B1 Preliminary for Schools, formerly known as Cambridge English: Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools), is one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. It is the English language exam that shows that students have mastered the basics.

A B1 Preliminary for Schools qualification shows that a student has mastered the basics of English and now has practical language skills for everyday use.

This exam is the logical step in a student’s language learning journey between A2 Key for Schools and B2 First for Schools.

B1 Preliminary for Schools is targeted at the same CEFR level as B1 Preliminary but with content aimed at school-age learners rather than adults.

Key facts

CEFR level:	B1 What's this?
Scale score:	140–159 What’s this?
Test format:	Computer or paper-based
No. of papers:	3
Exam length:	About 2 hours 20 minutes

Exam updates 2020

To make sure our exams are up to date with the latest research in language learning and teaching, we update them regularly. A2 Key, A2 Key for Schools, B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools have undergone a thorough review to ensure that our exams continue to remain relevant to the needs of schools and learners.

The new exam formats will start being used from January 2020. The changes include:

new and updated tasks across all of the papers
better alignment between the exams, showing clearer progression from one exam to the next
an update to the way that grades are reported, bringing the exams in line with higher level Cambridge English Qualifications
the separation of the Reading and Writing papers in B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.

You can find out more about the changes, including information on preparation materials, on our dedicated A2 Key and B1 Preliminary 2020 update website. You can also sign up to receive information and updates about the changes to the exams.

A B1 Preliminary for Schools qualification shows that a student can:

read simple textbooks and articles in English
write letters and emails on everyday subjects
understand factual information
show awareness of opinions and mood in spoken and written English.

Reasons to choose B1 Preliminary for Schools:

Easily integrated into a school’s curriculum.
Part of a suite of exams that offer step-by-step progression for students.
Comprehensive support in exam preparation and administration.

B1 Preliminary for Schools

Schools