B1 Preliminary

English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English

B1 Preliminary, previously known as Cambridge English: Preliminary and the Preliminary English Test (PET), is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English (previously known as Cambridge English Language Assessment and University of Cambridge ESOL examinations). B1 Preliminary is an intermediate level qualification and is designed for learners who have mastered the basic of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. It is targeted at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). B1 Preliminary is one of the examinations in Cambridge English Qualifications – a path for improving language skills. Each Cambridge English Qualification targets a particular level of the CEFR and they work together to create an effective learning journey. There are Cambridge English Qualifications for schools, general and higher education, and business. B1 Preliminary is offered in two versions, B1 Preliminary for Schools, for school aged learners, and B1 Preliminary, for general and higher education adult learners.

B1 Preliminary was first launched in 1943. It had been created as a special exam to meet the contingencies of the Second World War – catering for the large numbers of foreign servicemen needing English. However, despite recording over a thousand candidates during its first year alone, the exam was discontinued at the end of World War II (1946). It was not until the late 1970s that this decision was reconsidered. B1 Preliminary was reintroduced in 1980 under close monitoring, and was fully launched in the 1990s. It received updates in 1994. In 1999, it was reviewed with stakeholders and the current version was launched in March 2004.

In February 2016, Cambridge English Scale scores replaced the candidate profile and standardised scores used for pre 2016 results. All candidates (pre and post 2016) receive a Statement of Results, with those scoring high enough also receiving a certificate.

Candidates take the Reading and Writing and the Listening papers on the same day. The Speaking paper is often taken a few days before or after the exam, or on the same day. The paper based exam and computer based exam are offered at test centres throughout the calendar year. A directory of all global exam centres and their contact details can be accessed on the Cambridge Assessment English

Successful candidates receive two documents: a Statement of Results and a certificate. Employers and other organisations may require either of these documents as proof of English language skills. An online Statement of Results is available to candidates four to six weeks after the paper based exam and two weeks after the computer based exam. Successful candidates (those scoring above 45) receive a hard copy certificate which is despatched to the exam centre within eight weeks of the paper based exam and within three weeks of the computer based exam.

B1 Preliminary demonstrates language proficiency at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is an intermediate level qualification and is designed to show that a successful candidate has the ability to use English language skills to deal with everyday written and spoken communications, e. g. read simple books/textbooks and articles, write simple letters on familiar subjects, and make notes during meetings/lessons. Learners can use this qualification for education or work purposes, as well as to progress to higher level English language qualifications such as B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Many higher education institutions around the world accept and use B1 Preliminary as an indication of English language proficiency.