B1 Preliminary for Schools

B1 Preliminary for Schools (PETfS)

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

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

Exam format

B1 Preliminary for Schools is made up of four papers developed to test your English skills. The formats below are the same for both the paper-based and computer-based exams.

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

The B1 Preliminary for Schools Reading paper has six parts. There are different types of texts and questions. This paper shows that you can read and understand the main points from signs, newspapers and magazines.

45 minutes

32 questions

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Differences between sample test and exam

The B1 Preliminary for Schools Writing paper has two parts. You have to show that you can write different types of text in English. This paper shows that you can use vocabulary and structure correctly.

45 minutes

Part 1: Write about 100 words, answering the email and notes provided.

Part 2: Write about 100 words, answering the question of their choosing.

There is no answer key for the Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the Handbook

Sample Test Handbook for Teachers Differences between sample test and exam

The B1 Preliminary for Schools Listening paper has four parts. For each part, you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. You have to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including announcements and discussions about everyday life.

30 minutes (including 6 minutes’ transfer time)

25 questions

Gap fills, identifying key information, understanding the gist, identifying attitudes and opinions.

Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test. Once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore!

Sample Test Answer Key Differences between sample test and exam

The B1 Preliminary for Schools Speaking test has four parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens. This test 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.

10-12 minutes per pair of candidate

One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens

Two or three candidates, two examiners

Check out this example video to see what happens during a B1 Preliminary for Schools Speaking test.

B1 Preliminary for Schools test examiner comments

B1 Preliminary for Schools Digital tutorial

Please watch the tutorial to familiarise yourself with the functions of the platform and to be well prepared for the exam day.

Preparation needed?

Are you interested in a proper preparation for the exam? Simply give us a call or fill out the contact form to make a free appointment for a detailed consultation. You can do a full course to increase your language level or just a few hours to prepare for the exam. Together we will find out your right level and can start planning your course immediately!

Dates and Fees

B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)

Date

Type

Registration Deadline

Results Release Window

Price

Details

Date:
Wed 12.03.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
28.02.2025

Results:
19.03.2025 -
26.03.2025 19.03 - 26.03

Price:
215 €

Registration

Date:
Thu 24.04.2025

Type:
paper-based

Registration Deadline:
04.03.2025

Results:
27.05.2024 -
31.05.2024 27.05 - 31.05

Price:
215 €

Registration

Date:
Thu 22.05.2025

Type:
digital

Registration Deadline:
12.05.2025

Results:
29.05.2025 -
05.06.2025 29.05 - 05.06

Price:
215 €

Registration

Click to expand and see all exam dates as well as the registration deadlines and prices. Please note that real-time availability will only be checked once you clicked on the button “Registration”.

Registration

Here you can book your Cambridge English exam in Vienna. Please note that you will need a valid ID document to complete your booking. You will get all payment details to pay the exam fee (via bank transfer) at the end of this booking process.

B1 Preliminary for Schools Scores

You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and use of English, giving you a clear understanding of your performance.

The weighting of all four skills is the same (25%). These four scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam.

Depending on which university, college or organisation you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. For B1 Preliminary for Schools, the following scores will be used to report results:

Cambridge English Scale Score	Grade	CEFR level
160–170	Grade A	B2
153–159	Grade B	B1
140–152	Grade C	B1
120–139	Grade D (Level A2)	A2

The exam is targeted at Level B1 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above B1 (Level B2) and the level below (Level A2).

Scores between 102 and 119 are also reported on your Statement of Results, but you will not receive the Preliminary English Test certificate.

Results and Certificates

Your results will be available online within 5-10 working days for digital exams and approximately 4-6 weeks after paper-based exams. About 2-3 weeks later, your certificate will be sent from Cambridge/UK to Vienna – you will be automatically informed once your certificate has arrived and is ready to be picked up at the Institute.

To access your results, you have to register using the ID Number and Secret Number provided on your Confirmation of Entry. After that you can login and check as well as share your results. Online Results Service for Candidates

Standardised Exams

Cambridge exams are designed to ensure standardised test conditions for people of all linguistic backgrounds and nationalities and are supported by a dedicated global research programme.

The exam covers all four language skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) and knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.

Worldwide Recognition

Cambridge English certificates are recognised by Universities and leading employers globally. For example: Deloitte. Ernst and Young, Marks and Spencer, HSBC, Juilliard and Freie Universität Berlin.

The B1 Preliminary for Schools certificate is accepted by institutions worldwide as evidence that a student has mastered the basics of English and now has practical language skills for everyday use.