B1 PRELIMINARY (PET)CAMBRIDGE EXAM

WHAT IS PET?“Cambridge English: Preliminary” is alsoabbreviated as PET and is a Cambridge

examination. To pass this exam youneed at least B1 knowledge.With thePreliminary Certificate, you therefore

prove to have language skills at a low-intermediate level and can use everyday

English and produce simple text.

RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates

have a choice between computer and paper-based.

Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 160-170 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 153-159 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 140-152 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail A2 level 120-139 (Cambridge English scale score)

What types of exams are there?

PET for schools PET

There are two types of exams.1.2.

Difficulty level B1 level / Independent user (CEFR level scale)

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Number of papersThere are three papers. Reading and Writing (50%),

Listening (25%), Speaking (25%).

How does B1 Preliminary(PET) translate on the

CEFR level scale?

understand real life situationswith native speakersproduce simple textexpress dreams, hopes, ambitionsand experiences

B1 Preliminary (PET) translates as B1Independent user on the CEFR levelscale. This means candidates can:

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GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT PET

Does Preliminary (PET) certificatehave an expiry date?

Fortunately, the Preliminary (PET) does nothave an expiry date.

What happens if a candidatereaches B2 First (FCE) level?

If you take the PET exam and reach a level ofB2 First (160 points or more Cambridge

English scale score), you will still not receivea First (FCE) certificate.

What happens if a candidate receivesless than 120 points?

If a candidate receives less than an average of120 points (A2 Cambridge English scale score),the grade will not be reported on the Cambridge

English scale score.

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What is B1 Preliminary (PET) for schools?PET for schools is a Cambridge exam that tests candidates on their Englishlanguage skills at B1 level. It is comparable to the PET exam. However, the

topics are related to the interests and experiences of schoolchildren.

When is the B1 Preliminary (PET) beneficial?

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Everyday use A pass in the PET exammeans that a candidate

can fully communicate ineveryday English.

SchoolPET for schools is a great

opportunity for teenagers tostrive for a goal.

First job orapprenticeship

A pass in the PET exam can bebeneficial to teenagers applying for

their first job or apprenticeship.

Holidays A pass in the PET exam means that acandidate can fully communicate on

holidays.

Reading andwriting90 minutes

Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 23 points and the minimumWriting score is 24 points which correspond to 140 (B1) onthe Cambridge English scale score

The maximum Reading score is 32 points and the maximumWriting score is 40 points which correspond to 170 (B2) onthe Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Reading part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 4: Gapped text (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 5: Multiple choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 6: Open cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Writing part 7: Write an email (approx. 100 words)Writing part 8: Choice between article or story (approx. 100 words)

There are six parts in the Reading and two parts in the Writing.

Both Writing parts each have a maximum of 20 marks available.

How many parts are in the Reading and Writing?

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Time management can be a challenging factor of thePET exam. Candidates have approx. 7 minutes tocomplete each Reading part and approx. 20 minutesfor each Writing part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each Reading part?

Both Reading and Writing are taken on the same paperbut are given two separate grades. Candidates aregiven 90 minutes to complete both parts. Reading andWriting are worth 50%(25% each) of the overall exam.

Are Reading and Writing taken together?

How many parts are in the listening?There are four listening parts.Listening part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Gap fill (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 4: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)

Listening30 minutes, including 6 minutes oftransfer time

Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can take notesduring the Listening.

How many times do candidates hear theListening?

The maximum Listening score is 25 points which correspondsto 170 (B2) onthe Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Listening score is 18 points which correspondsto 140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

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Headphones are provided for computer-based examsand a CD player is provided for paper-based exams.

What Listening equipment is provided?

Do candidates get extra time to transfertheir answers?Candidates get extra time at the end of the test to transfer theiranswers to the answer sheet. Candidates should only transfertheir answers when advised by the examiner.

COMPUTER-BASED PAPER-BASED

HOW CAN THE EXAM BE TAKEN?You have the choice

It takes two weeks toreceive results.

It takes four weeks toreceive results.

Speaking12-17 minutes

How many Speaking parts are there?There are four speaking parts.Speaking part 1: Interview (2 minutes)Speaking part 2: Extended turn (3 minutes)Speaking part 3: Discussion (4 minutes)Speaking part 4: General conversation (3 minutes)

Candidates do the speaking exam with two examinersand a partner. Some parts of the exam are done aloneand other parts involve your Speaking partner.

Who takes part in the Speaking exam?

Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.

Can candidates choose their partner?

The maximum Speaking score is 30 points which correspondsto 170 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

The minimum Speaking score is 18 points which correspondsto 140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Minimum score to pass

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This depends on the exam event that you register for.This information is usually given to candidates beforethey register.

Are the Writing and Speaking exam on thesame day?

Upcoming exam dates in Basel

Registrationopens1.09.2020

B1 PET PRELIMINARY

Price 245 CHF

Writtendate

21.11.2020

Speakingtest

21.11.2020

Exam typePaper

LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

Price 245 CHF

Registrationdeadline

21.09.2020

Writtendate

20.03.2021

B1 PET PRELIMINARY FOR SCHOOLS

LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

Exam typePaper

Upcoming exam dates in Basel

Writtendate

29.05.2021

Writtendate

12.06.2021

Registrationopens1.09.2020

B1 PET PRELIMINARY FOR SCHOOLS B1 PET PRELIMINARY

Registrationopens1.09.2020

LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

Exam typePaper

Exam typePaper

Price 245 CHF

Price 245 CHF

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