B1 Preliminary
B1 Preliminary, previously known as Cambridge English: Preliminary and the Preliminary English Test, is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English, one of the examinations in the Cambridge English Qualifications.
B1 Preliminary is an intermediate-level qualification and is designed for learners who have mastered the basic of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use. It is targeted at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.
B1 Preliminary is offered in two versions: B1 Preliminary for Schools, for school-aged learners, and B1 Preliminary, for general and higher education adult learners.
History
B1 Preliminary was first launched in 1943. It had been created as a special exam to meet the contingencies of the Second World War – catering to foreign servicemen needing English. The exam was discontinued at the end of World War II.B1 Preliminary was reintroduced in 1980 under close monitoring, and was fully launched in the 1990s. It received updates in 1994. In 1999, it was reviewed with stakeholders and the current version was launched in March 2004.
B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools
B1 Preliminary is available in two versions:- B1 Preliminary, designed for adult learners. B1 Preliminary is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education.
- B1 Preliminary for Schools, designed for school-aged learners. B1 Preliminary for Schools is one of the exams that make up Cambridge English Qualifications for schools.
The exams use different topics and content: B1 Preliminary is targeted at the interests and experiences of adult learners, while B1 Preliminary for Schools is designed specifically for school-aged students and is informed by research into how children develop language skills.
Format
Both versions of the exam are made up of three exam papers, which cover all four language skills. The Speaking paper is taken face-to-face and candidates have the choice of taking the Reading and Writing paper and Listening paper on either a computer or on paper.Scoring
In February 2016, Cambridge English Scale scores replaced the candidate profile and standardised scores used for pre-2016 results. All candidates receive a Statement of Results, with those scoring high enough also receiving a certificate.Scoring from February 2016
From 2016, the Statement of Results and the Certificate have the following information about the candidate’s performance:- A score on the Cambridge English Scale for each skill
- A score on the Cambridge English Scale for the overall exam
- A grade for the overall exam
- A CEFR level for the overall exam.
B1 Preliminary is targeted at CEFR Level B1, but also provides reliable assessment at the level above B1 and the level below. The following scores are used to report results:
The following scores are used to report results:
| Grade | Cambridge English Scale Score | CEFR Level |
| Grade A | 160–170 | B2 |
| Grade B | 153–159 | B1 |
| Grade C | 140–152 | B1 |
| CEFR Level A2 | 120–139 | A2 |
Scores between 102 and 119 are also reported on the Statement of Results but candidates will not receive the Preliminary English Test certificate.
Usage
B1 Preliminary demonstrates language proficiency at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.It is an intermediate-level qualification and is designed to show that a successful candidate has the ability to use English language skills to deal with everyday written and spoken communications, e.g. read simple books/textbooks and articles, write simple letters on familiar subjects, and make notes during meetings/lessons.
Learners can use this qualification for education or work purposes, as well as to progress to higher level English language qualifications such as B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. Many higher education institutions around the world accept and use B1 Preliminary as an indication of English language proficiency.