Boost Your English Skills with the B1 Cambridge PET Exam B1 Preliminary
A Smart Step for Adult Learners
If you’re learning English and want to measure your progress, the Cambridge PET exam (Preliminary English Test) is a smart and achievable goal. At ASC Languages in Geneva, we work with many adult learners who choose the PET exam as their first official English qualification – and for good reason.
Whether you’re learning English for work, travel or personal development, the PET (now officially called B1 Preliminary) gives you a solid, internationally recognised proof of your ability to communicate in everyday situations. In this blog post, we’ll explain what the exam involves, who it’s for and how it can help you move forward in your language journey.
What is the B1 Cambridge PET exam?
The B1 Cambridge Preliminary (PET) exam is part of the Cambridge English Qualifications, developed by Cambridge Assessment English. It’s designed to test your ability to use English at a B1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
A B1-level speaker can:
- Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters (work, school, leisure, etc.)
- Deal with most situations that arise while travelling
- Produce a simple connected text on familiar topics
- Describe experiences, events and give reasons and explanations for opinions
In other words, you can communicate with confidence in everyday situations: at work, on holiday or in social conversations.
Why take the PET exam?
Many adult learners find the PET B1 exam motivating and rewarding for several reasons:
- Practical and real-life language
The PET exam focuses on everyday English, not academic or overly technical vocabulary. You’ll be tested on skills you actually need: speaking about your experiences, understanding emails or notices or writing basic messages and stories.
- Boosting your confidence
For adults returning to study or learning a language for the first time, PET is a great confidence-builder. It’s more accessible than higher-level exams (like B2 First or C1 Advanced), but still a real achievement.
- Official recognition
The PET B1 is recognised internationally by both employers and educational institutions. It shows you have a good foundation in English, making it a valuable addition to your CV.
- Structured progression
Cambridge English exams are designed as a ladder. Once you’ve passed B1 Preliminary, you’re in a strong position to aim for B2 First and beyond. It’s a great milestone on your learning journey.
What’s in B1 Cambridge the exam?
The PET exam tests the four main skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – and is divided into three papers:
- Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Reading texts from signs, newspapers or magazines
- Writing short messages and stories
- Understanding tone and purpose
- 2. Listening (30 minutes + 6 minutes)
- Listening to announcements, conversations and interviews
- Identifying key information and opinions
- Speaking (10–12 minutes)
- Taken face-to-face with one or two other candidates
- Includes personal questions and collaborative tasks
- Interactive, assessed by trained Cambridge examiners.
Preparing for B1 Cambridge PET at ASC Languages
At ASC Languages in Geneva, we offer both morning intensive classes and evening semi-intensive classes at the B1 level. In order to maximise your changes at passing the PET, you should finish the B1 level in each of the four competences (speaking, listening, writing, reading).
If you would like to prepare specifically for the exam, we recommend out tailored one-to-one PET preparation course. This will focus on:
- Practising exam-style tasks
- Improving spoken fluency and pronunciation
- Developing strategies for each part of the exam.
Our experienced teachers will guide you through the exam format, give you regular feedback and help you feel confident and ready on exam day.
Whether you’re preparing for a job, further study, or simply personal satisfaction, we support you every step of the way.
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