B1 Preliminary
Candidates successfully passing this exam prove their B1 level of English language knowledge according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Successful candidates get an international certificate confirming their English language skills at a communicative level.They should be able to use the language in everyday situations – understand simple articles, write simple letters or take notes. This exam is recommended after 320 – 480 lessons.
B1 Preliminary Exam dates
We can run the testing by four test takers.
Exam process
General binding conditions for registration (PDF)
Exam preparation
Why choose B1 Preliminary (PET) and B1 Preliminary for Schools?
- B1 Preliminary (PET) exam assesses English language knowledge at level B1 according to the CEFR.
- It is very easy to integrate the PET exam into both school and company learning curriculums.
- Students get an internationally recognised certificate
- Students can improve their position on the job market.
- The exam tests candidates’ language abilities in all skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- The evaluation comes in the form of written feedback containing the results of each part of the exam.
- Successful candidates get an internationally recognised certificate, Cambridge Assessment English, which is valid for life.
What does "for Schools" mean?
- B1 Preliminary for Schools exam is adapted to elementary school pupils aged 11 – 14 to increase their motivation for learning English.
- Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) and B1 Preliminary (PET) are identical in their difficulty level. They only differ in contents and topics – in Preliminary for Schools, authors are focused on the range of experiences and interests of elementary school pupils.
- B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) and B1 Preliminary (PET) certificates are identical and there is no mention about the former being a “for Schools” version.
- It is possible to organise the exams at your school.
Exam contents and format
Reading
Time: 45 minutes
Questions: 6 parts / 32 questions
Contents, word count: Understanding of simple labels, brochures, newspapers and magazines.
Overall score percentage: 25 %
Writing
Time: 45 minutes
Questions: 2 parts / 2 questions
Contents, word count: Shows you can use vocabulary and structure correctly.
Overall score percentage: 25 %
Listening
Time: approx. 36 min.
Questions: 4 parts / 25 questions
Contents, word count: Understanding of announcements and different everyday life dialogues or monologues.
Overall score percentage: 25 %
Speaking
Time: 10-12 min. (pair of candidates)
Questions: 4 parts
Contents, word count: Speaking with examiner, with other candidate
Overall score percentage: 25 %
Evaluation and certificate
Tested skills are evaluated individually. The candidate scores a certain number of points in each part. The score reflects their level of English. The final result determines the overall grade.
To get the certificate (B1 Preliminary Certificate) proving your B1 level, you need to reach at least 140 points.
If a candidate reaches the ”A” their skills obviously exceed the requirements for B1 level. Therefore, this candidate gets a certificate with a higher level – B2.
If a candidate reaches the “B” or “C”, they pass the exam successfully and get a certificate with B1 level.
Candidates scoring between 120 and 139 will also get a certificate – in this case with A2 level.
The exam result is available online within 4-6 weeks after the exam. Via the FREE online results service you can access the Statement of Results document containing the results from each part of the exam as well as your overall score.
Sample statement of results (pdf)
Understanding the statement of results (pdf)
To get the certificate (B1 Preliminary Certificate) proving your B1 level, you need to reach at least 140 points.
| Score | Grade | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 160–170 | A | B2 |
| 153–159 | B | B1 |
| 140–152 | C | B1 |
| 120–139 | Level A2 | A2 |
If a candidate reaches the ”A” their skills obviously exceed the requirements for B1 level. Therefore, this candidate gets a certificate with a higher level – B2.
If a candidate reaches the “B” or “C”, they pass the exam successfully and get a certificate with B1 level.
Candidates scoring between 120 and 139 will also get a certificate – in this case with A2 level.
The exam result is available online within 4-6 weeks after the exam. Via the FREE online results service you can access the Statement of Results document containing the results from each part of the exam as well as your overall score.
Sample statement of results (pdf)
Understanding the statement of results (pdf)
Sample tests
B1 Preliminary:
Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking B1 Preliminary (.zip)
Speaking B1 Preliminary (Youtube)
Resources that can be used at home for self-study
Speaking B1 Preliminary (Youtube)
Resources that can be used at home for self-study
B1 Preliminary for Schools:
B1 Preliminary Exam dates