B1 Preliminary

A Preliminary qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.
This exam is the logical step in your language learning journey between Key and First.

It is a CEFR Level B1 (What is this?)

Exam Format

Preliminary is made up of three papers developed to test your English skills: Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes), Listening (36 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time), Speaking (10–12 minutes per pair of candidates).

Preparation

You can find many free resources to help you prepare for the exam. Download our free sample papers to prepare the reading, the listening and the writing part. All answers will be provided.

Prepare now

Additional practice

Dates

There are many exam dates throughout the year offering both paper-based and computer-based Preliminary.

Results

Preliminary results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale.

You will receive a separate score for each skill, giving you a clear understanding of your performance. These scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. You will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.

Sample Preliminary Statement of Results

More Exam Regions in Switzerland

Basel-Stadt
Basel, Riehen

Baselland
Aesch, Liestal, Muttenz, Reinach

Fribourg
Fribourg

Genève
Genève, Chêne-Bougeries, Cologny, Petit-Lancy, Thônex, Veyrier

Jura
Jura, Delémont, Porrentruy

Luzern
Luzern, Affoltern am Albis, Nottwil/Sursee, Pfäffikon

Neuchâtel
Neuchâtel

Nidwalden
Stans

Schwyz
Schwyz

Solothurn
Solothurn, Breitenbach

Valais
Brig, Visp, Sierre, Sion, St. Maurice, Monthey

Vaud East
Aigle, Villars, St Maurice, La Tour de Peilz, Vevey, Montreux, Gstaad

Vaud West
Lausanne, Payerne, Pully, Morges, Nyon, Renens, Yverdon-les-Bains

Zug
Zug

Our website uses cookies to continuously improve your experience.
Privacy policy / Imprint