Compact First for Schools is a focused, 50 - 60 hour course for Cambridge English: First for Schools, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE). The Student's Book features eight topic-based units of exam preparation to maximise the performance of school-age learners. Units are divided in the order of the exam with pages on Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. A Grammar reference covers key areas in the syllabus, and unit-based wordlists include target vocabulary with definitions. The Student's Book also features a revision section and full practice test. The accompanying CD-ROM provides interactive grammar, vocabulary and exam skills tasks including listening.

Course users also have exclusive access to a further practice test with audio via a URL in the Student's Book.