Cambridge Language Examination
Cambridge English (also known as ESOL) is a department of Cambridge University. Their English exams Proficiency (CPE), Advanced (CAE), First (FCE), Preliminary (PET) and Key (KET) are recognised around the world by thousands of employers, universities and government ministries as proof of ability to use English.Cambridge developed the IELTS exam in conjunction with the British Council and IELTS Australia. Cambridge ESOL have a range of business English examinations including BULATS and BEC. Cambridge ESOL also helped to develop the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised level of language ability.Please click on the name of the exam to find out more about it, and access the free practice tests.
Difficulty level: B1 / low intermediate
The Preliminary English Test is one of the Cambridge English exams.
Who is it for?
Do this test if you want to know that you have an intermediate level of English. With this level of English you will enjoy holidays in English speaking countries. You should probably continue studying once you have passed the PET exam.
What is the PET for schools test like?
The test has these sections:
Reading and Writing are taken together - 90 minutes
Listening - 30 minutes
Speaking - an interview, 10 minutes
There are two versions of the PET test:
PET
PET for Schools
Both versions have the same type of questions. The PET for schools test has content of interest to school-age learners.
Paper-based or computer-based exams
You can do the PET for schools exam on a computer or on paper. The computer-based exam is available once a month. The paper-based exam is only available six times a year.
Score
‘pass’, ‘pass with merit’, ‘narrow fail’, or ‘fail’
If you narrowly fail the test you can receive a level A2 certificate
Level
B1 / Alte 2 / low intermediate. Click here to see how it compares with other exams.
Where do I take the test?
At a test centre.
When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. The paper-based test can be taken 6 times a year. The computer-based test is available once a month.