A B1 Preliminary (PET) qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.
The B2 Preliminary certificate shows that you can:
The B1 Preliminary 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.
The B1 Preliminary 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.
The B1 Preliminary 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.
The B1 Preliminary 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.
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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, 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 | 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.
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
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.
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.
