B1 Preliminary (PET): Complete Exam Guide

Cambridge B1 Preliminary, still commonly called PET, is a four-paper qualification aimed at CEFR B1. It shows that you can handle everyday English independently: understand practical texts, write clear short messages, follow familiar spoken English and take part in conversations about ordinary topics.

The exam is much easier to prepare for when you separate “improving English” from “learning the test”. You need both. General English gives you the language; exam practice teaches you how to use it within strict tasks and time limits.

Practice English is an independent learning resource and is not affiliated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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What is in B1 Preliminary?

The official exam has four components:

Unlike B2 First, B1 Preliminary does not have a separate Use of English paper. Grammar and vocabulary are integrated into Reading, especially Parts 5 and 6, and are also assessed through Writing and Speaking.

The current official format is described at Cambridge English B1 Preliminary.

What score do you need to pass B1 Preliminary?

Cambridge reports results on the Cambridge English Scale:

• 160–170 = Grade A, performance reported at CEFR B2
• 153–159 = Grade B, CEFR B1
• 140–152 = Grade C, CEFR B1
• 120–139 = performance reported at CEFR A2

The practical B1 pass line is 140. Instead of trying to convert every practice percentage into an exact scale score, track consistency across papers. A learner who performs steadily across Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking is in a stronger position than someone who has one excellent multiple-choice score and no evidence from productive skills.

What should you expect in B1 Reading?

Reading has six parts in 45 minutes. The tasks move from short real-world messages to longer texts and cloze exercises.

You need several reading modes:

• understand the main message of notices and short texts;
• match people to options based on several requirements;
• answer detailed questions about a longer text;
• follow paragraph structure in a gapped text;
• choose vocabulary in context;
• supply one missing grammar word in an open cloze.

The main mistake is reading every text at the same speed. Part 1 needs quick interpretation; Part 4 needs attention to cohesion; Part 6 needs grammatical precision.

Use B1 Reading practice to train each part separately before running complete 45-minute sessions.

What is in B1 Writing?

Writing lasts 45 minutes and has two tasks. Part 1 is an email of about 100 words responding to the prompt and notes. Part 2 asks you to choose between two tasks, typically an article or a story, also around 100 words.

At B1, clarity matters more than trying to sound advanced. A strong response:

• answers every point in the prompt;
• uses paragraphs when they help the reader;
• connects ideas with simple but accurate linking language;
• uses past, present and future forms clearly;
• avoids repeating the same basic vocabulary too often.

Before writing, underline each content point. After writing, tick it. This simple habit prevents many avoidable losses.

What happens in B1 Listening?

Listening has four parts and 25 questions. You hear each recording twice.

The tasks include short recordings with visual options, short dialogues, a gap-fill based on a monologue, and a longer interview with multiple-choice questions.

The most useful listening skill at B1 is waiting for the complete message. Speakers often mention one option and then correct or change it: We were going to meet at six, but seven would be better. If you choose the first number you hear, you fall into the distractor.

During practice, use the first listen to understand the situation and the second to confirm uncertain details. Review transcripts only after completing the task.

Train with B1 Listening practice.

What happens in the Speaking test?

B1 Speaking has four parts and is normally taken with another candidate.

You will:

1. answer personal questions;
2. describe a photograph for about a minute;
3. discuss options with the other candidate;
4. continue with a broader conversation related to the topic.

The test rewards communication, not memorised perfection. In Part 1, extend answers slightly. In Part 2, organise the photo description rather than naming random objects. In Part 3, respond to your partner instead of giving a solo speech.

If you make a small grammar mistake, keep going unless it changes the meaning completely. Constant self-correction can damage communication more than an occasional error.

Which grammar should a B1 candidate control?

High-value B1 grammar includes:

• present simple vs present continuous;
• past simple vs past continuous;
• present perfect with for, since, already, yet;
• future forms such as will, going to and present continuous;
• zero, first and basic second conditionals;
• modals for ability, obligation, advice and possibility;
• comparatives and superlatives;
• basic passive forms;
• relative clauses;
• gerunds and infinitives after common verbs;
• articles, quantifiers and prepositions.

Use B1 Grammar when your Reading or Writing errors point to one of these areas. Grammar is most useful when tied to a real mistake.

What vocabulary should you learn?

Prioritise frequent B1 topics: family, travel, study, work, food, shopping, health, hobbies, technology, transport and places in town.

But learn phrases, not just nouns. Book a ticket, miss a bus, apply for a job, spend time doing something and be interested in are more useful than isolated translations.

For Reading Parts 5 and 6, pay particular attention to collocations, common phrasal verbs and prepositions. For Writing and Speaking, learn functional language for invitations, suggestions, opinions, preferences and reasons.

How should you organise a B1 study week?

A realistic plan could look like this:

The principle is more important than the exact days: mix receptive skills, productive skills and targeted language work.

What should an error log contain at B1?

Keep it simple:

This turns mistakes into concrete study tasks.

How do you know when you are ready for B1 Preliminary?

Look for repeatable behaviours:

• you finish Reading within 45 minutes without guessing the last page;
• you can write both tasks within 45 minutes and check them;
• Listening mistakes are becoming isolated rather than occurring in clusters;
• you can describe a photo for about a minute without freezing;
• you can ask for and respond to your partner's ideas;
• the same basic grammar errors are no longer appearing every week.

Do not wait for “perfect English”. B1 is an independent intermediate level, not native-like control.

B1 Preliminary FAQ

Is PET the same as B1 Preliminary?

Yes. PET is the older name and is still widely used informally.

Is B1 Preliminary for Schools easier?

It targets the same CEFR level and uses the same exam format. The topics are adapted to the interests and experience of school-age candidates.

Does the certificate expire?

Cambridge qualifications themselves do not expire, although an organisation may set its own rules about how recent evidence must be.

Should I practise B2 material to improve faster?

Occasional B2 input can stretch you, but most exam preparation should remain at a level where you can analyse mistakes. If almost every sentence feels difficult, the material is too hard to be efficient.

Final takeaway

B1 Preliminary rewards reliable everyday English. Learn the format, practise each paper separately, keep a small error log and spend more time repairing repeated weaknesses than collecting new worksheets. You do not need spectacular language; you need clear, accurate communication across all four skills.