PET stands for Preliminary English Test. It’s an intermediate English language test for both written and spoken English administered by Cambridge ESOL. PET is at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At level B1 candidates will be able to:
hold a conversation on general topics
understand the main points of public announcements and verbal instructions
understand street signs, notices, posters and brochures as well as the main points of general newspaper and magazine articles
write simple but clear and appropriately structured texts like letters and emails.
2 What are the benefits of taking PET?
Thousands of employers and academic institutions all over the world recognise PET as a qualification in English at an intermediate level. It is widely accepted as proof of your ability to perform jobs in many different industries where communication in English is necessary, such as, manufacturing, retail, tourism, construction and engineering
PET exams are a good way to improve your practical English skills. PET focuses on communication in real-life through reading, writing, listening and speaking, helping you to use English in everyday situations more confidently
PET is also a good start to gaining qualifications in more advanced exams like FCE
Once you have earned your certificate it is valid for life – so there’s no need to take the PET again.
3 How is the PET exam structured?
There are three parts to the PET exam:
Reading and writing
The reading and writing paper lasts one hour and 30 minutes. You will answer questions about several reading texts of various types, such as posters, notices and newspaper and magazine articles. You will also be asked to demonstrate your writing ability by writing sentences, and also by writing a short message, such as an email or post-card. The final writing task is to write a longer piece of about 100 words, such as a story or letter.
Listening
The listening paper lasts about 30 minutes. You will answer questions to demonstrate your ability to understand spoken English in a variety of different situations, such as public announcements, discussions and interviews.
Speaking
The speaking part of the test lasts up to 12 minutes. You will take your speaking test with one other candidate. You will be required to ask and answer questions and also to discuss topics or materials such as pictures or a reading text as part of the group and by yourself.
The reading and writing paper makes up 50% of the total mark and the listening and speaking papers make up 25% each. There are two pass grades: Pass with Merit and Pass. Candidates who achieve either of these two grades will be awarded a certificate.
At some Cambridge ESOL test centres the PET exam can be taken as a computer-based test (CBT) as well as the paper-based test. Both exams contain the same questions and are marked to the same criteria so you will achieve the same certificate with either test. However, there are certain benefits to taking the CBT, such as faster and easier access to your results on-line, a set of headphones for the listening section and being able to edit answers on-screen during the test. You can find more information about Cambridge ESOL computer-based tests here.
4 How do I sign up for PET?
Speak to your teacher or language school about how to enrol for the PET. If you’re not studying English at the moment you can sign up for the PET exam at your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you click here.
5 How much does it cost?
PET test fees can vary from country to country. To find out more information contact your nearest Cambridge ESOL test centre.
6 Where can I take PET?
You can take the PET exam at any authorised Cambridge ESOL test centre. There are more than 2000 of these test centres all over the world. To find the one nearest to you click here.