PET Preliminary English Test
(Level B1)

PET is an exam for people who can use everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level. It covers all four language skills — reading, writing, listening and speaking. Preparing for the exam is a popular way to develop and improve your language skills because it provides practical language practice in a variety of everyday work, study and leisure situations.

London Crest Open Centre offers the paper- and computer-based version of this exam. If you are considering taking a computer-based test, please note that this test does not replace the pen and paper test, it is simply another way to take the exam. Other than the method of completing it, the exam is exactly the same, and they both lead to the same internationally recognised Cambridge ESOL certificate. Please note that there are a limited number of spaces available for computer-based exams so please enrol early to avoid disappointment.

(There are two versions of PET available: PET and PET for Schools. Both follow exactly the same format and the level of the question papers is identical. The only difference is that the content and treatment of topics in PET for Schools have been particularly targeted at the interests and experience of school pupils. Please note that London Crest Open Centre is running the PET exam, not PET for Schools.)

Is PET for you?

Can you use English to:
- deal with everyday events?
- read simple textbooks or magazine articles?
- write letters on familiar subjects?
- take notes in a meeting?

If this describes your skills now, or describes the level of skills you are working towards, then PET is the right exam for you.

What is involved in taking the PET exam?

PET has three papers:

Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes):
You need to be able to read texts from signs, journals, newspapers and magazines and understand the main points. You will need to show you can use vocabulary and structure by completing tasks such as writing a short message, and a story or letter of around 100 words. You will also need to complete an exercise involving changing the meaning of sentences.

Listening (approx. 30 minutes):
You will need to show you can understand the meaning of a range of recorded spoken material, including announcements and discussions about everyday life. You need to be able to follow the attitudes and intentions of the speakers.

Speaking (10-12 minutes):
Candidates take the Speaking test in pairs. You have to show your spoken English by taking part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about your likes and dislikes.

Resources available:

PET – Information for candidates (pdf)
PET – Handbook for teachers (pdf)
PET – Vocabulary list (pdf)

Preparation course:

For information about exam preparation classes, please contact us at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it