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What is B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)?
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) is an intermediate level exam, set at level B1 of the council of Europe's Common European Framework for languages. B1 Preliminary (PET) and Cambridge English Preliminary for Schools follow exactly the same format and the level of the question papers is identical.
The content and treatment of topics in B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) have been particularly targeted at the interests and experience of school-age learners.
At Level B1 level typical users can be expected to:
- understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- deal with most of the situations you might meet when travelling as a tourist in an English-speaking country
- ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations with friends, family and at school
- write letters/emails or make notes on familiar matters
Who takes B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) in Switzerland?
In Switzerland B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) is mainly used by secondary school students who usually take it at the end of their 3rd year at secondary school.
How is the official B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) certificate recognised in Switzerland?
As B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) is mainly taken by teenagers and young adults, it shows their ability and determination of to strive for and work towards a goal. Therefore, holding a B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) certificate will enhance any application for an apprenticeship.
Format of the exam
|
Paper |
Content | Marks (%of total) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reading and Writing |
Reading: Writing: |
50% | Students need to be able to read texts from signs, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. They will need to show they can use vocabulary and structure by completing tasks such as producing a short message, and writing a story or letter of around 100 words. |
|
Listening |
4 parts/ 25 questions |
25% |
Students need to show they can understand the meaning of a range of recorded spoken material, including announcements, interviews and discussions about everyday life. They will also need to be able to understand the attitudes and intentions of the speakers. |
| Speaking (10–12 minutes per pair of candidates) |
4 parts | 25% |
Students take part in a conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about their likes and dislikes. They take the Speaking test with another candidate or in a group of three. |
Please click here for further details about the exam format.
B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) has undergone a thorough review to ensure that the exams continue to remain relevant to the needs of schools and learners. Have a look at the summary. The revision is now complete and the updated exam will start being used for exam sessions in January 2020.
Flexible Test Options
The B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) exam can be taken as a standard test (paper-based / PB) or computer-based (CB). Please note that exam dates and locations are different for the PB and CB exams
Registration, Dates and Prices
Exams are offered all over Switzerland, however, locations and dates may vary. Please check all available B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S) exam dates and prices by clicking on the following link.
Overview exam dates and prices
How can a student prepare for B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET S)
There are many schools across Switzerland offering preparation courses for Cambridge English Exams. These schools can be found on our recommended school list.
In our online shop, different kinds of preparation material is available, which can enhance exam preparation and support any student in his/her aim to succeed in a Cambridge English Exam.
Supporting Material
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Preliminary for Schools Handbook for Teachers order here The focus is on each paper, including content and advice on preparation. |
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Trainer for PET for Schools order here This PET for Schools Trainer includes six practice tests with answers and teacher's notes. |
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Preliminary for Schools 2 self-study pack order here This set of tests provides exam preparation, allowing candidates to familiarise themselves with the content of the Cambridge English Preliminary for Schools exam and to practise exam techniques. |
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Speaking Test Preparation Pack order here Speaking Test Preparation Pack has been developed to help teachers in preparing their students for the Speaking Test. |
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Official Past Papers order here These official Past Papers are made of original exam papers from previous years and can be used in order to practise for the PET S exam. |
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Online Practice Test order here This practice test is designed to help candidates prepare for the PET for Schools computer-based exam. |