B1 Preliminary
B1 Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the English language exam that shows you have mastered the basics.
A B1 Preliminary qualification shows that you can:
- read simple textbooks and articles in English
- write letters and emails on everyday subjects
- take meeting notes
- show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.
Key facts
| Scale score | 140 – 159 |
| Test format | computer or paperbased |
| Exam length | approx. 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Exam costs | Click here |
B1 Preliminary – explained
Reasons to choose B1 Preliminary
Develop your ability to communicate in English for practical tasks and situations.
Gain a valuable qualification that is accepted worldwide.
Improve your work, study and travel prospects.
Exam Format – Overview
| Paper | Content | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Reading (45 minutes) |
6 parts / 32 questions | Shows you can read and understand the main points from signs, newspapers and magazines. |
| Writing (45 minutes) |
2 parts / 2 questions | Shows you can use vocabulary and structure correctly. |
| Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes transfer time) |
4 parts / 25 questions | You have to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life. |
| Speaking (12-17 minutes per pair of candidates) |
4 parts | Shows how good your spoken English is as you take part in conversation by asking/answering questions and talking, for example, about your likes and dislikes. Your Speaking test will be conducted face to face with one or two other candidates and two examiners. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. |
Preparation Materials
Dates
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