B1 Preliminary (PET): Exam Format

(Summary)

B1 Preliminary 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:

Marks
Paper Content (% of Purpose
total)
Reading Shows you can read and understand the
(45 6 parts/ main points from signs, newspapers, and
25%
minutes) 32 questions magazines.

Writing
2 parts/ Shows you can use vocabulary and
(45 25%
2 questions structure correctly.
minutes)
Listening
(30 minutes, You have to be able to follow and
including 6 4 parts/ understand a range of spoken materials
25%
minutes’ 25 questions including announcements and
transfer discussions about everyday life.
time)
Shows how good your spoken English is
as you take part in conversation by
Speaking asking/answering questions and talking,
(12–17 for example, about your likes and dislikes.
minutes per 4 parts 25% Your Speaking test will be conducted face
pair of to face with one or two other candidates
candidates) and two examiners. This makes your test
more realistic and more reliable.