| KEY FACTS | |
| CEFR level: | B1 |
| Scale score: | 139-160 |
| Test format: | Computer or paper-based |
| No. of papers: | 4 |
| Exam length: | About 2 hours 20 minutes |
Are you ready for B1 Preliminary (PET)?
B1 Preliminary – formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), is one of Cambridge English exams that demonstrates your understanding of basic English.
This preliminary English test:
- evaluates your English knowledge and skills at the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- is recognized by numerous institutions and employers globally as proof of your capability to communicate in spoken and written English for various purposes, including study, work, and daily life.
- it aims to demonstrate your English use in diverse contexts
- is available in both digital and paper formats.
There isn’t a specific age for taking B1 Preliminary but the topics and content of the exam are more suited to older teens and people who have left school.
The differences:
For the paper exam, you can expect results in about 4 to 6 weeks, while the digital version allows for a faster result delivery of just 5 to 10 days.
Additionally, the digital format of the exam offer:
- For the listening test, you’ll use headphones that have volume control. During paper-based (PB) exams, the audio will be played through a speaker.
- The writing test features an automatic word count
- In the reading test, you’re allowed to take notes, highlight important text, and review your answers.
Try solving the example test and see if you can pass the B1 (PET) exam!
Plus, our website offers free sample tests for you to try out!
Prepare for B1 Preliminary (PET)
Sign up to prepare for the exam and obtain your first prestigious language certificate.Timetable/Format:
B1 Preliminary (PET) is made up of four papers , developed to test your English skills (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) therefore your PET exam preparation will have to be comprehensive and cover all areas
You can see exactly what is in each paper below.
| Reading (45 minutes) | 6 parts 32 questions | This paper illustrates how you can comprehend and interpret the essential messages found in signs, newspapers, and magazines. |
| Writing (45 minutes) | 2 parts 2 questions | This paper reveals that you can accurately apply vocabulary and structure. |
| Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time) | 4 parts 25 questions | This paper evaluates your skills in listening to and comprehending various spoken content, such as announcements and conversations related to daily life. |
| Speaking (12–17 minutes per pair of candidates) | 4 parts | This paper shows the quality of your spoken English through your participation in conversations, where you engage in asking and answering questions, as well as discussing your preferences and aversions. |
Number of parts: 6
| Part 1 – 3-option multiple choice Read five real-world notices, messages and other short texts for the main message. See sample test |
| Part 2 – Matching Match five descriptions of people to eight short texts on a particular topic, showing detailed comprehension. See sample test |
| Part 3 – 4-option multiple choice Read a longer text for detailed comprehension, gist, inference and global meaning, as well as writer’s attitude and opinion. See sample test |
| Part 4 – Gapped text Read a longer text from which five sentences have been removed. Show understanding of how a coherent and well-structured text is formed. See sample test |
| Part 5 – 4-option multiple-choice cloze Read a shorter text and choose the correct vocabulary items to complete gaps. An element of grammatical knowledge may be tested, e.g. complementation. See sample test |
| Part 6 – Open cloze Read a shorter text and complete six gaps using one word for each gap. Show knowledge of grammatical structures, phrasal verbs and fixed phrases. See sample test |
Time allowed: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 2
| Part 1 – Write an email Write about 100 words, answering the email and notes provided. See sample test |
| Part 2 – Write article or story Write about 100 words. There are two questions and you must choose only one. You could write an article about a topic or write a story following the first sentence, which you are given. See sample test |
Time allowed: About 30 minutes
Number of parts: 4
| Part 1 – 3-option multiple choice Listen to 7 short recordings, each with just one or two people speaking. For each recording, choose the correct image from 3 options. See sample test |
| Part 2 – 3-option multiple choice Listen to 6 short dialogues and understand the general meaning. For each dialogue, choose the correct answer from 3 options. See sample test |
| Part 3 – Gap fill Listen to 1 person speaking and complete 6 gaps in a written text with 1 or 2 words or a number or a date or a time. See sample test |
| Part 4 – 3-option multiple choice Listen to 2 people speaking together and answer 6 multiple-choice questions. See sample test |
candidates together, the test lasts longer so each candidate gets enough time to speak.
Time allowed: 10–12 minutes (for pairs) 15–17 minutes (for groups of 3 students)
Number of parts: 4
| Part 1 Each candidate has a brief general conversation (about 2 minutes) with the examiner. See sample test |
| Part 2 You and the other candidate(s) each speak for 1 minute about 1 photograph. See sample test |
| Part 3 You and the other candidate(s) look at some images and have a discussion. See sample test |
| Part 4 The candidates and the examiner all speak together about topics related to the task in Part 3. See sample test |
PET score and results:
All candidates receive a Statement of Results, and if you are successful in the exam you will also receive a certificate.
Your score for (Reading + Writing + Listening + Speaking) ÷ 4 = your exam result!
| Test Score | Grade | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 160–170 | Grade A | B2 |
| 153–159 | Grade B | B1 |
| 140–152 | Grade C | B1 |
| 120–139 | Level A2 | A2 |
A candidate scoring 160 to 170 will receive a grade A and certificate at Level B2.
Candidates with scores from 153 to 159 will receive a grade B. Those scoring between 140 and 152 will receive a grade C.
These candidates will receive certificate at Level B1.
Candidates who score between 120 and 139 will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating they demonstrated ability at Level A2.
Candidates scoring under 120 will not receive a certificate, but score will be shown on the Statement of Results.
You can find these numbers on the document from your exam centre.
Statement of Results:
In the Statement of Results, candidates can find:
- their scores for each of the four exam sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- score for their overall performance in the exam.
- Grade – this is based on the candidate’s overall score.
- Level on the CEFR – this is also based on the overall score.
See sample Statement of Results in PDF: Statement of Results (Download)
Certificate:
If you are well prepared and successful in the exam you will receive a B1 PET Certificate in English which is normally sent to exam centres within three months of the exam.
It shows the candidate’s:
- Score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four exam papers
- Overall score on the Cambridge English Scale
- Grade – this is based on the candidate’s overall score.
- Level on the CEFR
- Level on the UK National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
See a sample of Cambridge B2 Preliminary (PET) Certificate in PDF: PET Certificate (Download)
Exam preparation:
Self-study in preparation for preliminary English test is very important. Consider these methods to make your learning experience more tailored to you:
Handbook
access a variety of free study materials to help you get ready for the PET Certificate in English, including helpful tips, informative articles, grammar guides, and practice exercises.
Visit page
Practice tests
here you’ll discover a variety of practice tests that closely resemble the actual B1 Preliminary (PET) Cambridge exams, along with helpful tips and resources to aid in your preparation.
Visit page
Free online learning activities
provided by Cambridge and categorised by skill, level and time to complete
Visit page
Guide to PET exam
information and advice on how to prepare before the exam, what to expect in the exam and what will happen after the exam.
Download guide
Prepare for B1 (PET) Certificate in English
Sign up to prepare for the exam and obtain your first prestigious language certificate.
