Cambridge PET / B1 Preliminary
B1 Preliminary is a Cambridge English qualification at intermediate level (CEFR B1). This page outlines its structure, components, weightings, and practical test-day notes.
Quick facts
- CEFR level: B1 (intermediate)
- Papers: 4 (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
- Total time: ~2 hours 20 minutes (including 6 min transfer for Listening; Speaking may be on another day)
- Format: Paper-based and computer-based; content and scoring are identical.
Components
Reading and Writing are separate papers but together contribute 50% of the total mark. Below: what each component assesses, timing, weightings, and task types.
Reading
Tests comprehension of signs, short texts, and longer factual pieces such as newspaper or magazine articles.
Timing: 45 minutes · Weighting: 50% (combined with Writing)
Parts: 6 parts, 32 questions. Examples: multiple-choice, matching, and gap-fill tasks on authentic-style texts.
Writing
Tests ability to write an email and either an article or a short story, each around 100 words.
Timing: 45 minutes · Weighting: 50% (combined with Reading)
Parts: 2 parts, 2 tasks. Part 1: compulsory email. Part 2: choice of article or story.
Listening
Tests understanding of announcements, conversations, and discussions in everyday contexts.
Timing: ~30 minutes plus 6 minutes transfer · Weighting: 25%
Parts: 4 parts, 25 questions. Multiple-choice and form-filling formats; recordings played twice.
Speaking
Tests ability to interact in conversations: personal questions, picture description, and collaborative discussion.
Timing: 12–17 minutes per pair · Weighting: 25%
Parts: 4 parts. Personal questions, long turn, collaborative task, and discussion of preferences.
Scoring & results
Results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. You do not need to pass each paper separately; the overall grade is based on the weighted average. Individual skill scores are provided. Computer-based tests typically return results in 5–10 days; paper-based results in 4–6 weeks.
Common candidate weakness patterns
Typical patterns observed at B1 Preliminary level:
- Reading: skimming too fast and missing qualifying words; misunderstanding gist vs detail
- Writing: failing to cover all bullet points in the email; weak organisation in article or story
- Listening: being thrown by distractors; insufficient use of the second play
- Speaking: short answers in Part 1; insufficient elaboration in the long turn
- Time management: rushing Writing Part 2 or running out of ideas for the story/article
- Register: mixing informal and formal language in the email
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