What is the Preliminary English Test (PET)?
The Cambridge PET is an internationally recognised exam for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level. PET is at Level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference.
What will the PET do for you?
PET is accepted around the world for business and study purposes. Thousands of employers, universities and government departments recognise PET as an intermediate qualification in English. PET tests your strengths and weaknesses in using English, and gives you a pathway to higher qualifications such as the First Certificate in English (FCE).
Why take the PET with the British Council?
A million people take exams with the British Council every year. In Spain, we have many years’ experience working with the Preliminary English Test and other Cambridge exams. We provide pre-exam support and a professional and efficient service to make your exam day run as smoothly as possible.
What’s in the exam?
The exam covers all four language skills:
- reading
- writing
- listening
- speaking
Find out more about the exam and how to prepare for it.
How to Register
Registering is quick and easy. Register for your PET exam.
Useful Links
PET – official Cambridge exam site.
Register for your Cambridge PET exam
Registering for your exam is simple:
- Check exam dates and locations in the table below.
- Download and complete the registration form and instructions for your exam.
You’ll find all the information you need on the exam registration form for your centre.
- Registration forms are only available during the registration periods shown in the table below.
- The registration forms below are for individual candidates only.
- If you are a school, academy or other organisation and want to register multiple candidates, please visit our exams for schools and academies page.
About the PET
There are three parts to the PET exam:
- Reading and writing: You will read texts from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines, and show that you understand the main points. Your written English will be tested by completing tasks such as writing a short message and a story or letter – to demonstrate the range of your vocabulary and understanding of sentence structure.
- Listening: You need to show you can understand a range of spoken material, including announcements and discussions about everyday life.
- Speaking: Candidates take the speaking test in pairs. You’ll take part in conversation, ask and answer questions, and talk freely about yourself – for example, your likes and dislikes.
Find out more about PET at the Cambridge website.
How to prepare for PET
As with all Cambridge ESOL certificates, there is a wide range of support to help you prepare for your exam.
If you wish to prepare for the Preliminary English Test (PET) on your own, take a look at the Cambridge ESOL exam preparation site. You can download many free materials, such as a short booklet about the exam, information for candidates, sample exam papers and sound files for the Listening Test materials.
Top Tips for PET answers your last-minute questions. There are also many other books and materials to help you prepare for the PET.
Do you have a disability?
If you have a disability, please contact your local British Council Exams centre to find out how we can help. You can also get more information on the Cambridge exams site.
Your Cambridge PET results
You will receive detailed results for the PET in a “Statement of Results” document. You will also be awarded a certificate if your performance is above a certain level - between the Common European Framework of Reference Levels B1 and A2.
What is the Statement of Results?
It contains:
- Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all papers.
- A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
- A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed.
Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge PET (PDF).
Can I get my results online?
You can access your results online through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website.Please note that you are required to register to receive this service.