Cambridge B2 First (FCE) · Listening
Free B2 Listening practice tests
Cambridge B2 First Parts 1–4 with audio, transcripts and instant scoring. No account required.
Paper guide
B2 Listening: format, scoring & how to train
Everything you need to know about Cambridge B2 First Listening: question types, audio pacing, and training advice.
Parts
4
P1–P2–P3–P4
Marks
30
Listening (Parts 1–4)
Timing
40 min
focused practice
Pass
160+
Cambridge Scale
Cambridge B2 First Listening tests your ability to follow spoken English across everyday and formal contexts: short monologues, informational talks, radio broadcasts, and interviews. The paper contains four parts with 30 questions, each worth 1 mark (30 marks total), taking about 40 minutes. On this hub, each test provides audio, full transcripts, and instant scoring.
Format & timing
The audio plays twice for every part. Below are the question formats, items, and timings across the four parts.
Part 1·Short Extracts (MCQ)
8 Qs·8 marks·~10 min
Part 2·Sentence Completion
10 gaps·10 marks·~10 min
Part 3·Multiple Matching
5 Qs·5 marks·~8 min
Part 4·Long Interview (MCQ)
7 Qs·7 marks·~12 min
Total·Listening (Parts 1–4)
30 items·30 marks·~40 min
In the official exam, candidates get 5 minutes at the end to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
How it is marked
Every question awards 1 mark. Minor spelling errors in Part 2 are penalised if the word is misspelled to form a different English word or if it is unintelligible. The pass threshold is 160 on the Cambridge English Scale.
How to train B2 Listening
Prediction and active listening make the difference between guessing and certainty.
- 101
Use preparation time aggressively
Always read the prompt and questions during the silent countdown before the audio starts. Predict word classes and topics.
Browse tests - 202
Listen for the shift or qualifier
Cambridge speakers frequently mention option A first, then say "actually, on second thought..." and confirm option B. Do not choose too quickly.
- 303
Write exact words in Part 2
Do not attempt to rephrase in sentence completion. Write the exact 1–3 words you hear, making sure the grammar matches the surrounding sentence.
Part 2 practice - 404
Confirm on the second listen
Use listen 1 to form your tentative answer and listen 2 to confirm and eliminate any remaining doubts.
Try listening test - 505
Review the transcript line by line
When you make a mistake, read the audio script to discover exactly where the distractor misled you.
Study guides
Frequent mistakes in B2 Listening
Train yourself to avoid these standard Cambridge distractors.
Part 1
Picking the first word mentioned
Examiners deliberately include distractors in the first five seconds of an extract before the real answer is clarified.
Part 2
Writing grammatically incompatible words
Always reread the full sentence with your inserted words. If the grammar fails (e.g. singular/plural clash), the answer is wrong.
Part 3
Matching single vocabulary items
Speaker A might say "I hate modern buildings", but if the prompt is about "enjoying historical architecture", that is not a match.
Part 4
Losing place in the conversation
Questions follow the chronological order of the interview. Keep an eye on the NEXT question so you know if the conversation has moved on.
Study guides
B2 Listening study guides
Practical tactics and audio walkthroughs for Cambridge B2 First candidates.
B2 Guides
Listening strategy & audio development
Techniques to sharpen your ear for native accents, speed, and distractors.
FAQ
B2 Listening
FAQ.
Clear answers about format, scoring, timing, and how to practise on this hub.
What is in Cambridge B2 First Listening?
Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Listening consists of four parts: Short Extracts (Part 1), Sentence Completion (Part 2), Multiple Matching (Part 3), and an Interview or Discussion (Part 4). There are 30 questions worth 30 marks in total.
How many times do I hear each recording in B2 Listening?
In the official exam, you hear every recording twice. In Part 1, each of the 8 short extracts is played twice before moving to the next. In Parts 2, 3, and 4, the entire recording is played twice through.
How is B2 Listening marked?
Each correct question awards 1 mark. There are 30 questions, giving a maximum raw score of 30 marks. These raw marks are converted to the Cambridge English Scale.
How does Part 2 Sentence Completion work?
You listen to a 3-minute monologue and fill 10 gaps in a set of notes or sentences. You should write between 1 and 3 words as heard on the recording. Correct spelling is required.
What score is needed to pass B2 Listening?
A passing score corresponds to 160 on the Cambridge English Scale (Grade C). Scores of 173–179 award Grade B, and 180+ awards Grade A.
How can I improve my B2 Listening comprehension?
Use the pauses before each track to read the questions and predict missing grammar or ideas, watch out for "distractor shifts" where a speaker corrects themselves, and review full audio transcripts after practice.
Do these B2 Listening tests include audio and transcripts?
Yes. Every practice test includes complete audio, full synchronized transcripts, answer keys, and explanations, free with no account required.