Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET) - exam in Bratislava
Cambridge B1 Preliminary – also known as the PET exam – is an international Cambridge English language certificate that confirms practical knowledge of English at B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). You can sit the exam right here in Bratislava at our authorised test centre.
Prepare for the exam with us: Exam Preparation
We can run the exam with as few as four candidates.
General Terms and Conditions for Registration (PDF)
Why is it worth obtaining the B1 Preliminary certificate?
The Cambridge English B1 Preliminary certificate is an internationally recognised proof of your language level. It is issued by Cambridge University Press & Assessment – one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the world – and is valid for life. The specific benefits the certificate brings you:
- Recognition by employers and universities in Slovakia and abroad – the certificate demonstrates that you have a command of English at B1 level according to the CEFR.
- A solid foundation for further progress – B1 Preliminary is a natural stepping stone before the B2 First exam, which opens doors to European universities and the international workplace.
- Measurable proof of progress – instead of a subjective assessment, you hold a concrete, verifiable certificate.
- An advantage when studying abroad – the certificate is accepted within Erasmus+ programmes and when applying for language courses abroad.
- Motivation and structure – preparing for the exam systematically develops all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Find Out More About Preparation Courses
Would you like to prepare thoroughly for the exam? At IH Bratislava we offer tailor-made courses – for adults and for younger learners alike. A successful candidate will receive a Cambridge Assessment English certificate valid for life.
- The B1 Preliminary for Schools exam is specially tailored to primary and lower secondary school pupils aged 11–14, in order to increase their motivation to learn English.
- B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) has an identical format and level of difficulty to the B1 Preliminary (PET) exam. The only difference lies in the content and phrasing of the topics.
The content of the exam is equally demanding – only the topics of the texts and tasks differ, as in the for Schools version they are adapted to the world of young people. Candidates will not encounter topics such as taxation or employment contracts; instead, the texts cover school projects, friendships, travelling with family, or favourite activities.
View the dates of all B1 exams
The certificate you receive upon successful completion carries the same value and international recognition in both cases. There is no indication on it that it is the "for Schools" version.
The formats outlined below apply to both the digital and paper-based exams.
The exam consists of four parts, each testing a key language skill. Each skill accounts for 25% of the overall mark.
Reading – 45 minutes
- 6 parts with various task types (multiple choice, matching, gap-fill)
Texts from everyday life: notices, advertisements, short stories, informational materials. Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and the ability to navigate written language.
Writing – 45 minutes
- 2 parts: a shorter communicative text (e.g. an email or message) and a longer text (e.g. a story or article)
Length: approximately 100 words per part. Assessed on accuracy, range of vocabulary, structure, and communicative purpose.
Listening – approximately 30 minutes
- 4 parts with various types of recordings (conversations, monologues, announcements)
Each recording is played twice. Tests understanding of the main idea, details, and the speaker's attitude.
Speaking – 10 to 12 minutes
The exam takes place in pairs or groups of three with two examiners. It contains 4 parts: introduction, describing photographs, a collaborative task with a partner, and a discussion. Assessed on fluency, grammatical accuracy, pronunciation, and interaction.
How is the B1 Preliminary exam marked?
Cambridge English uses its own Cambridge English Scale – a scoring system ranging from 80 to 230. For B1 Preliminary, the relevant range is 120–170 points. Individual skills are assessed separately. To be awarded the B1 Preliminary certificate, you must achieve a minimum of 140 points.
| Score achieved | Grade | CEFR language level | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160–170 | A | B2 | Pass |
| 153–159 | B | B1 | Pass |
| 140–152 | C | B1 | Pass |
| 120–139 | Level A2 | A2 | Certificate not issued |
What this means in practice
- A Grade A result confirms that your level of English exceeds B1 and is approaching B2 – an excellent outcome.
- Grades B and C award you a full certificate at B1 level.
- If you do not reach the threshold of 140 points, no certificate is issued. You will, however, receive a detailed breakdown of your results across each skill – valuable feedback for further preparation.
Results for digital exams are available 5–10 working days after the exam. For paper-based exams, results are available 4–6 weeks after the exam date. Through the FREE online results service you have access to a Statement of Results showing your scores for each individual component as well as your overall score.
Which version of the exam should you choose?
Cambridge B1 Preliminary is available in two formats. The resulting certificate is equivalent in both cases.
Digital version (Computer-based)
- Taken on a computer at an authorised test centre
- Results are available within 5–10 working days after the exam date
- More exam dates available throughout the year
- Option to flexibly add a date in the event of high demand
- Registration deadline is approximately 2 weeks before the exam date
- Writing is done on a keyboard
- Certificate: approximately 3–4 weeks from the exam date
Find out more about the digital exam format
Paper-based version
- Traditional format with printed test booklets
- Results within 4–6 weeks after the exam date
- Fewer dates per year, set by Cambridge
- Registration deadline is approximately one month before the exam date
- Suitable for candidates who prefer writing by hand
- Certificate: approximately 7–10 weeks from the exam date
Both formats have the same structure and the same level of difficulty – the choice depends solely on your preferences and the available dates.
If you have decided to sit the B1 Preliminary exam, you can register for one of our exam dates in Bratislava.
Registration Process (main points)
- Choose a suitable date in Bratislava from the options on our website.
- Complete the registration form with the required details.
- Pay the exam fee in accordance with the instructions provided.
- You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email.
For more information, please see:
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools)
Paper
- Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking B1 Preliminary for Schools (.zip)
- Speaking B1 Preliminary for Schools (YouTube)
- Vocabulary List (PDF)
- Vocabulary Booklet (PDF)
Information for candidates – self-study and additional practice
Digital
Answer keys and tapescripts
- B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening Sample 1 – answer key (PDF)
- B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening Sample Test 1 – tapescript (PDF)
- B1 Preliminary for Schools Reading Sample Test 1 – answer key (PDF)
The speaking test is the same as for paper-based exams.
B1 Preliminary (PET exam)
Paper
Information for candidates – self-study and additional practice
Digital
Answer keys and tapescripts
- B1 Preliminary Listening Sample 1 – answer key (PDF)
- B1 Preliminary Listening Sample Test 1 – tapescript (PDF)
- B1 Preliminary Reading Sample Test 1 – answer key (PDF)
The speaking test is the same as for paper-based exams.
How long is the certificate valid?
The Cambridge English B1 Preliminary certificate is valid for life – it does not need to be renewed.
Can adults also register for the exam, or is it intended only for younger learners?
The standard B1 Preliminary is intended for adults and young adults. The for Schools version is tailored to pupils aged 11–18. The certificate carries the same value and validity in both cases. Either version may be taken regardless of age.
How much does the B1 Preliminary exam cost?
The exam fee in 2026 is €150 – the same for both the paper-based and digital versions.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
No certificate is issued, but you will receive a detailed breakdown of your results for each skill. You may retake the exam at a future date.
Do I need to complete a preparation course, or can I register directly for the exam?
A preparation course is not compulsory – you may register for the exam without one.
How long does preparation for the exam take?
This depends on your current level. Candidates at A2+/B1 level typically need 3–6 months of regular preparation.
Do you have another question? Cambridge Exams – Questions and Answers
Is the certificate recognised in Slovakia?
Yes. Cambridge English certificates are recognised by employers, schools, and public institutions throughout Slovakia and across the European Union.
The next step after B1 Preliminary: The natural progression is the B2 First (FCE) exam, which opens doors to European universities and the international workplace.