We have in previous articles looked at the Cambridge English Scale and how it fits in with the Cambridge English: First (FCE) exam. In this article we are going to take a closer look at how EFL teachers can convert the score from official FCE Practice Tests into scores on the Cambridge English Scale.
Even though Use of English has been included in the FCE Reading Paper since January 2015, it is still weighted equally with the other skills:
- FCE Reading Paper: 40% – 20% for Parts 1, 5, 6 and 7 (the Reading parts) and 20% for Parts 2, 3 and 4 (the Use of English parts)
- FCE Writing Paper: 20%
- FCE Listening Paper: 20%
- FCE Speaking Paper: 20%
To get the overall score for a student, the individual scores are added together and then divided by five. If necessary, the score is rounded off to the nearest whole number.
The grade and CEFR level of a student are based on the student’s overall performance across all the papers. Students do not have to achieve a minimum score in each paper.
Cambridge English Scale Conversion
To help you assess your student’s readiness to take the FCE exam, we have include some conversion tables that can be used with official FCE Practice Tests.
The tables should only be viewed as a useful diagnostic tool, indicating areas of a student’s strength and weaknesses.
FCE Reading (Parts: 1, 5, 6 and 7)
Parts 1 and 7: 1 mark per correct answer
Parts 5 and 6: 2 marks per correct answer
Total: 42 marks
| Practice Test Scores | Cambridge English Scale Scores | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 37 | 180 | C1 |
| 24 | 160 | B2 |
| 16 | 140 | B1 |
| 10 | 122 |
FCE Reading (Parts: 2, 3 and 4 – Use of English)
Parts 2 and 3: 1 mark per correct answer
Part 4: 1 mark per partially correct answer and 2 marks per completely correct answer
Total: 28 marks
| Practice Test Scores | Cambridge English Scale Scores | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 180 | C1 |
| 18 | 160 | B2 |
| 11 | 140 | B1 |
| 7 | 122 |
FCE Writing
0-5 marks are given for each of the following criteria:
- content
- communicative achievement
- organisation
- language
Marks available: Max. 20 per question
Total: 40 marks
| Practice Test Scores | Cambridge English Scale Scores | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | 180 | C1 |
| 24 | 160 | B2 |
| 16 | 140 | B1 |
| 10 | 122 |
FCE Listening
Marks available: 1 mark per correct answer
Total: 30 marks
| Practice Test Scores | Cambridge English Scale Scores | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 180 | C1 |
| 18 | 160 | B2 |
| 12 | 140 | B1 |
| 8 | 122 |
FCE Speaking
0-5 marks are given for each of the following criteria and are doubled (half marks can be awarded):
- grammar and vocabulary
- discourse management
- pronunciation
- interactive communication
0-5 marks are given for following criterion and is multiplied by four (half marks can be awarded):
- global achievement
Total: 60 marks
| Practice Test Scores | Cambridge English Scale Scores | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 180 | C1 |
| 36 | 160 | B2 |
| 24 | 140 | B1 |
| 14 | 122 |
Source: Cambridge English
Cambridge English Scale Converter Tool
EFL teachers are often asked how to convert scores between different tests, for instance between the IELTS and the FCE. This score converter tool from Cambridge English should hopefully make it easier to answer these questions.
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