B1 Preliminary for Schools exam-day guide
B1 Preliminary for Schools · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Photo ID and entry documents
Bring the identification document named on your entry/registration confirmation (often a passport or national ID for school candidates). The exact accepted ID types and any signature/photo requirements vary by centre, so confirm with the provider or your school before exam day.
Exam timetable and venue details
Know your start time, the venue address, and the order of papers (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Check whether Speaking is on the same day or a separate day; this is set by the centre, so confirm with the provider.
Black or blue pens and a pencil
Bring at least two pens and a pencil with an eraser. Answers on the Reading and Writing answer sheets are normally written in pen; pencil is useful for planning and for any machine-read sections. Follow the instructions printed on your paper and the supervisor's directions.
Clear water bottle and a small snack
Bring water in a clear, label-free bottle if your centre allows it, and a snack for after the papers. Rules on food and drink in the exam room differ, so confirm with the provider.
No phone or smart device in the exam room
Leave phones, smart watches, and earbuds at home or hand them in as instructed. Even a switched-off device in a pocket can be treated as misconduct. Ask the centre where to store valuables.
Plan your journey and arrive early
Arrive well before the reporting time, allowing for transport delays and security checks. Aim for at least 30 minutes early unless your centre states otherwise; confirm the reporting time with the provider.
Check the Listening equipment arrangements
Listening is usually played through a CD player or centre audio system. If you have a hearing difficulty or need adjusted arrangements, these must be requested in advance through the provider; they cannot be arranged on the day.
Know the paper timings
B1 Preliminary for Schools has Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking components. Learn the approximate time for each paper so you can pace yourself; exact timings are printed on your paper. Confirm current timings with the provider, as formats can change.
Speaking partner and group arrangements
The Speaking test is taken in pairs (sometimes a group of three) with two examiners. You do not choose your partner. If you are unsure how your centre organises Speaking, confirm with the provider.
Review the format, not new grammar
In the last days, reread the task types for each paper: multiple-choice, matching, gapped text, and short writing tasks. Do not try to learn large amounts of new language at the last minute.
Prepare for the Writing tasks
Practise the two Writing tasks: a short message/email and a longer article or story-type task, depending on the current paper. Check the word limits and what each task rewards (content, organisation, language). Confirm the current task types with the provider.
Sleep, food, and a calm routine
Sleep well the night before, eat a normal breakfast, and avoid last-minute cramming in the queue. Arrive rested; exam performance depends heavily on concentration.
Plan the day
Confirm your venue, start time, and ID requirements with your school or centre. Do one full timed practice paper under exam conditions, then review your errors by task type rather than redoing everything. Check that your pens, pencil, and eraser are ready. If you have any access arrangements, confirm they are approved and will be in place.
Practise the Speaking format: a short interview, a collaborative task with a partner, and a longer turn on a topic. Record yourself, check fluency and pronunciation, and practise asking for clarification politely. Do not memorise long answers; examiners notice and it limits your score.
Pack your bag: ID, entry confirmation, pens, pencil, eraser, water, snack. Charge nothing you cannot take in; leave devices at home. Check transport routes and set two alarms. Read the format summary for each paper once, then stop studying. Eat a normal meal and go to bed at a reasonable time.
Eat breakfast, dress comfortably in layers, and leave with extra time. Arrive at the reporting time; follow signage and supervisor instructions. Keep your ID in hand. Avoid discussing answers or predictions with other candidates in the queue, as it raises anxiety and can cause confusion.
Read the instructions and check the time limits. Skim the texts first, then answer; do not spend too long on one item. For Writing, plan briefly, write within the word limit, and leave time to check spelling, punctuation, and task completion. Transfer answers exactly as instructed.
Use the pause before each recording to read the questions. Write as you listen; do not wait until the end. If you miss an answer, move on and return if time allows. At the end, check that answers are clear and in the right place.
Greet the examiners, speak clearly, and listen to your partner. Take your turn, but do not dominate; interaction is assessed. If you do not understand, ask the examiner to repeat or explain. Keep going even after a mistake; fluency matters more than perfection.
Do not try to reconstruct every answer with friends; it increases stress and is rarely accurate. Note the date and method for results release given by your centre, and confirm with the provider how and when results and certificates will be issued.
Rules to check
Bring the identification document required by your centre and keep it on your desk if instructed. If your ID is lost or does not match your registration, contact the provider immediately; do not assume you will be admitted.
Follow all supervisor instructions. Do not start writing before you are told and stop immediately when time is called. Writing after the stop instruction can lead to your paper being cancelled.
Do not bring phones, smart watches, or any unauthorised materials into the exam room. Possession of such items, even switched off, may be treated as malpractice and can result in the cancellation of your result.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam and do not look at others' work. If you need to leave the room (for example, for the toilet), raise your hand and wait for a supervisor; re-entry rules vary, so confirm with the provider.
Breaks between papers are supervised and usually short. You may not access phones or notes during breaks unless the centre explicitly allows it; confirm the centre's policy with the provider.
Results are based on the papers you sit; missing a component may mean no overall grade is awarded. If illness or an emergency affects you, tell the centre staff immediately and ask the provider about special consideration procedures.
Speaking tests are recorded in many centres for quality and marking purposes. Do not ask for recordings to be stopped; if you have concerns, raise them with the provider in advance.
Malpractice, including copying, impersonation, or bringing unauthorised notes, can lead to cancellation of results and further sanctions. Read the centre's notice to candidates and ask the provider if anything is unclear.