Preliminary English Test

🎯 What Is the Preliminary English Test?

The Preliminary English Test (PET), now officially known as Cambridge English: B1 Preliminary, is an internationally recognized exam for learners with intermediate-level English skills. It confirms a B1 level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) — a crucial milestone in your English language learning journey.

If you want to:

• Prove your ability to communicate in everyday English
• Travel or work abroad with confidence
• Prepare for higher-level English exams like B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE)

…then the B1 Preliminary exam is the right step for you.

👉 B1 Intermediate English Test

📌 Why Take the PET Exam?

The B1 Preliminary English Test is ideal for learners who:

• Can read simple texts and articles
• Can write emails, postcards, or personal letters
• Can engage in routine conversations in English
• Want to pursue international education or employment opportunities

Achieving a PET certificate demonstrates that you’re capable of handling real-life written and spoken communication, from ordering food to participating in discussions.

🧪 B1 Preliminary Exam Structure

The PET exam assesses all four language skills — Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. It can be taken on paper or on a computer, and the total test duration is approximately 140 minutes.

✍️ Part 1: Reading and Writing (45 mins)

• 6 sections | 32 questions
• Includes reading comprehension + 2 short writing tasks (postcard + email/story)

📝 Part 2: Writing (45 mins)

• 2 writing tasks: one email and one article or story (about 100 words each)

🎧 Part 3: Listening (24 mins + 6 mins to transfer answers)

• 25 questions
• Audio is played twice. Tasks include multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blanks.

🗣️ Part 4: Speaking (12–17 mins)

• Conducted with another candidate
• Tasks: Personal Q&A → Picture discussion → Collaborative decision-making → Opinion sharing

📅 Note: The speaking section may be scheduled on a different day.

📊 PET Scoring System

Since 2016, all Cambridge English exams share a unified scoring scale. Here’s how the PET scores align with CEFR levels:

Each section contributes 25% to the final score. Your results will include:

• Scores for each skill
• Overall score
• CEFR level
• Pass/fail result

✅ PET certificates have no expiration date and are internationally accepted by schools, employers, and institutions.

📚 Topics Covered in the B1 Preliminary (PET) Exam

To help you prepare effectively, here are the common topics used in the PET:

• Daily Life & Home
• Travel & Holidays
• Food & Drink
• Entertainment & Leisure
• Work & Jobs
• Health, Medicine & Exercise
• Personal Feelings & Experiences
• Education & Language
• Sport, Shopping, Transport, Weather
• Relationships, Places, and Free Time

Understanding these areas will give you a strong foundation for both written and spoken sections of the exam.

💡 Is the B1 Preliminary Right for You?

You should consider the PET if you:

• Feel comfortable with intermediate English
• Can understand spoken English in everyday contexts
• Are able to write short messages or letters
• Want to move toward higher CEFR levels (B2, C1, C2)

🧠 Find Your English Level with the International English Test

Not sure if you’re ready for the PET?

Take the International English Test (IET) — a CEFR-aligned, AI-evaluated English test that helps you accurately determine your current level (A1 to C2).

Why Choose the International English Test?

• 🎯 CEFR-aligned results — Same scale used in PET (A1 to C2)
• 💻 Fully Online — No appointment or travel required
• 🧠 AI-powered — Accurate scoring for writing and speaking
• 📜 Official Certificate — Choose 1 year, 2 years, or lifetime validity
• 💰 Affordable — Starting at just £9.99
• 🌐 Recognized by employers, schools, and HR departments globally
• 🏛️ Associate Member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe)

👉 Test your English now and find out if B1 Preliminary is right for you!

📝 What Comes After PET?

If you pass the PET (B1), consider preparing for the Cambridge B2 First Certificate (FCE). This will:

• Boost your English qualification
• Improve your job prospects
• Open more doors for international study or migration

📌 Conclusion

The Preliminary English Test (PET) is a powerful step forward in your English learning journey. It proves your ability to use English in real-life, day-to-day situations — a must for global travel, communication, and education.

But before registering for the PET, make sure you’re ready by taking the International English Test (IET). With CEFR-aligned scoring, fast results, and a globally recognized certificate, IET is the most accessible way to understand your current English proficiency level.