B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is a Cambridge Assessment English Qualification targeted at the intermediate level of the CEFR (B1 level). It is made up of four parts and designed to prove that students can successfully use the English language in the real world. B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is officially recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world, and is a qualification that shows a student can handle everyday written and spoken English at an intermediate level. Because B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is specially tailored to suit the interests of young students, it increases their motivation to learn English. It is based on familiar topics and situations, which gives test-takers the confidence to use their English and inspires them to move on to further qualifications.
Candidates can choose to take B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools as either a paper-based or a digital exam. Similar to the paper-based version, the digital exams are offered at certified test centers across Greece. Although the format of the exams is different, digital exams test the same knowledge and skills as our paper-based exams. In B1 Preliminary (PET) Digital, candidates use digital tools that allow them to manage the digital environment and perform to the best of their abilities. Both B1 Preliminary (PET) and B1 Preliminary (PET) Digital have been developed based on decades of world-leading expertise in language testing for learners.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools is targeted at Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale and is aimed at students who want to:
- understand the main points of straightforward instructions or public announcements
- deal with everyday situations when going out
- ask simple questions and take part in factual conversations with friends, family and at school
- write letters or make notes on familiar matters.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools follows exactly the same format and tests at the same level as B1 Preliminary (PET), also known as Preliminary English Test (PET). The only difference is in the content and treatment of topics, which in B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools have been particularly targeted to the interests and experience of young students.
B1 Preliminary (PET) for Schools – regardless of whether candidates are examined through the paper-based or digital format – is recognized by the private sector, as well as the Greek state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:
|
Level of recognition |
Overall score |
|
B2 |
160-170 |
|
B1 |
140-159 |
It is also recognized in several countries and can be used for academic and professional purposes that require language competence certification of this level.
How do I sign up for Orfeas?
If you are an individual candidate:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website.
- Navigate to “Sign In”.
- Then select “Register” and fill in your personal information.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- Click on the link and fill in your username and password. Finally, select “Sign In” to complete the registration process.
If you are a teacher or a Foreign Language School owner:
- Visit the Hellenic American Union website and complete the form with your personal and/or business information, and upload the required documents.*
Please note: You will be asked to provide an email address to register for Orfeas. This address, as well as the optional secondary email address should not have been used previously to create an Orfeas account or register as an individual candidate.
- Select “Save”.
- You will receive an automated e-mail with a link to verify your account and complete the registration.
- We will process your request, and e-mail you with a temporary password for first-time access. After that, you will be asked to change your password.
*Acceptable documents (max 5 MB):
For teachers (one of the following):
- English Language and/or Literature degree
For Foreign Language Schools (one of the following):
- Business registry details from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ)
- Certificate of commencement of activity for individual entrepreneurs
Please note that this step is required to register yourself or your students for your chosen exams at a later time.
How do I pay the examination fee?
To pay the examination fee, you must first complete the registration and application for your chosen exam.
Available payment methods:
- Credit card
Can I delete my application or my student’s application?
According to exam regulation 4.12., the examination fees paid are non-transferable and non-refundable. If you notice any mistakes in your application and need to correct them, please contact us via email at cambridge@hau.gr or by phone at +30 2310557600.
Do you offer non-standard test accommodations?
You can request special accommodations when you register the candidate on Orfeas.
You will need to provide the medical documentation that describes the candidate’s disability or/and learning difficulty; this must be issued by a qualified medical professional.
Documentation must be original, in Greek or English, or certified copies. Documentation in a language other than Greek must be translated into Greek or English by an authorized professional or authority, such as a lawyer or the Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs Translation Service. Either the original certified translation or a certified copy of the original certified translation can be submitted.
For more information on the types of accommodations, required documentation, and the application process, please visit our Nonstandard Test Accommodations page.
How can I register for the certificate exams of my choice?
For Foreign Language Schools owners and teachers:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, select the “Applications/Registrations” section. You will be automatically redirected to the “My Students” tab.
- If this is your first time registering a student, select “New Student”, fill in their personal details (using all Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on their ID or passport), and click “Save”. If the student has already been registered, you can find them in your student list.
- Select the checkbox next to the candidate’s name (or select multiple boxes if you wish to register multiple candidates for the same exam). Then, click “Register Students”.
- When the pop-up window appears, follow the on-screen instructions. Click “Submit”, and you will be automatically directed to the “My Exams” tab.
- You will see the new group of students for registration. Click “Pay & Submit” to choose your payment method and to finalize your application.
For Individual Candidates:
- After logging into Orfeas with your e-mail and password, go to the “Registration” section.
- Enter your personal details using Roman capital letters, exactly as they appear on your ID or passport.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click “Save”.
- You will be automatically redirected to “My Exams”. Select “New Application” from the top right.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, and click on “Submit” to review your application, and click “Pay & Submit” to complete the process.
How do I access my exam schedule or that of my students’?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
To view your students’ exam schedules, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Choose the exam group (e.g., CAE – 20/06/2024).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window to download your students’ schedules.
For individual candidates:
To view your schedule, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Applications”.
- Choose the application of your choice (e.g., CAE – 20/06/2024).
- Click on “Exam Schedule” in the pop-up window and select “Download Schedule” to download your schedule.
How do I access my students’ or my results?
For Foreign Language School owners and teachers:
To access your students’ results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Applications/Registrations”.
- Select “Statistics/Results”.
- Use the filters to choose the year, examination name, and examination period.
- Click “View” to view the results.
For individual candidates:
To access your results, follow these steps:
- Sign in to Orfeas.
- Click on “Registration”.
- Select “My Exams”.
- Select your application (e.g., CAE – 20/06/2024).
- Click on “Scores” in the pop-up window, and select “Download Score report” to download your detailed score report.
Note: If you wish to view your results but you did not register as an individual candidate, but rather through your teacher or Foreign Language School, you must register as a new user in the Orfeas system after 2:00 PM on the following day of the announcement of the results. Then, select “Exam Results” from the menu and, by filling in the required fields, you will have access to your results.
How can I stay updated on the status of my application?
For Foreign Language Schools and teachers:
Once you complete the application process for your students, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and the students’ schedules on Orfeas.
For individual candidates:
Once you complete the application process, you will receive an e-mail notification to confirm the payment and your schedule.
Register your students online for their exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home in North Macedonia, and complete all applications online with a debit, pre-paid or credit card.
On ORFEAS, you will have access to all your students’ relevant details for the upcoming exams and the ability to save and print in a single document their schedules that will take with them on the day of their test. You will also be able to access any updates on the status of your applications, as well as find and download useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare your students effectively for their exams.
- For a detailed guide on how to register your students for the Cambridge English Qualifications on ORFEAS, please refer to the brief ORFEAS Instructions document.
B1 Preliminary results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale. Candidates will receive a separate score for each of the 4 skills (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) on their Statement of Results which give them a clear understanding of their performance. These four scores are averaged to give them an overall result for the exam. They will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.
For B1 Preliminary, the following scores will be used to report results:
|
Cambridge English Scale Score |
Grade |
CEFR level |
|
160 -170 |
Grade A |
B2 |
|
153–159 |
Grade B |
B1 |
|
140–152 |
Grade C |
B1 |
|
120–139 |
Level A2 |
A2 |
Scores between 102 and 119 are also reported for B1 Preliminary. Candidates will not receive a certificate, but their Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on their Statement of Results. Scores below 102 are not reported, so candidates will not receiver a certificate nor a score for this examination.
The following factsheet can be used as a guide to help teachers and candidates understand how Cambridge English scale works. This information is better applied when using official Cambridge English practice tests.
Paper 1: Reading
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 6 parts
Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.
Number of questions: 32 questions in total
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short texts with three options (A, B and C) next to each text. Candidates should read each text and decide what situation, the text would appear in.
Part 2 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short descriptions of people and eight short texts to read. Candidates have to match each person to a text.
Part 3 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text followed by five multiple-choice questions with four options, A, B, C and D. Candidates have to read the text and answer the five questions.
Part 4 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five sentences have been removed from a longer text. Candidates have to find the missing five sentences from the eight sentences provided.
Part 5 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text with six numbered spaces. Each space represents a missing word and candidates have to choose the right answer from a choice of four (A, B, C or D).
Part 6 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A short text with six numbered spaces. Candidates have to think of the correct word to fill the gap.
Paper 2: Writing
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 2 parts
Candidates write their answers in the answer booklet using pen.
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
Candidates have to write an email of 100-120 words in response to information given (a standard rubric, an email and a set of four prompts presented as notes).
Part 2
Candidates have a choice of two questions: an article or a story to write around 100 words. For the article, candidates read a magazine or an article announcement that gives the topic that they must write about. For the story, candidates are given the first sentence of the story.
Paper 3: Listening
Duration: 30 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
Candidates write their answers in the answer sheet using pencil.
Number of questions: 25 questions
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (7 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Seven short recordings. For each recording there is a question and three pictures (A, B or C). Candidates have to listen to the recordings and choose the right visual image which best answers the question.
Part 2 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Six short dialogues each with a context sentence. A question or a sentence to complete follows with three options. Candidates listen to the text, then choose the option which best answers the question or completes the sentence.
Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer monologue and a page of notes or sentences, summarizing the content of the text. Six pieces of information have been removed. Candidates have to listen to the recording and fill in the missing information.
Part 4 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text in the form of an interview. Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, choosing the correct answer form a choice of three options.
Paper 4: Speaking
Duration: 12-17 minutes per pair of candidates
Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates
Number of parts: 4 parts
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
General conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks each candidate non-sensitive questions about himself/herself, his/her daily routines, likes, dislikes, etc.
Part 2
The examiner gives each candidate one coloured photograph to describe for about 1 minute each.
Part 3
The examiner sets up the situation by giving candidates images to look at. Prompts are designed to generate discussion about an imaginary situation. The candidates discuss their ideas together, making and responding to suggestions, discussing alternatives, making recommendations and negotiations agreement.
Part 4
Candidates are encouraged to discuss further and broaden the topic introduced in Part 3. The interlocutor directs the interaction by asking candidates questions. Candidates in turn respond either individually or through interaction with each other.
Paper 1: Reading
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 6 parts
Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. In the Reading test, test takers can make notes, highlight text and review their answers.
Number of questions: 32 questions in total
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short texts with three options (A, B and C) next to each text. Candidates should read each text and decide what situation, the text would appear in.
Part 2 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five short descriptions of people and eight short texts to read. Candidates have to match each person to a text.
Part 3 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text followed by five multiple-choice questions with four options (A, B, C and D). Candidates have to read the text and answer the five questions.
Part 4 (5 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
Five sentences have been removed from a longer text. Candidates have to find the missing five sentences from the eight sentences, A-H, provided.
Part 5 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A text with six numbered spaces. Each space represents a missing word and candidates have to choose the right answer from a choice of four (A, B, C or D).
Part 6 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A short text with six numbered spaces. Candidates have to think of the correct word to fill the gap.
Paper 2: Writing
Duration: 45 minutes
Number of parts: 2 parts
Test takers use their keyboard and mouse to select, compose and submit their answers. The Writing test has an automatic word count and they can easily edit their work.
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
Candidates have to write an email of 100-120 words in response to information given (a standard rubric, an email and a set of four prompts presented as notes).
Part 2
Candidates have a choice of two questions: an article or a story to write around 100 words. For the article, candidates read a magazine or an article announcement that gives the topic that they must write about. For the story, candidates are given the first sentence of the story.
Paper 3: Listening
Duration: 30 minutes, including 6 minutes' transfer time
Number of parts: 4 parts
For the Listening test, headphones with volume control help test takers listen comfortably and concentrate to perform the best of their abilities. Test takers use their mouse to select and submit their answers.
Number of questions: 25 questions
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1 (7 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Seven short recordings. For each recording there is a question and three pictures (A, B or C). Candidates have to listen to the recordings and choose the right visual image which best answers the question.
Part 2 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer.)
Six short dialogues each with a context sentence. A question or a sentence to complete follows with three options. Candidates listen to the text, then choose the option which best answers the question or completes the sentence.
Part 3 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer monologue and a page of notes or sentences, summarizing the content of the text. Six pieces of information have been removed. Candidates have to listen to the recording and fill in the missing information.
Part 4 (6 questions - 1 mark for each correct answer)
A longer text in the form of an interview. Candidates have to answer six multiple-choice questions, choosing the correct answer form a choice of three options.
Paper 4: Speaking
Duration: 12-17 minutes per pair of candidates
Format: 2 examiners - 2-3 candidates
Number of parts: 4 parts
The Speaking test is face-to-face, to help test takers develop real world communication skills.
Marks: 25% of total
Part 1
General conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks each candidate non-sensitive questions about themselves, daily routines, likes, dislikes, etc.
Part 2
The examiner gives each candidate one coloured photograph to describe for about 1 minute each.
Part 3
The examiner sets up the situation by giving candidates images to look at. Prompts are designed to generate discussion about an imaginary situation. The candidates discuss their ideas together, making and responding to suggestions, discussing alternatives, making recommendations and negotiations agreement.
Part 4
Candidates are encouraged to discuss further and broaden the topic introduced in Part 3. The interlocutor directs the interaction by asking candidates questions. Candidates in turn respond either individually or through interaction with each other.
There are two stages in the rescoring process by Cambridge English:
Stage 1: Full clerical re-check
- Application deadline: Within 20 calendar days from the date your results are announced
- Result notification: Within 5 to 10 working days from the date of your rescoring application
Stage 2: Re-mark of all written papers
- Application deadline: Within 40 calendar days from the date your results are announced
- Result notification: Within 15 to 20 working days from the date of your rescoring application
Find information on the terms and conditions for having one or more sections of your test rescored.
Language School Owners and teachers of English
The Hellenic American Union Center for Examinations and Certifications ships the Cambridge University Press & Assessment certificates as soon as the test developer makes them available.
We ship the certificates by courier service free of charge.
Certificates are sent to the Language School owner or teacher who registered the candidates.
Individual Candidates
As an individual candidate, you will receive your certificate via courier service free of service.
June 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | 01/06/2025 | 10/07/2025 |
| 07/06/2025 | 17/07/2025 | |
| 08/06/2025 | 17/07/2025 | |
| 14/06/2025 | 24/07/2025 | |
| 15/06/2025 | 24/07/2025 | |
| 21/06/2025 | 31/07/2025 | |
| 29/06/2025 | 07/08/2025 |
March 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
|---|---|---|
| March 2025 | 22/03/2025 | 06/05/2025 |
May 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 10/05/2025 | 20/06/2025 |
| 11/05/2025 | 20/06/2025 | |
| 17/05/2025 | 27/06/2025 | |
| 18/05/2025 | 27/06/2025 | |
| 25/05/2025 | 04/07/2025 | |
| 31/05/2025 | 10/07/2025 |
May 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | 15/05/2025 | 29/05/2025 |
June 2025
| Exam Period | Exam Date | Result announcement date |
|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | 18/06/2025 | 02/07/2025 |
Schedule
| Exam Date: | Exam Administration: | Test Centers: | Registration Period: |
|---|---|---|---|
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Registration Period:
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