Cambridge English: Business Higher

Exam overview

What's in the exam?

Achieve your ambitions in international business

Cambridge English: Business Higher shows employers that you have the drive and motivation to achieve an advanced level of business English, and can use your skills to function effectively in most international business situations.

Language skills for real-life business situations

Cambridge English: Business Higher is set at Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). C1 is the level of English required for demanding professional and academic settings and shows employers you can:

• communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
• participate with confidence in workplace meetings and presentations
• express yourself with a high level of fluency
• react appropriately in different cultural and social situations.

If you have not yet entered the job market, it can also be used to show universities and colleges that you can:

• follow an academic business course at university level
• carry out complex and challenging research.

Improving your employability and career prospects

Proving your business English abilities can open the door to career opportunities with a new employer, or can make your ambitions for promotion or career development within your current organisation a reality.

Clear, reliable evidence of your language ability

Employers value and rely on Cambridge English: Business Higher because it is a thorough test of all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in a business context.

Choice and flexibility

There is a choice of paper-based or computer-based exam formats and you can choose the format that works best for you. Computer-based exams offer shorter registration times and more exam dates throughout the year.

Fair and valid

We carry out detailed research and analysis to ensure all our exams are accurate, relevant and fair to the people that take them.

Our systems and processes meet the internationally recognised ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard.

Exam format

• Reading

  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Reading paper?

  The Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper has six parts with different types of texts and questions. You may have to read one long text or two or more shorter, related texts. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour
  Number of parts:	6
  Number of questions:	52
  Marks:	25% of total

  ---

  Parts 1–6

  Part 1 (Matching)

  What's in Part 1?	Either a single text which is divided into sections or five short, related texts and a series of statements. You have to match each statement to the section or text where you can find the information.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading for gist and global meaning.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  Part 2 (Matching)

  What's in Part 2?	A text with six numbered gaps, each of which represents a missing sentence, followed by some sentences (A–H). You have to read the text and the sentences and decide which sentence best fits each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading for structure and detail.
  How many questions are there?	6
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  Part 3 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 3?	A text followed by some multiple-choice questions. The questions may be either questions or incomplete sentences. For each question, there are four options and you have to choose A, B, C or D.
  What do I have to practise?	Understanding general points and specific details.
  How many questions are there?	6
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  Part 4 (Multiple-choice cloze)

  What's in Part 4?	A text with some numbered gaps, each of which represents a missing word. You have to choose the right word for each gap from four options (A, B, C or D).
  What do I have to practise?	Reading – vocabulary and structure.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 4
  Now try Part 4 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  Part 5 (Open cloze)

  What's in Part 5?	A text with some numbered gaps, each of which represents a missing word. You have to identify the right word for each gap.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading – structure and discourse features.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 5
  Now try Part 5 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  Part 6 (Proof-reading)

  What's in Part 6?	A text in which some lines are correct and some lines have an extra, unnecessary word. If the line is correct, you write 'CORRECT' on your answer sheet. If the line is not correct, you have to write the extra word down.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading – understanding sentence structure, error identification.
  How many questions are there?	12
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 6
  Now try Part 6 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Reading paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Read the instructions for each part carefully. This may save time as they can give information about the overall context for the text.
  2. Make sure you understand precisely how to record your answers and that you complete the answer sheet correctly.
  3. Read through the whole of the texts for Parts 1–3 before attempting the questions. If you start answering questions too hastily by selecting the first options that look possible superficially, you may later discover that you were wrong and waste time doing the questions all over again.
  4. Make sure that the answers for Part 1 are justified in terms of genuine paraphrases in the texts or extracts, equivalent to the statements, and are not based on a purely superficial resemblance, such as simple ‘word-spotting’.
  5. Make sure in Part 2 that each sentence chosen to fit into each gap fits both grammatically and in terms of the meaning of the text, before and after the gap.
  6. Remember, if you realise you have chosen an incorrect option for one of the gaps in Part 2, this may well affect other answers you have given.
  7. Read the whole of each sentence in Part 6 before deciding whether a line is correct or identifying an error in it; this is likely to involve reading the next line or previous lines.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't select an answer for Part 1 simply because the same word or words are in one part of the text and in the questions. This kind of ‘word spotting’ is very unlikely to lead to the correct answer.
  2. Don't choose an option for Part 3 which, although true, does not actually answer the question that has been set.
  3. Don't forget that questions in Part 3 follow the order of the text and that time can be wasted by looking all over the text for the answer to a particular question (unless the question is a ‘global’ one, in which case it will be the final question).
  4. Don't answer questions in Parts 4 and 5 without reading the text around the gaps to establish the context.
  5. Don't leave blanks for correct lines in Part 6 or identify as errors words which are unnecessary but not incorrect.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What aspects of reading are tested in this paper?

  You are tested on your ability to understand gist, detail and text structure and to identify main points and specific information. You are also tested on vocabulary, understanding discourse features and the ability to identify errors.

  How many marks is the Reading paper worth?

  The paper is worth 30 marks out of the whole Cambridge English: Business Higher exam, so scores are adjusted or weighted accordingly. The Reading paper is worth 25% of the total score.

  How long should I spend on each part?

  There is no time limit for each task; some tasks may take longer than others and you should be aware of how long you need for different tasks. However, it's worth remembering that some tasks have more items and are, therefore, worth more marks.

  How do I answer the Reading paper?

  In this paper, you put the answers on an answer sheet by filling in a box or by writing a one-word answer on your answer sheet in pencil.

• Writing

  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Writing paper?

  In the two parts of the Cambridge English: Business Higher Writing paper, you have to show that you can write different types of text in English. 

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour 10 minutes
  Number of parts:	2
  Number of questions:	Part 1: one compulsory question Part 2: one question from a choice of three
  Marks:	25% of total

  ---

  Parts 1–2

  Part 1

  What's in Part 1?	A guided writing task. You have to write a short report (memo or email) based on some input in the form of graphs, bar charts or pie charts.
  What do I have to practise?	Analysing graphic information and expressing it in words: describing or comparing figures, making inferences.
  How many questions are there?	One compulsory question.
  How much do I have to write?	120–140 words

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 2

  What's in Part 2?	A choice of three questions (2–4): a piece of business correspondence (letter, fax or email), a report (memo or email), or a proposal (memo or email). For the question you choose, you have to read some input material which describes a situation and write the specified response.
  What do I have to practise?	Writing a report (describing, summarising), correspondence (explaining, apologising, reassuring, complaining) or a proposal (describing, summarising, recommending, persuading).
  How many questions are there?	One question from a choice of three.
  How much do I have to write?	200–250 words

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Writing paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Underline the key words in the question.
  2. Make a detailed plan before you start.
  3. Write clearly and concisely.
  4. Make sure that all the figures and numbers you give are accurate.
  5. Remember the target reader.
  6. Remember that the examiner is a second target reader and you are writing to prove a range of skills.
  7. Keep looking back to the question to remember the purpose of writing.
  8. Remember which format to use.
  9. Use opening and closing phrases in your letter.
  10. Use headings and sub-headings in a report and proposal.
  11. Choose the correct register or level of formality.
  12. Include the name and position of the writer in a report or proposal.
  13. Answer all the elements in the question.
  14. Structure your writing with good linkers, such as firstly, also, however, moreover and nevertheless, as these provide structure.
  15. Write in paragraphs.
  16. Check the question and your work again after you have finished writing.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't try to prepare an answer before the exam – for example, for the graph question. It will be obvious to the markers.
  2. Don't invent reasons for why changes occurred on the graph. This is unnecessary.
  3. Don't forget to divide your time appropriately between the two questions. Remember that Part 1 is marked out of 10 and Part 2 out of 20. You should put yourself under exam conditions at home – this means answering the two questions in the time given (including your plans), not using a dictionary, and checking carefully at the end.
  4. Don't panic if other people in the exam start writing straight away. Reading the question carefully and producing a plan before you write your answer will produce a better piece of work.
  5. Don't mix formal and informal language.
  6. Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  How many answers must I produce?

  Two. One compulsory task (Part 1) and another from a choice of three tasks (Part 2).

  In what ways is Part 1 different from Part 2?

  In Part 1 there is one compulsory task. You are not offered a choice of task or task type. The task is based on graphic input – graphs, bar charts or pie charts.

  How many marks is each question worth?

  Part 2 is worth twice as many marks as Part 1. Examiners award marks according to an Assessment Scale, which describes bands of performance. These scores are converted to provide a mark out 10 for Part 1 and a mark out of 20 for Part 2.

  Where do I write my answers?

  In the question booklet. This booklet also contains sufficient space for you to write your rough work.

  What if I write less than the number of words stated in the task?

  If you write less than the word limit, this will probably mean that you have left out some important information.

  What if I write more than the number of words stated in the task?

  You should not worry if you run slightly over the word limit. But if you write far more than the word limit, you will lose marks, primarily because you are likely to have included irrelevant information or not made use of the appropriate concise business style.

  How is the Writing paper marked?

  The Writing paper is marked by small teams of examiners working with a Team Leader, all guided and monitored by a Principal Examiner. Each examiner is apportioned scripts chosen on a random basis from all the entries. In this way, examiners will be assessing scripts from a variety of centres and countries.

• Listening

  Available as a paper-based test
  Available as a computer-based test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Listening paper?

  The Cambridge English: Business Higher Listening paper has three parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	About 40 minutes, including transfer time
  Number of parts:	3
  Number of questions:	30
  Marks:	25% of total

  ---

  Parts 1–3

  Part 1 (Note completion)

  What's in Part 1?	A monologue of 2–3 minutes which contains some information. To answer the questions, you may have to take notes or complete sentences using a word or a short phrase (up to three words).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for and noting specific information.
  How many questions are there?	12
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Listening paper.

  ---

  Part 2 (Matching)

  What's in Part 2?	Five short monologues linked by theme or topic, from five different speakers, followed by two tasks which relate to the content and purpose of the monologues. You listen to the recordings and you then have to match each speaker to one of the items (A–H) in Task 1 and one of the items (A–H) in Task 2.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening to identify topic, context, function, speaker’s opinion, etc.
  How many questions are there?	10
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Listening paper.

  ---

  Part 3 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 3?	A conversation/interview/discussion between two or more people and some multiple-choice questions. You listen to the recording and then choose the correct answer from three options (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for gist, specific information, attitudes, etc.
  How many questions are there?	8
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Listening paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. In the time before the first listening, read the instructions and task carefully, think about what you are going to hear, and underline key words in the instructions and questions.
  2. Remember that in Part 1, spelling must be correct (British or American spelling).
  3. Use the second listening to check, confirm or alter your answers from the first listening (remember that changing an answer in Part 2 may affect other answers in the same task).
  4. Remember that in Part 2, the five answers in each task should be different.
  5. Concentrate on an in-depth understanding of what is said in Parts 2 and 3.
  6. Answer all the questions – you won't lose marks for wrong answers, and there's a chance that you'll guess correctly.
  7. Carefully copy your answers in pencil onto the answer sheet during the 10 minutes at the end of the test.
  8. Remember to pay attention to anything that appears after the gap in Part 1 questions.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't leave any answers blank.
  2. Don't spend too long thinking about a question: leave it until the second listening.
  3. Don't attempt to rephrase unnecessarily what you hear in Part 1.
  4. In Part 1, make sure you only write the necessary words – don't repeat or paraphrase words that are already in the instructions.
  5. Don't forget that an option in Part 3 that is true according to what is said may not, in fact, answer the question that has been asked.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What sort of material is used in the test?

  The recordings are scripted. They all deal with business topics and situations. Nearly all have one or two speakers.

  How useful is exam preparation for improving my listening ability?

  The exam tests listening skills that are required for most purposes – not only in business – so exam preparation is valuable, even if you are not taking the exam.

  Can the Listening test be taken separately?

  No, Cambridge English: Business Higher consists of four papers testing listening, reading, writing and speaking. All four papers need to be taken in the same exam period, in order to pass the exam.

• Speaking

  Face-to-face Speaking test

  Download a free pack of sample papers (zip file)

  What’s in the Speaking paper?

  The Cambridge English: Business Higher Speaking paper has three parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners (the interlocutor) conducts the test and the other examiner (the assessor) listens to what you say and takes notes.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	16 minutes per pair of candidates
  Number of parts:	3
  Marks:	25% of total
  You have to talk:	with the examiner with the other candidate on your own

  ---

  Parts 1–3

  Part 1 (Conversation)

  What's in Part 1?	Conversation with the interlocutor. The interlocutor asks you questions on a number of personal or work-related subjects.
  What do I have to practise?	Giving personal information and expressing opinions.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 3 minutes

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Speaking paper

  ---

  Part 2 (Mini-presentation)

  What's in Part 2?	A 'mini-presentation' on a business theme. The examiner gives you a choice of three topics (A, B or C). You have 1 minute to prepare to give a speech lasting approximately 1 minute. Listen carefully when your partner speaks as you have to ask a question when they have finished.
  What do I have to practise?	Talking on your own about something: giving information and expressing and justifying opinions.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 6 minutes

  Practise Part 2
  Now try Part 2 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Speaking paper.

  ---

  Part 3 (Discussion)

  What's in Part 3?	A discussion with the other candidate. The examiner gives you a business-related situation with two discussion points to talk about. You have to talk to the other candidate about the situation and decide together what to do. The examiner will then extend the discussion.
  What do I have to practise?	Expressing and justifying opinions, speculating, comparing and contrasting, agreeing and/or disagreeing, etc.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 7 minutes

  Practise Part 3
  Now try Part 3 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Higher Speaking paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Make sure that you are familiar with all parts of the test and that you know which order they come in.
  2. Practise giving answers that are appropriate in length, especially for Part 2.
  3. Listen to the questions that are asked and make sure you answer them.
  4. Ask for repetition or check if you haven't quite understood the task.
  5. Listen carefully to your partner's presentation in Part 2, so that you can ask a suitable question.
  6. Listen carefully to what your partner says in Part 3, so that you can respond appropriately.
  7. Take the initiative in Part 3 and ask questions, say whether you dis/agree with your partner, and ask for/give reasons during the discussion.
  8. Use the preparation time well in Part 2 to outline the main points you want to make and to organise your talk.
  9. Use the preparation time also to write down any useful words you might be able to incorporate in your 1-minute presentation.
  10. Practise brainstorming for ideas on many different topics/situations for Part 2.
  11. Speak clearly and to the appropriate person (the examiner or your partner).
  12. Think in terms of good communication and use strategies such as paraphrasing or substituting if you can't remember a word.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't prepare long responses and then learn them by heart before the exam.
  2. Don't try to speak more than your partner or interrupt impolitely while s/he is in the middle of speaking.
  3. Don't interrupt your partner during the 1-minute presentation.
  4. Don't start on a long, detailed answer to your partner's question at the end of Part 2.
  5. Don't worry if the examiner stops you. It means you have spoken enough, and s/he has to keep to the timing of the test.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  How many marks is the Speaking test worth?

  It is worth 25% of the total marks for the Cambridge English: Business Higher examination.

  How much do I need to know about business to be successful in the Speaking test?

  The Cambridge English: Business Certificates exams test English language in a business context. They are not focused on any specific branch, e.g. banking or computing, but you are expected to be familiar with a broad spectrum of business situations and the vocabulary appropriate to them.

  What if I don't know anything about any of the topics for the 1-minute presentation?

  The topics used are accessible to you without specialist knowledge. There are three topics for you to choose from. The first topic is always the most general and is suitable for those with minimal or even no working experience. The second topic is more specific to work contexts, and the third is most suited to those with experience of work situations. You are marked on your language and not on your knowledge of the topic or the originality of your ideas.

  For Part 3, is it best for us to decide on a specific company to use as a context and to discuss the situation around that?

  If both of you come from the same company, then clearly you already share a certain knowledge which you can use as a basis for your discussion. If, however, you don't know each other, it is not a good idea to spend time trying to decide on a specific context. Added to this is the fact that keeping an open context extends the potential for ideas and suggestions in discussing the task. This is a discussion task and not a role play.

  What happens if we are ‘mismatched’, e.g. a shy person with a more dominant one?

  Examiners are trained to handle such situations and to ensure that both of you are given equal opportunities, which you should then use to show what you know. The questions after the Part 3 task enable the interlocutor to ensure both of you have equal opportunities.

  What should I do if I don't understand a question?

  Ask! Good communication involves asking for clarification where necessary and in an appropriate manner.

  What should I do if I don't understand a question?

  Ask! Good communication involves asking for clarification where necessary and in an appropriate manner.

  Is it an advantage to know your partner in the Speaking test?

  Not really. You should be encouraged to change partners in class so that you grow accustomed to interacting with a variety of people, some of whom you don't know well.

  Are we compared to each other when we’re marked?

  No, you are marked on the basis of your individual performance.

  Does the interview always have a 2:2 format?

  No, if there is an uneven number of candidates, a group of three is allowed.

  Is it necessary to pass all parts of the exam to pass overall?

  No. the Cambridge English: Business Higher Speaking test represents 25% of the total marks available. Your overall grade is based on the total score gained in all papers. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in each paper in order to pass the examination.

Prepare successfully for Cambridge English: Business Higher

Cambridge ESOL offers a comprehensive range of printed and online exam preparation and support products and services for teachers and learners for all Cambridge English exams.

Materials to buy

Past Paper Packs

Past Paper Packs

Each pack provides teachers with everything they need to give students authentic practice for the exams:

1. 10 copies of each of the papers with photocopiable answer sheets
2. CD with audio recordings for the Listening paper
3. comprehensive Teacher Booklet.

More Buy now

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

This comprehensive teacher resource pack from Cambridge ESOL is designed to help teachers who are preparing students for their Speaking test. It includes:

1. Student Worksheets and candidate visuals
2. Teacher’s Notes
3. DVD showing real students taking a Speaking test.

More Buy now

More official preparation materials

A huge range of official Cambridge English preparation materials are also available from the Cambridge University Press website. Materials include printed and digital resources to support teachers and help learners prepare for their exam.

Books for study

Books for study

A huge range of coursebooks, practice tests and learning resources are produced by independent publishers in the UK and overseas to help you prepare for Cambridge English: Business Higher.

Find books for study

Free materials

To help you get started, Cambridge ESOL has some free materials which you can download:

Sample papers
Download sample papers for Cambridge English: Business Higher.

Download now

BEC Higher Speaking Test Student Worksheet
See a sample student worksheet from the Cambridge ESOL Speaking Test Preparation Pack.

Download now

BEC Higher Information for Candidates
A handy guide to the exam, with an overview of what’s involved and examples of papers.

Read now

Understanding your Statement of Results
Shows you the detailed, meaningful information you will receive once you have taken your exam.

Read now

Summary Regulations for Candidates
All the important information you need to know when taking the exam.

Read now

Exam dates

Exam dates for 2012

Note: Not all centres offer the exam on all dates below.
Please contact your centre to find out what dates they offer.

The Speaking paper is held by separate arrangement within a specified period or ‘window’.
Please contact your centre for more details.

View a summary of all exam dates for 2012 | 2013 (PDF).

Results

Your results

Cambridge English: Business Higher gives detailed, meaningful results. All candidates receive a Statement of Results. Candidates whose performance is successful will also receive a certificate.

Statement of Results

This document outlines:

• Your candidate result. This result is based on your total score in all papers.
  
• A graphical display of your performance in each paper (shown against the scale Exceptional – Good – Borderline – Weak).
• A standardised score out of 100 which allows you to see exactly how you performed. It has set values for each grade, allowing comparison across sessions of the exam.

Find out more at Understanding your Statement of Results – Cambridge English: Business Higher

You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Results Online access details are provided by exam centres.

Your certificate

• Cambridge English: Business Higher – Level C2

Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond C1 level. If you achieve grade A in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Higher stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2.

• Cambridge English: Business Higher – Level C1

If you achieve grade B or C in your exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Higher at Level C1.

• Level B2 Certificate

If your performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B2 level.

Results Verification Service

If you need to allow employers, universities or other organisations to verify your examination results, just send them your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number (printed on your Confirmation of Entry) and they can check your results quickly and securely online at http://verification.CambridgeESOLonline.org.

Further information on results

• Results enquiries and appeals
• Malpractice
• Lost certificates