PET for Schools
PET is the second test in the Cambridge exam series, assessing written and spoken English at an intermediate level. In 2009, a new version - PET for Schools - was introduced, designed for school students aged 11 to 14. Every year, this exam is taken in more than 100 countries. Taking it is an invaluable experience for school students, and the certificate demonstrates a serious approach to learning English and confirms a good level.
The PET for Schools exam is for school students aged 11 to 14 who want an international certificate confirming their level. PET is also recognised by most schools as proof that a candidate has an intermediate level of English. A KET certificate can serve as an official document confirming your English level for immigration, for example to England.
The PET certificate is an internationally recognised document confirming intermediate-level English proficiency.
The exam will also build your confidence and provide good motivation to move up to the next level - preparing for and taking the next Cambridge exam, FCE for Schools.
On the international scale the exam level is B1 (Intermediate). Taking the exam requires an intermediate level of English; the ability to use English in everyday situations, understand simple articles, talk about yourself and your plans, and write a letter.
| PETfS | Reading and Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 h 30 min | 30 min | 10-12 min |
| Weighting % | 50% | 25% | 25% |
- Reading and writing consists of 5 parts and 35 questions, and writing consists of 3 parts and 7 questions. The Reading section offers newspaper and magazine articles, and candidates must demonstrate they understand the main idea and can answer a range of questions; for example, filling gaps with words from the text, answering true/false questions, matching a description in the text to a picture, etc. The Writing section requires filling gaps, and writing a short message, a postcard, a letter to a friend, or a short story, etc.
- Listening consists of 4 parts and 25 questions. Based on what they hear, candidates must choose correct answers, match sentences, and fill gaps in a text.
- Speaking consists of 4 parts. This part of the exam takes the form of a conversation between two examiners and two candidates at once. Using the given materials, the candidate talks with the other candidate and discusses with the examiner.
Reading and Writing counts for 50% of the total exam score, Listening 25%, and Speaking 25%. Candidates can receive one of four grades:
- Pass with Distinction – 85-100%, level B2 on the international scale.
- Pass with Merit, Pass – 70-84%, level B1 on the international scale.
- Pass Level A2 – 45-69%, level A2 on the international scale.
- Fail – 0-44%, the exam is not passed.
Results can be checked online.