What is it?

The Preliminary English Test (PET) is an international exam which demonstrates  a certain degree of ability to communicate in English for everyday matters. It is nº2 on the qualification scale offered by Cambridge University ESOL Examinations (nº 1 being the lowest):-

1. KET
2. PET
3. FIRST
4. CAE
5. CPE

The exam consists of 3 main points: focus, ideas and explanations; corresponding to level B1 in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). At this level, candidates are expected to be able to:-

• Understand and follow basic arguments in a normal exchange and to participate in conversations which centre on familiar or predictable topics such as work, school, hobbies, etc.
• Cope with the majority of communication requirements which may arise when travelling.
• Express themselves in a simple but coherent way on known subjects and personal interests. Candidates should be able to talk about their experiences, tell personal anecdotes and to describe their hopes, dreams and goals.

Why PET? 

Every year, thousands of people wanting to use English to improve their job and study prospects take the PET exam. Here are just a few ways in which taking the exam will be beneficial to you.

To demonstrate that you have a level of English which is practical for everyday use.

Cambridge English: Preliminary is an intermediate English level exam. Preparing for this exam will help you to develop and improve your language skills so that you are able to:-

understand factual information;

express opinions, attitudes, moods in both written and spoken English;

develop real-life language skills 

PET certifies that you can use English to communicate effectively with native speakers in everyday situations.

Preparing well for the exam will help you to improve your language skills in order that you can:- 

Confidently face everyday situations;

Read text books or simple newspaper articles;

Write a simple letter on a common theme;

Take notes in a meeting.

What level is the Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)

The PET corresponds to level B1 in the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Achieving this level means that you can:-

Understand the main points in instructions or simple public notices.

Manage most situations which could arise when travelling as a tourist in an English speaking country.

Ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations in a working environment.

Write letters, e mails and/or take notes on familiar subjects.

Preparation for PET will provide you with these all important language skills. 

An exam of the highest quality and a guarantee of fairness to all.

The PET exam is internationally respected and accepted.

It reflects the candidates linguistic skills in the most reliable way possible.

It includes the principal linguistic variations of English ( for example, British English and American English )

It has been designed to be impartial and fair to candidates of all nationalities and backgrounds.

It is underpinned by an extensive research and evaluation  programme conforming to the highest international standards.

Special arrangements can be made for students with special needs.

Choose how, when and where to take the exam.

The PET allows you a great deal of flexibility. 

You can choose between:

Numerous international exam centres Find your nearest centre;

Different exam dates depending on your needs Consult exam dates;

Paper- based or computer-based exam available.

Feel ready to face your future

Once you have obtained your Cambridge English Certificate, you will be in possession of one of the most important English qualifications in the world. It’s something to be very proud of.

Your PET certifícate will be accepted as an intermediate English qualification by thousands of businesses and educational institutions around the world, for example:

Businesses such as Hewlett-Packard (HP), Sony and Coca Cola. 

Universities and Colleges such as Exeter University and the Anglia Ruskin University , Cambridge.

In Spain, current legislation demands, among other requirements, the B1 level (CEFR) in order to obtain either a Degree in the Education of Infants (Order ECI/3854/2007) or a Degree in Primary Education (Order ECI/3857/2007) and also for access to certain University Masters such as Teacher Training Master's Degree in Secondary Education (Order ECI/3858/2007). The implementation of this new Masters in Teacher Training (Spanish Universities are required to include this in their curriculum from October 1, 2009) has led to the elimination of the previously known CAP (Teacher Training Course)

The Exam

The PET consists of 3 parts:

Part 1 Reading/Writing : This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to write and to interpret texts taken from advertisements, brochures, newspapers, etc. It lasts 1 hour and constitutes 50% of the total mark.

Part 2 Listening: This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to understand recorded material. It lasts 30 minutes and constitutes 25% of the total mark.

Part 3 Speaking: This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to interact with the examiner and another candidate in a conversation in English. It lasts approximately 10-12 minutes for every 2 students and constitutes 25% of the total mark.

Why our course?

Our course has been created by our team of specialists who, over the years, have helped many thousands of students to pass this very important exam. We don’t want you to just pass the exam we want you to get excellent marks, ready for you to move on to the next level, the Cambridge University Qualification known as FIRST. Check out cambridge-firstcertificate.com

We have successfully prepared so many students that we know which parts you find most difficult and more importantly we know how to help you to develop and improve all the skills you need to confidently sit the exam and come out smiling!

There are many courses out there promising you easy, quick results and almost instant success…..don’t be fooled! 

There are no magic tricks, no fancy gimmicks, it takes work, time and practice.  However, learning and studying can be fun and our course is designed so that you can enjoy working towards your goal and you will have our full support and expertise behind you.

The course is effectively in two parts:-

1. Grammar Practice.
2. Exam Practice.

In Part 1 you have all the necessary Grammar Lessons (downloadable) which you need to learn and revise those all-important grammar points. There is a grammar exercise after each lesson but even that is good fun to do!! 

In Part 2 you have Exam-type practice in ALL the areas, ALL types of exercise:-

• Reading and Writing
• Listening
• Speaking  

There are TIPS for all sections and a Writing Guide for each type of writing you may be asked for in the exam.

So, come on! With our help and our course…YOU CAN DO IT!