Cambridge certificates
What are B2 First and C1 Advanced for? Where they're accepted
University, work, studying abroad or public-sector exams: here's what Cambridge certificates are for, which level they certify and how to choose between B2 First and C1 Advanced.
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Why Cambridge is the international reference
Worldwide recognition
B2 First is recognised by over 25,000 universities, employers and governments in more than 130 countries. 100% of UK universities accept C1 Advanced.
Never expires
Cambridge certificates are valid for life, unlike IELTS or TOEFL. (Some universities ask for a recent one.)
Certifies your exact level
With grade A you can certify one level higher: a B2 First at grade A certifies C1; a C1 Advanced at grade A, C2.
Useful for almost everything
University (in Spain and worldwide), work, studying abroad and public-sector exams (C1 Advanced for the bilingual profile).
Cambridge by your goal
University and studying abroad
Recognised by thousands of universities worldwide. For a degree in Spain, B2 First usually suffices; for top universities or postgraduate study, C1 Advanced.
Public-sector exams
B2 First certifies B2; many secondary-teaching oposiciones now require C1, and bilingual accreditation requires C1 → C1 Advanced.
Work and CV
An internationally recognised proof of your English level that never expires.
What's worth knowing
B2 First or C1 Advanced
B2 First (FCE) certifies B2; C1 Advanced (CAE) certifies C1. Choose based on the level you need to certify.
How it's scored
B2 First passes from 160 on the Cambridge Scale (140-190); C1 Advanced from 180 (160-210). The grade (A/B/C) shows how high within the level.
Lifetime validity
The certificate has no official expiry, though some universities ask for one obtained in the last 2-3 years.
Recognition in Spain
Valid for the degree English requirement, for postgraduate study and for oposiciones (depending on the level required in your call).
B2 First vs C1 Advanced
| B2 First (FCE) | C1 Advanced (CAE) | |
|---|---|---|
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Cambridge Scale | 140–190 (pass at 160) | 160–210 (pass at 180) |
| Grade A equals | C1 | C2 |
| Ideal for | Degree requirement, work, certifying B2 | Top universities, postgraduate, C1 oposiciones, bilingual accreditation |
Both certify for life the level you achieve. Choose based on the level you need to certify.
Which level each grade certifies
| Exam | Grade A | Grade B / C | Below |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2 First | C1 (173+) | B2 (160–172) | B1 (on the certificate) |
| C1 Advanced | C2 (200+) | C1 (180–199) | B2 (on the certificate) |
In a single exam you can certify one level higher (grade A) or receive the level below if you fall just short of the pass mark.
Where Cambridge certificates are valid
| Use | Detail |
|---|---|
| Universities worldwide | Recognised by thousands of universities in 130+ countries; 100% of UK universities accept C1 Advanced |
| Spain — university | Valid for the degree English requirement (B2 First) and for postgraduate study |
| Spain — oposiciones | B2 First certifies B2; many secondary-teaching oposiciones require C1 → C1 Advanced (and for bilingual accreditation) |
| Work and CV | An internationally recognised proof of your English level that never expires |
Source: Cambridge English. Recognition and the exact level are set by each institution; confirm with your university, employer or call.
Frequently asked questions about Cambridge certificates
What is B2 First for?
Do Cambridge certificates expire?
What level are B2 First and C1 Advanced?
B2 First or C1 Advanced?
Is B2 First valid for university?
For oposiciones, do I need B2 First or C1 Advanced?
Is Cambridge useful for studying abroad?
Prepare your Cambridge with an engine that knows what you need
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