Cambridge PET - Preliminary English Test
What is PET?
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.
PET reflects the use of language in real life, such as understanding signs and announcements, and is accepted by many employers as proof of ability to use English in clerical, secretarial or managerial jobs. It is also widely accepted for use in jobs where spoken English is necessary such as tourism, retail, construction, manufacturing and engineering.
Who is PET for?
PET is at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) — an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability. The framework uses six levels to describe language ability from A1 to C2. 'Can Do' statements have been used to describe these levels in terms of real language skills.
At 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 in a work environment
- write letters or make notes on familiar matters.
Why choose PET?
Cambridge ESOL is a department of the world-famous and historic University of Cambridge. Attaining one of its certificates is an achievement and a reward in itself. However, there are many other benefits to taking PET:
- a PET certificate is valid for life. You will not need to take the exam again
- PET is a truly international certificate, recognised around the world for business and study purposes
- thousands of employers, universities and government departments officially recognise PET as an intermediate qualification in English
- although PET is a basic exam, it offers a chance to find out your strengths and weaknesses in using English, and gives you a pathway to higher qualifications such as the First Certificate in English (FCE)
- PET's 'Can Do' skills give you the confidence to use English in real situations.
The 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: 30 minutes (approx.)
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.
When you contact ILSF you will be given sound advice. Our expert team can also give you information about dates and locations of future tests.
Most participants take preparation courses, before they apply for the test, but this is not mandatory.