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100+ Free PEIC B1 Practice Questions

Pass your Pearson English International Certificate Level 2 (B1) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Question 1
Score: 0/0

Read the instruction on a packet and choose the missing word: "Keep this product in a cool, _____ place away from direct sunlight."

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: PEIC B1 Exam

PEIC Level 2 is Pearson's CEFR B1 general English certificate (formerly PTE General), scored out of 100 across listening, reading, writing and speaking, with multiple-choice questions concentrated in Listening Section 1 and Reading Sections 4 and 5.

Sample PEIC B1 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your PEIC B1 exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1You hear a woman in a shop say: "Excuse me, do you have this jumper in a larger size? This one is a bit too tight." What does the woman want?
A.A cheaper jumper
B.A bigger version of the jumper
C.A different colour of jumper
D.A refund for the jumper
Explanation: In Section 1 you listen for the gist of a short utterance. The woman says the jumper is "too tight" and asks for "a larger size", so she wants a bigger version of the same item. The key phrase "larger size" gives the answer directly.
2You hear an announcement at a station: "The 10:15 train to Leeds is delayed by twenty minutes due to a signal fault." Why is the train late?
A.There are too many passengers
B.There is a problem with a signal
C.The weather is very bad
D.The driver has not arrived
Explanation: This is a public announcement, a common Section 1 stimulus. The reason given is "a signal fault", so the train is late because of a problem with a signal. Listen for the cause introduced by "due to".
3You hear a man on the phone say: "Hi, I'd like to book a table for four people for Friday evening, around eight o'clock." Where is the man most likely calling?
A.A cinema
B.A library
C.A hospital
D.A restaurant
Explanation: Identifying the situation is a key Section 1 skill. "Book a table for four people" for the evening points clearly to a restaurant reservation. The words "table" and the time make the place certain.
4You hear a woman say: "Turn left at the bank, go straight on past the park, and the museum is on your right." What is the woman doing?
A.Giving directions
B.Describing a painting
C.Complaining about a shop
D.Booking a holiday
Explanation: Following an instruction such as directions is a typical Section 1 function. The phrases "turn left", "go straight on" and "on your right" show she is giving directions to the museum.
5You hear a girl say: "I loved the film, but the ending was a bit disappointing. I expected something more exciting." How did the girl feel about the ending?
A.Frightened
B.Confused
C.Disappointed
D.Bored throughout
Explanation: Understanding a speaker's opinion is tested in Section 1. She says the ending "was a bit disappointing", so she felt disappointed with it, even though she enjoyed the rest of the film.
6You hear a man say: "Could you remind me to call the dentist this afternoon? I keep forgetting." What does the man ask the other person to do?
A.Make the dental appointment for him
B.Drive him to the dentist
C.Remind him to phone the dentist
D.Cancel his dental appointment
Explanation: Section 1 tests language functions such as making a request. He says "Could you remind me to call the dentist", so he is asking the listener to remind him to phone. He plans to make the call himself.
7You hear a woman say: "The blue jacket on the chair is mine, not the black coat by the door." Which item belongs to the woman?
A.The blue jacket on the chair
B.The black coat by the door
C.A red scarf on the table
D.A grey hat on the shelf
Explanation: Section 1 often tests careful listening for detail where several items are mentioned. She clearly says "the blue jacket on the chair is mine", so that is hers, while the black coat is not.
8You hear a recorded message: "Thank you for calling Greenfield Library. We are open from nine to five, Monday to Saturday." When is the library closed?
A.On Monday
B.On Saturday morning
C.On Sunday
D.At lunchtime every day
Explanation: A recorded message is a typical Section 1 stimulus. The library is open "Monday to Saturday", which leaves Sunday as the closed day. Listen for the days that are included to work out the one that is left out.
9You hear a boy say: "I can't come to football practice on Thursday because I have a piano lesson." Why can't the boy go to football practice?
A.He has a piano lesson
B.He has hurt his leg
C.He has too much homework
D.He doesn't like football
Explanation: Section 1 tests understanding a reason. The boy gives the cause with "because I have a piano lesson", so that clash is why he cannot attend football practice on Thursday.
10You hear a man say: "Would you like me to carry that heavy bag for you?" What is the man doing?
A.Asking for directions
B.Apologising for being late
C.Complaining about the weight
D.Offering to help
Explanation: Recognising functions such as offering is a Section 1 skill. "Would you like me to carry that..." is a polite offer of help. The structure "Would you like me to..." signals an offer.

About the PEIC B1 Exam

The Pearson English International Certificate (PEIC) Level 2 is a general English qualification set at CEFR level B1, the independent-user level. Formerly known as PTE General, it is awarded by Edexcel and accepted by employers and education authorities worldwide as proof of practical English ability. The written paper lasts about 1 hour 35 minutes and contains nine sections testing listening, reading and writing, while a short separate spoken test assesses speaking. The multiple-choice sections are Section 1 Listening, which has ten three-option questions on short recordings, and Reading Sections 4 and 5, which use three-option questions to test gap-fill and comprehension skills. The certificate never expires, and test sessions run several times a year in May, June, November and December at registered centres around the world.

Questions

100 scored questions

Time Limit

About 1 hour 35 minutes for the written paper at B1, with individually timed sections, plus a short spoken test of around 7 minutes.

Passing Score

Scored out of 100 (75 written plus 25 spoken). Outcomes range from Fail to Pass with Distinction; a Pass certifies B1 (or B1+) ability on the CEFR.

Exam Fee

Set by each registered test centre and varies by country; typically the equivalent of around GBP 90-130 for the International Certificate at B1 level. (Pearson, in association with Edexcel)

PEIC B1 Exam Content Outline

40%

Section 1: Listening (multiple choice)

Ten three-option questions on short recordings; tests understanding gist, situation, speaker role, instructions and descriptions in everyday spoken English.

30%

Section 4: Reading (gap-fill multiple choice)

Five short texts such as signs, notices, labels, menus and adverts with a gap; tests purpose, structure and main idea by choosing the missing word or phrase.

30%

Section 5: Reading (comprehension multiple choice)

Short texts with multiple-choice questions; tests reading for main detail, key information and understanding opinions in articles, letters and notices.

How to Pass the PEIC B1 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scored out of 100 (75 written plus 25 spoken). Outcomes range from Fail to Pass with Distinction; a Pass certifies B1 (or B1+) ability on the CEFR.
  • Exam length: 100 questions
  • Time limit: About 1 hour 35 minutes for the written paper at B1, with individually timed sections, plus a short spoken test of around 7 minutes.
  • Exam fee: Set by each registered test centre and varies by country; typically the equivalent of around GBP 90-130 for the International Certificate at B1 level.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PEIC B1 Study Tips from Top Performers

1For Section 1 listening, read the question and all three options in the 10 seconds before each recording and underline key words.
2Remember that all listening options may be mentioned in the recording, so listen for overall meaning rather than just matching words.
3For Section 4 reading, decide what part of speech the missing word is and read the whole sentence back with your chosen answer.
4Build everyday vocabulary around signs, notices, menus, adverts and travel, as these are common Section 4 and 5 topics.
5Practise reading short articles, letters and notices for main detail and opinion to prepare for Section 5 comprehension questions.
6Always answer every question, since marks are not deducted for wrong answers; eliminate options you know are wrong first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pearson English International Certificate Level 2 (B1)?

It is a general English qualification at CEFR level B1, formerly called PTE General, awarded by Edexcel and Pearson. It assesses listening, reading, writing and speaking and is recognised by employers and education authorities worldwide.

Which parts of the PEIC B1 test are multiple choice?

Section 1 (Listening) has ten three-option multiple-choice questions, and Reading Sections 4 and 5 each have five three-option questions. The other sections use dictation, note completion, open questions and writing tasks.

How long is the PEIC B1 test and how is it scored?

The written paper lasts about 1 hour 35 minutes, with a short separate spoken test. The test is scored out of 100 (75 written and 25 spoken), and results range from Fail to Pass with Distinction.

How many questions are in the listening multiple-choice section?

Section 1 contains ten multiple-choice questions, each based on a short recording with one or two speakers and three answer options. You hear each recording once and choose the option that matches what you hear.

Is the PEIC B1 certificate still valid in 2026?

Yes. The Pearson English International Certificate is active in 2026, with test sessions in May, June, November and December at registered centres, and the certificate never expires once awarded.

What level of English do I need for PEIC B1?

B1 is the independent-user level. You should understand the main points of clear standard speech and writing on familiar topics such as work, school and leisure, and deal with most everyday situations.