Korea Cambridge Assessment Centre

B1 Preliminary

An intermediate qualification showing you can use English in everyday, study and work situations.

PaperDigital

Exam fee

140,000원

The fee is subject to the operator's notice when the exam date and venue are confirmed.

Compare all fees →

Registration deadline

6 weeks before the exam

Once the schedule and venue are confirmed 8 weeks before the exam, a payment notice is sent.

Exam format

Paper, Digital

The format may vary by session and can be chosen when you apply.

Apply for group testingHow to register

Who it's for

Who is this exam for?

Intermediate learners who have completed the basics and are beginning to use English in everyday, study and work settings. It can evidence English for study abroad, basic communication with overseas colleagues and customers, and preparation for admission to an overseas middle or high school or for university study.

Learners at CEFR B1

Has a foundation in English and practical skills for everyday life. Can understand straightforward textbooks, articles and notices, write letters and emails on familiar topics, and recognise opinions, feelings and attitudes as well as factual information.

Test format

Test format by section

The number of parts, questions, and timing are identical for Paper and Digital.

Reading (45 min, 25%)

  • 6 parts, 32 questionsIdentify main ideas and details in signs, magazines, articles and other texts through multiple choice, matching and gap-fill tasks

Writing (45 min, 25%)

  • Part 1Write an email of about 100 words (20 marks)
  • Part 2Choose an article or story and write about 100 words (20 marks)

Listening (30 min + 6 min answer transfer for Paper only, 25%)

  • 4 parts, 25 questionsUse announcements and everyday conversations to identify key information, main ideas, detailed meaning, attitudes and opinions
  • AudioEvery recording is played twice

Speaking (pairs: 10–12 min / groups of three: 15–17 min, 25%)

  • Part 1 (2 min)Individual interview
  • Part 2 (3 min)Describe a photograph in a monologue of about one minute
  • Part 3 (4 min)Discuss suggestions with a partner
  • Part 4 (3 min)Exchange opinions and experiences

Paper vs Digital

Two ways to take it

This exam can be taken in two formats — Paper-based and Digital. The structure, scores, and certificate are identical; only the delivery differs.

Structure, scores, certificate
Paper and Digital run with the same number of parts, questions, timing, and marking criteria, and the certificate issued is identical.
Paper-based
You receive paper question and answer sheets and write with a pen. Extra time is given to transfer answers (e.g. 6 minutes for Listening).
Digital
You take it on a computer screen by typing and clicking. As there's no answer-transfer step, some sections are slightly shorter. Speaking is a face-to-face interview with an examiner regardless of format.
Results
Digital tends to have faster Cambridge processing, so results are usually released earlier than Paper (the exact schedule per session takes precedence).

Preparation

How to prepare

Reaching B1 typically requires about 350–400 hours of cumulative study. A 50–60-hour intensive course such as the Compact series can be used for final preparation. Official materials include Paper and Digital sample tests, the teacher handbook and audio. Recommended coursebooks include Prepare 2nd Edition, Trainers and Compact.

Scoring and grade cutoffs in detail

Score range

120–170 points (Cambridge English Scale)

Pass criteria

140 points or above: pass (B1 Preliminary certificate)

Scores of 120–139 receive a Statement of Results showing level A2.

Grade cutoffs

  • Pass with Distinction (Grade A)

    160 points or above — certificate records the higher B2 level

  • Pass with Merit

    153–159 points

  • Pass

    140–152 points

Difference from the For Schools version

B1 Preliminary for Schools has the same structure, scoring and certificate as B1 Preliminary; only the topics differ. The For Schools version focuses on school life and interests shared by young people, while the standard exam uses adult contexts such as work and social life.

Next steps

Next steps

Institutional inquiry

Group registration for B1 Preliminary

CEQ is currently available only through institutional group inquiries. See the registration steps and how to get in touch.

Go →

Resources

B1 Preliminary resources

Sample tests, teacher handbooks, and study tools in one place.

Go →

Next level

B2 First

The level after B1 Preliminary. The upper-intermediate qualification most widely accepted for university study and international employers.

Go →