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What is B1 Preliminary (PET)?
The B1 Preliminary (PET) is an official intermediate level Cambridge English exam, set at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
At Level B1 typical users can be expected to:
- understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- deal with most of the situations they might meet when travelling as a tourist in an English-speaking country
- ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations in a work environment
- write letters/emails or make notes on familiar matters
Who takes the official B1 Preliminary (PET) Cambridge exam?
In Switzerland B1 Preliminary (PET) is mainly used by secondary school students who usually take it at the end of their third year at secondary school. However, teenagers and younger children usually opt for the “for Schools version” of the test. There are also adults who decide to prepare for and take the B1 Preliminary (PET) Test, mainly if they were once able to acquire beginner level English language skills during their school time or career and would like to continue learning English again.
How is B1 Preliminary (PET) recognised?
As B1 Preliminary (PET) is mainly taken by teenagers and young adults, it shows their ability and determination to strive and work towards a goal. Therefore, holding an official B1 Preliminary (PET) certificate will enhance any CV or application for an apprenticeship or job. As more and more students take this test at the end of secondary school, more companies are beginning to recognise this achievement in the apprenticeship application process.
As B1 Preliminary (PET) is also used in the corporate world, particularly for technical, service- oriented and vocational professions, many adults decide to take the exam to prove their language ability.
Format of the exam
|
Paper |
Content | Marks (%of total) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reading and Writing |
Reading: Writing: |
50% | Shows you can read and understand the main points from signs, newspapers and magazines, and can use vocabulary and structure correctly. |
|
Listening |
4 parts/ 25 questions |
25% | You have to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life. |
|
Speaking |
4 parts | 25% | 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. |
Please click here for further details about the exam format.
B1 Preliminary (PET) has undergone a thorough review to ensure that the exams continue to remain relevant to the needs of schools and learners. Have a look at the summary. The revision is now complete and the updated exam will start being used for exam sessions in January 2020.
Flexible Test Options
The B1 Preliminary (PET) exam can be taken as a standard test (paper-based / PB) exam or a computer-based exam. The exam content is exactly the same, it is only the delivery mode (paper-based / computer-based) which is different. Exam dates and locations are different for PB and CB exams.
Registration, Dates and Prices
Exams are offered all over Switzerland, however, locations and dates may vary. Please check all available B1 Preliminary (PET) exam dates and prices by clicking on the following link.
Overview exam dates and prices
How can a student prepare for B1 Preliminary (PET)?
There are many schools across Switzerland offering preparation courses for Cambridge English Exams. These schools can be found on our recommended school list.
In our online shop, different kinds of material is available which can enhance exam preparation and support any student in his/her aim to succeed in a Cambridge English Exam.
Supporting Material
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Preliminary Handbook for Teachers order here The focus is on each paper, including content and advice on preparation. |
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Common mistakes at PET order here Based on real mistakes identified in analysis of over 10,000 exam showing students how to avoid the most common mistakes |
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Preliminary 8 Authentic Examination Papers order here This set of tests provides exam preparation, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the content of the Cambridge English Preliminary exam and to practise exam techniques. |
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Grammar for PET order here Cambridge Grammar for PET provides comprehensive coverage of the grammar needed for the exam and gives you the chance to hear grammar being used in different situations, as well as offering plenty of exam practice. |
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Online Practice Test order here This practice test is designed to help candidates prepare for the PET computer-based exam. |