B1 Preliminary for Schools

B1 Preliminary for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the English language exam that shows that students have mastered the basics.

A B1 Preliminary for Schools qualification shows that a student has mastered the basics of English and now has practical language skills for everyday use.

This exam is the logical step in a student’s language learning journey between A2 Key for Schools and B2 First for Schools.

B1 Preliminary for Schools is targeted at the same CEFR level as B1 Preliminary but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.

 

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Information for Candidates and Parents

A B1 Preliminary for Schools qualification shows that a student can:

  • read simple textbooks and articles in English
  • write letters and emails on everyday subjects
  • understand factual information
  • show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.
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Reasons to choose B1 Preliminary for Schools:

  • Easily integrated into a school’s curriculum.
  • Part of a suite of exams that offer step-by-step progression for students.
  • Comprehensive support in exam preparation and administration.

Test Format

B1 Preliminary for Schools is made up of four papers developed to test students’ English skills. You can see exactly what’s in each paper below.

The formats below are the same for both the paper-based and computer-based exams. Please note that computer-based (CB) exams are being replaced by Cambridge English Qualifications Digital in February 2024. Visit our Cambridge English Qualifications Digital webpage to find out more.

Reading

Paper : Reading (45 minutes)
Content : 6 parts/ 32 questions
Marks (% of total) : 25%

Writing

Paper : Writing (45 minutes)
Content : 5 parts/ 25 questions
Marks (% of total) : 25%

Listening

Paper : Listening (30 minutes, including 6 minutes’ transfer time)
Content : 4 parts/
25 questions
Marks (% of total) : 25%

Speaking

Paper : Speaking (10-12 minutes per pair of candidates; 15-17 minutes per group of three)
Content : 4 parts
Marks (% of total) : 25%

Results

B1 Preliminary for Schools results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale.

You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking), giving you a clear understanding of your performance. These four scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. You will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

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