Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary (PET)

Difficulty level: B1 / low intermediate
The Preliminary English Test is one of the Cambridge English exams.

Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know that you have an intermediate level of English. With this level of English you will enjoy holidays in English speaking countries. You should probably continue studying once you have passed the B1 Preliminary exam.

What is the B1 Preliminary test like?
The test has these sections:

  1. Reading six parts - 45 minutes
  2. Writing two parts- 45 minutes
  3. Listening four parts- 30 minutes
  4. Speaking - an interview, 12 minutes

There are two versions of the B1 Preliminary test:

  1. PET
  2. B1 Preliminary for Schools

Both versions have the same type of questions. The B1 Preliminary for schools test has content of interest to school-age learners.

Paper-based or computer-based exams
You can do the B1 Preliminary exam on a computer or on paper. The computer-based exam is available once a month. The paper-based exam is only available six times a year.

Score
‘pass’, ‘pass with merit’, ‘narrow fail’, or ‘fail’

Level
B1 / Alte 2 / low intermediate. Click here to see how it compares with other exams.

Where do I take the test?
At a test centre.

When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. The paper-based test can be taken 6 times a year. The computer-based test is available once a month.

How much does it cost to take PET?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around €130 euros.