B1 Preliminary preparation

B1 Preliminary

Who accepts B1 Preliminary?

These are just a few of the leading organisations that will accept your certificate:

Universidad de Chile
Freie Universität Berlin
Tec de Monterrey
Metrostav
MNG Airlines
StudyPortals

Virtually Anywhere

Improve your English listening skills with our audio series Virtually Anywhere.

Find out more

Free resources for teachers during Covid-19

Whether you are teaching your classes online or have returned to school, we have a range of practical resources and tools for you. Discover our free resources to help you prepare your learners during Covid-19.

Free: Paper-based sample test

Download sample papers for B1 Preliminary

Free: Computer-based sample tests

Watch this tutorial before you start.
Make a note of your answers as you do the test.

Reading sample test

Writing sample test

Listening sample test

Answer keys:

Reading and Writing answer key

Listening answer key

There is no answer key for Writing Parts 2 and 3 of the Reading and Writing paper, but there are sample answers and examiner comments in the relevant pages of the B1 Preliminary handbook.

Free: English practice

Free online activities for reading, writing, listening, grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary.

Write & Improve is a free tool that helps you to improve your English writing online. The Write & Improve workbooks contain hundreds of writing tasks at Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels, and for Business and Just for Fun, too.

Speaking test videos with examiners' commentary

These videos will help your students understand what happens during a speaking test. You can also download examiner comments for each video.

Read the examiner comments for Kenza and Mohammed's speaking test

Vocabulary list

This list gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for B1 Preliminary and B1 Preliminary for Schools.

Download B1 Preliminary vocabulary list

Information for candidates

A guide to the exam, with advice on preparing for the exam, tips for exam day and useful links.

Download B1 Preliminary information for candidates

Summary regulations for candidates

All the important information you need to know when taking the exam.

Download Summary regulations for candidates

Games and social media

Have fun learning by playing our free English games. You can practice your English with other language learners on our Cambridge English Facebook page.

Exam tip videos

Watch our exam tip videos on how to prepare for B1 Preliminary.

Official Cambridge English preparation materials

You can find a wide range of official Cambridge English support materials from Cambridge Assessment English and Cambridge University Press. Support materials include coursebooks and practice tests and include materials in both print and digital formats.