PET practice test: get ready to pass B1 Preliminary.

Practise every part of B1 Preliminary in the format of the Cambridge digital exam and repeat the exercises as many times as you like. You currently have content equivalent to 11 full exams, which will grow to 20 in November, spread across Simulation Mode, Trainer Mode and Individual Practice.

Every question comes with a detailed explanation of why that answer is correct, so you understand your mistakes and learn from them. Writing and Speaking also get a score for each criterion and specific feedback. That way you arrive at the exam much more familiar with its format and how it works.

B1 Preliminary asks for more independence. You will need to understand longer texts and conversations, express your ideas in more detail and write longer texts. As a guide, moving from A2 to B1 usually takes about one school year, although it depends on your starting level, how often you study and how much English you are exposed to.

It depends on the candidate, but many students find Writing especially difficult. At B1 it is no longer enough to write correct sentences: you need to develop your ideas, organise the text well and use a variety of vocabulary and structures. The Reading parts that test vocabulary and grammar in context are often demanding too.

They share the same level, format and certificate. The main difference lies in the topics and contexts: B1 Preliminary for Schools is designed for school-age students, while B1 Preliminary uses content aimed more at adults.

Yes. You don’t need to have passed A2 Key first. You can go straight to B1 Preliminary if you have the right level. If you are not sure, take our free level test to check whether B1 is the right exam for you.

No. The B1 Preliminary certificate has no expiry date. However, some universities, employers and other institutions may ask for the exam to have been taken recently, so always check their requirements.

Yes. You can practise each part of B1 Preliminary (formerly PET) or take a full PET practice test in the format of the Cambridge digital exam, and see the score you would get in each skill. Every B1 exam practice task explains each answer.