First tasks
  • You need to choose the units that matter for your weak areas

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vocabulary

English Vocabulary in Use: Upper-Intermediate

Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Best for: Students who want to build topic vocabulary at B2 level

Pros

  • Organised by topic, which suits regular short study sessions
  • Useful for Speaking and Writing as well as Reading

Cons

  • Not exam-specific, so you still need exam practice
  • Works best if you review words regularly, not just once

Find it on Amazon:

grammar

Destination B2: Grammar and Vocabulary

Macmillan Education

Best for: Students who want grammar and vocabulary practice aimed at B2 level in one book

Pros

  • Combines grammar and vocabulary at B2 level
  • Plenty of practice exercises

Cons

  • Practice-heavy, so it works best alongside a coursebook or teacher
  • Not a full exam course: you still need timed practice tests

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How to choose the right mix

Start from your situation, not from a list of popular titles.

  • You have several months and your English is around B1+. A coursebook plus a grammar or vocabulary book. Add a practice test book in the last two months. Our 24-week FCE study plan shows how to fit them in.
  • You have about three months and you are close to B2. A practice test book plus a grammar and vocabulary book for your weak areas.
  • You have a few weeks and you are already at B2. One practice test book, used for full timed tests and careful review.
  • You study alone. Make sure every book you buy includes answers and, for Listening, the audio. Without them, self-study is very difficult.
  • You are taking B2 First for Schools. Check that practice tests are for your version, because writing task options can differ. See B2 First vs B2 First for Schools.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

  1. 1

    Check it matches the current exam

    Look for books that describe the exam as B2 First and match the current format. Compare the contents with our FCE exam format page. Very old editions may not match.

  2. 2

    Check the version

    Make sure the book is for B2 First, or B2 First for Schools if that is your exam.

  3. 3

    Check the components

    Is there an answer key? Is the Listening audio included and can you access it? These matter more than the cover.

  4. 4

    Check you will use it

    Ask yourself when in your plan you will use the book. If you can't answer, you probably don't need it yet.

Common traps

  • Trap: Buying lots of practice test books at the start.

    Fix: Practice tests are most useful near the end. Early on, spend more time building your English.

  • Trap: Doing practice tests without reviewing them.

    Fix: After each test, study every mistake. The review is where the learning happens.

  • Trap: Buying second-hand books with the answers already written in.

    Fix: Check the condition before you buy, or work in a notebook so you can redo the exercises.

  • Trap: Choosing a book only because it is popular.

    Fix: A popular book that doesn't fit your level or time is still the wrong book for you.

Make the most of any book

Whatever you choose, the same habits help: work regularly, review your mistakes, keep a vocabulary notebook and practise Speaking with a partner. Combine your books with our free FCE tools, such as the writing word counter and the vocabulary trainers, and read how long to prepare for FCE to decide how much material you really need. If you are unsure whether the exam is right for you at all, our page is FCE hard? gives an honest overview.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best book for FCE self-study?

For self-study, choose books with an answer key and, for Listening, included audio. A grammar or vocabulary book for your weak areas plus an official practice test book is a strong combination if you are already close to B2.

Are official practice tests better than other practice tests?

Official practice tests are published by the exam board, so they follow the exam format closely. Other publishers' tests can also be useful for extra practice. Use your marks as an estimate, not a prediction.

Do I need a coursebook to pass B2 First?

No. A coursebook gives structure, which many students find helpful, but you can prepare with free material, a practice test book and a grammar or vocabulary book if you follow a clear plan.

How many FCE books should I buy?

Usually two or three is plenty: for example a coursebook or grammar book, plus a practice test book. It is better to finish a few books than to start many.

Can I use old FCE books?

Grammar and vocabulary books age well. Exam practice books can be out of date if the format has changed, so compare them with the current format before you rely on them.