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Take the B1 Preliminary Test (PET) with the British Council and gain a qualification that is recognised worldwide by thousands of leading companies and educational institutions. As a premium exam centre in Romania, we provide a secure, professional, and supportive environment to help you succeed. 

What is the Cambridge B1 Preliminary exam?

The B1 Preliminary, formerly known as PET, is an intermediate-level qualification for those who have mastered the basics of English. It shows you have the practical language skills needed for everyday use and provides a solid foundation if you want to study for higher level Cambridge English Qualifications. You can see how this fits into your progression on our Choose your Cambridge exam page.

Note: This exam is available in two versions: 'B1 Preliminary' and 'B1 Preliminary for Schools'. While the certificates are identical and hold the same international value, the 'for Schools' version is specifically tailored with content that matches the interests and experiences of school-age candidates.

What skills will you develop?

Preparing for your Cambridge B1 will help you develop the language skills to handle a variety of real-life situations. You will learn how to:

  • Read and understand the main points of straightforward textbooks or magazine articles.
  • Write letters, emails, or take notes on familiar subjects.
  • Express your opinions and understand factual information in both spoken and written English.

B1 Preliminary exam format and duration

We offer the Cambridge Preliminary in both paper-based and digital formats. Digital exams offer faster results (available in just two weeks) and a modern testing experience. Both versions lead to the same internationally recognised certificate. Check the available dates on our Cambridge exam dates, fees and locations page.

Important note: Please note that digital exams are taken at a British Council partner venue, they cannot be taken at home.

In both formats, the B1 Preliminary consists of four papers designed to test your full range of English skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

Paper Time allowed Marks (% of total) Focus
Reading 45 min 25% Understanding main points and structure.
Writing 45 min 25% Producing messages and short reports.
Listening 30 min  25% Following spoken material.
Speaking 12 min per pair of candidates 25% Face-to-face interaction.

Reading, Writing, and Listening papers are usually taken on the same day. The Speaking exam is taken with two examiners and one other candidate to ensure a natural conversation flow and reflect real-life conversation. Depending on the schedule, your Speaking exam may be on a different day.

Cambridge B1 preparation and sample papers

Booking your exam with the British Council gives you a significant advantage in reaching your goals. We provide a comprehensive range of materials to help you master the practical English skills required for success:

  • Official Sample Papers: Use our official B1 Preliminary sample paper and past papers to understand the exam structure and build the stamina needed for the exam day.
  • The Parents Guide: If you are supporting a teenager, check our expert guide [Link to parents guide local page] for tips on helping them balance their studies and maintain a positive attitude toward their B1 Preliminary for Schools exam.
  • LearnEnglish Tools: Enhance your B1 level English vocabulary and grammar with our LearnEnglish websites and LearnEnglish apps designed for mobile study. 

Explore B1 preparation materials

 Frequently Asked Questions about B1 Preliminary 

The exam format, level of difficulty, and the final certificate are the same. The only difference is that the 'for Schools' version uses topics and content specifically tailored to the interests and experiences of school-age candidates. Both are equally recognised by universities and employers worldwide.

No. Your final result is an average of the scores you achieve in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. If you perform very well in one area, it can balance out a lower score in another, provided your overall average reaches the B1 threshold.

A "good" score depends on your personal goals, but a passing grade for the B1 Preliminary starts at 140 on the Cambridge English Scale. Scores are reported as follows:

  • 160–170 (Pass with Distinction): You have demonstrated ability at the level above B1 (Level B2).
  • 153–159 (Pass with Merit) or 140–152 (Pass): You have successfully achieved the B1 level.
  • 120–139 (Level A2): If your performance is below the B1 level, but falls within the A2 range, you will receive a certificate recognising your English ability at Level A2.

For more details, visit Cambridge results information.

No. Even if you choose the digital format, the exam must be taken at a British Council partner venue. This ensures the highest standards of integrity and security for your qualification.

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