The Preliminary English Test (or PET) is, according to the University of Cambridge, an assessment for people capable of using everyday English for writing or speaking at an intermediate level. Unlike some other forms of ESL testing, the PET isn't designed to check for proficiency in business or academic English, but aims rather to reflect the way English is used in everyday life. Passing the PET is a way to prove to potential employers that the common English around the office won't be too difficult for you.

Determine if the PET test is appropriate for your level. The test isn't for beginners, so take a minute to think about how you use English. Cambridge University recommends that people who take the PET test know how to use English for dealing with everyday activities and events, for reading simple texts like magazine articles or newspapers, for writing letters on familiar subjects or for taking notes during a meeting. If you are comfortable with each of these areas of English, the PET is for you.

Practice each of the PET's four sections. The PET examines reading, writing, listening and speaking. The reading and writing sections are taken together as a written test that takes one and a half hours. The listening portion is scheduled for 30 minutes, and the speaking section is short -- 10 to 12 minutes. To prepare for the reading and writing section, do just that: read and write. Read short newspaper articles and then write a summary of the text. Prepare two or three questions about each story and answer them yourself. Speak to whomever you can about everyday stuff: the weather, what you did last night, this weekend's plans. And listen to the radio or English music, or have the TV on but don't watch it to hone your listening skills. It's helpful to have a friend who's also studying for the PET; practice quizzing each other on what you've read or heard.

Use a (free) PET preparation website to refresh your vocabulary or to see example questions. One-Stop PET has example questions for three levels of the test and free vocabulary lessons. An example question from the site may ask you to fill in a blank in a sentence from a few possible answers, such as "My brother left _____ pencil on the desk," in which case you'd be expected to know the correct possessive adjective (his). Alternatively, ESL-Bits has a great practice section with examples of questions including understanding the meaning of signs (an important part of the PET).

Purchase a test prep book, if you are really worried. There are dozens of PET practice test exam books for sale and quite a few ESL books that are designed to help you pass the PET. Most local bookstores will have an ESL section (and major bookstores will certainly have one), but consider shopping online. Cambridge provides a list of resources for ESL students, including recommended books.

It's important when studying English as a second language that you are honest with your ability. Studying at a level that is too high (or taking a test that's above your ability) will only cause trouble. Be patient. You'll get to a proficient level soon enough!