Cambridge English: Business Preliminary

Exam overview

What's in the exam?

Achieve your ambitions in international business

Cambridge English: Business Preliminary is an intermediate-level qualification that shows employers that you have a knowledge of business English sufficient for practical, everyday use in a business environment.

Language skills for real-life business situations

Cambridge English: Business Preliminary is set at Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). At this level, you would be able to carry out basic office tasks such as:

• reading short messages
• interpreting charts
• writing a short email
• following short telephone conversations and discussions
• talking about business-related matters.

The content in Cambridge English: Business Preliminary reflects everyday work and business tasks. Preparing for your exam will give you skills that will make you an asset to your employer.

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 Preliminary 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 that all our exams are accurate, relevant and fair to the people who take them.

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

Exam format

• Reading and 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 Reading and Writing paper?

  Cambridge English: Business Preliminary Reading and Writing paper has seven parts for Reading and two tasks for Writing. There are different types of texts and questions.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	1 hour 30 minutes
  Number of parts:	Reading: 7 parts; Writing: 2 parts
  Number of questions:	Reading: 45 questions; Writing: 2 tasks
  Marks:	Reading: 25%; Writing: 25%

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  Parts 1–9

  Part 1 (Matching)

  What's in Part 1?	Five very short texts (they may be signs, messages, postcards, notes, emails, labels, etc.). You have to read them and choose which of the three sentences (A, B or C) best describes the text.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading notices and other short texts to understand the main message.
  How many questions are there?	5
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

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  Part 2

  What's in Part 2?	Five short descriptions of people and one text to read. You have to match each person to part of the text.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading to find specific information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 3

  What's in Part 3?	Eight graphs or charts (or one or more graphics with eight parts) and five questions. You need to match each question to a graph or part of a graph.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and understanding visual information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 4

  What's in Part 4?	A text and seven questions. For each question, you have to decide if a statement is A 'Right' or B 'Wrong' according to the text, or if the information is not given in the text, you should choose C 'Doesn't say'.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and finding detailed factual information.
  How many questions are there?	7
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 5

  What's in Part 5?	A text, often from a leaflet or from a newspaper or magazine article, with six multiple-choice questions. Each question has three options.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading for gist and specific information.
  How many questions are there?	6
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 6

  What's in Part 6?	A text (newspaper or magazine article, advert, leaflet, etc.) with twelve numbered spaces. Each space represents a missing word and you have to choose the right answer (A, B, or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Reading – understanding when grammar is correct and understanding the structure of a text.
  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 Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 7

  What's in Part 7?	Two short texts (memos, letters, notices, adverts, etc.) and a form to complete. You have to read the texts and fill in the correct information (a word, a number or a phrase) in the empty spaces on the form.
  What do I have to practise?	Reading and transferring information.
  How many questions are there?	5
  How many marks do I get?	One mark for each correct answer.

  Practise Part 7
  Now try Part 7 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 8 (Writing Part 1)

  What's in Part 8? (Writing Part 1)	The instructions tell you who to write to and what you should write (e.g. a note, message, memo or email).
  What do I have to practise?	Writing short messages to colleagues.
  How many questions are there?	1
  How much do I have to write?	30–40 words
  How many marks do I get?	This question has a total of 10 marks.

  Practise Part 8
  Now try Part 8 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  Part 9 (Writing Part 2)

  What's in Part 9 (Writing Part 2)	A piece of business correspondence (letter, fax, memo, note or email) or a notice, advert, etc., to read. The instructions tell you what to write and who to write to.
  What do I have to practise?	Writing business letters to people outside your company.
  How many questions are there?	1
  How much do I have to write?	60–80 words
  How many marks do I get?	This question has a total of 20 marks.

  Practise Part 9
  Now try Part 9 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Preliminary Reading and Writing paper.

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Spend time reading the instructions for each part carefully.
  2. Check the general meaning of each short text in Part 1/Reading .
  3. Check you understand the information in the graphic(s) in Part 3/Reading and read the whole of each question carefully.
  4. Read both the text and the questions in Part 4/Reading carefully; in particular, double-check the questions where you have answered ‘doesn’t say’.
  5. Read the texts carefully in Part 7/Reading to make sure you have clearly understood the situation.
  6. Keep an eye on the clock to make sure you finish the whole question paper.
  7. Allow enough time to fill in answers on the answer sheet.
  8. Try to allow 5–10 minutes checking time at the end.
  9. For the Writing tasks, read the question paper thoroughly and underline the important parts.
  10. Make a plan for each answer in the Writing tasks.
  11. Check that you have included all the content points in Writing Parts 1 and 2.
  12. Expand the points in Writing Part 2 with relevant ideas and information.
  13. In the Writing tasks, use a range of suitable business words and expressions.
  14. Write clearly, so that the examiner can read the answer.
  15. Keep within the word limit for the Writing tasks.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don’t rush Parts 4 and 5 – you need to read the texts carefully here.
  2. Don’t answer questions in Part 6 without reading the whole text first.
  3. Don’t copy a lot from the text(s) in Part 7.
  4. Don’t guess an answer – always check the text.
  5. Don’t add too much information to your Writing Part 1 answer.
  6. Don’t copy too much language from the question paper.
  7. Don’t misspell key words which appear on the question paper.
  8. Don’t use the same words and phrases too many times – use a range of vocabulary.
  9. Don’t mix formal and informal language in the Writing tasks.

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  What aspects of reading are tested in this part of the paper?

  You are tested on your ability to understand gist and detail and to identify main points and specific information. You are also tested on vocabulary and understanding the structure and development of a text.

  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, remember that some parts have more questions and are therefore worth more marks.

  How do I answer the Reading part of the paper?

  In this paper, you put the answers on an answer sheet by filling in a box or by writing a word, short phrase or number onto your answer sheet in pencil.

  In what ways is Writing: Part 1 different from Writing: Part 2?

  Writing: Part 1 is a piece of communication with a colleague or colleagues inside a company. Writing: Part 2 is a longer piece of business correspondence, which is usually with somebody outside the company.

  How many marks is each question worth?

  Writing: Part 2 is worth twice as many marks as Writing: Part 1. Examiners use a General Mark Scheme, which describes bands of performance. For Writing: Part 1, the mark scheme is used mainly to assess how well you achieve the task. For Writing: Part 2, the mark scheme is used to assess both language and task achievement. The scores become a mark out of five for Writing: Part 1 and a mark out of 10 for Writing: Part 2.

  Where do I write my answers for the Writing tasks?

  On the answer sheet provided.

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

  If you write less than the word limit, this probably means that you have not included all the important information.

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

  You should not worry if your writing is a little over the word limit. But if you write much more than the word limit, you will lose marks, because you have probably included irrelevant information or not used the correct, concise business style.

  What happens if I write a well-written text but do not answer the question?

  In order to achieve the task you must answer the question. If you do not answer the question, you achieve no marks for that question.

  What types of writing skill are assessed?

  When examiners assess your writing, they will think about task achievement, range of structure and vocabulary, accuracy and control of language, organisation and cohesion, appropriacy of register and format and the effect the writing will have on the target reader.

  I use American spelling. Will I lose marks?

  No. Both British and American English are OK.

• 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 Preliminary Listening paper has four 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 10 minutes to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet
  Number of parts:	4
  Number of questions:	30
  Marks:	25% of total

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  Parts 1–4

  Part 1 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 1?	Eight short conversations/monologues (one person speaking). For each recording, there is a multiple-choice question, which may be in the form of words or pictures. You have to listen to the recordings and choose the right answer (A, B or C).
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for specific information.
  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 Preliminary Listening paper.

  ---

  Part 2 (Note completion)

  What's in Part 2?	A short conversation or monologue which contains factual information and a form, table, chart or set of notes with gaps. You have to listen to the recording and write the correct information (dates, prices, percentages, figures, etc.) in the gaps.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for specific information – numbers and spelling.
  How many questions are there?	7
  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 Preliminary Listening paper.

  ---

  Part 3 (Note completion)

  What's in Part 3?	A longer monologue and a page of notes or a form with gaps. You have to listen to the recording and fill in the missing information (one or two words) in the gaps.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for specific information.
  How many questions are there?	7
  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 Preliminary Listening paper.

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  Part 4 (Multiple choice)

  What's in Part 4?	A longer recording (about three minutes) which may be an interview or a discussion between two or more speakers. You have to listen to the recording and choose the right answer (A, B or C) for each of the eight multiple-choice questions.
  What do I have to practise?	Listening for gist (the main ideas) and specific information.
  How many questions are there?	8
  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 Preliminary Listening paper.

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  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. Use the second listening to check your answers from the first listening.
  3. Answer all the questions – you won’t lose marks for wrong answers, and there’s a chance that you will guess correctly.
  4. Carefully copy your answers in pencil onto the answer sheet during the 10 minutes at the end of the test.
  5. In Part 2, write the exact words that you hear for your answers.
  6. Remember that spelling (British or American) should be correct. (Parts 2 and 3)
  7. Pay attention to anything that appears after the gaps in the questions. (Parts 2 and 3)
  8. In Part 3, write the exact words that you hear for your answers.
  9. In Parts 1 and 4, concentrate on a detailed understanding of what is said.
  10. For Parts 1 and 4, remember that the correct option must answer the question: wrong options may be true according to what you hear, but will not answer the question.

  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. In Parts 2 and 3, don’t repeat information or words that already appear before or after the gap. For example, if the word ‘days’ is after the gap, don’t write ‘days’ in your answer.

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  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  Will I have enough time to read through the questions?

  Yes. There is a pause before each part of the Listening test to give you time to look through the questions, and other pauses to let you think about your answers. You will be told on the tape how long the pause is before each part.

  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 I take the Listening test separately?

  No, Cambridge English: Business Preliminary consists of three papers testing reading and writing, listening and speaking. You have to take all three papers 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 Preliminary Speaking test has three parts and you take it together with another candidate. There are two examiners. One of the examiners talks to you and the other examiner listens and takes notes.  

  Summary

  Time allowed:	12 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 1–2

  Part 1 (Conversation)

  What's in Part 1?	Conversation with the examiner. The examiner asks questions and you give information about yourself and your opinions.
  What do I have to practise?	Talking about yourself, agreeing and disagreeing, expressing preferences.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 2 minutes

  Practise Part 1
  Now try Part 1 from the sample Cambridge English: Business Preliminary 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 two topics and you have 1 minute to prepare and then give a speech lasting about 1 minute. Listen carefully when your partner speaks as the examiner will ask you which point you think is most important.
  What do I have to practise?	Making a longer speech on your own. Giving information and expressing opinions.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 5 minutes

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

  ---

  Part 3 (Discussion)

  What's in Part 3?	A discussion with the other candidate. The examiner describes a situation to you and will give you some black and white pictures or written text to help you. You have to talk to the other candidate for about 2 minutes about the situation and decide what to do.
  What do I have to practise?	Giving opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, etc.
  How long do we have to speak?	About 5 minutes

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

  ---

  DOs and DON’Ts

  DOs

  1. Get plenty of speaking practice in small groups, especially on topics likely to be used in the exam.
  2. Listen to native (or near native) speakers of English doing similar tasks.
  3. Collect and keep records of words and phrases useful for carrying out the exam tasks.
  4. Ask the examiner to repeat the instructions if you didn't hear them clearly.
  5. Speak clearly and loudly enough for the examiners to hear you.
  6. Avoid long silences and pauses.
  7. Listen to your partner and respond.

  DON'Ts

  1. Don't memorise long answers to prepare for Part 1.
  2. Don't try to talk much more than your partner or interrupt in an impolite way.
  3. Don't worry about not knowing a word or phrase. Try to explain it in other words.
  4. Don't worry too much about making mistakes.
  5. Don't just respond to what has been said. Be prepared to start the discussion and develop your partner’s ideas.

  ---

  FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

  The Cambridge English: Business Certificates have been developed to test English language in a business context. While they are not focused on any specific branch, e.g. banking or computing, you should be familiar with a wide range of business situations and the vocabulary needed for them.

  Can I be examined by my own teacher?

  No. Examiners are specially recruited and trained and are not allowed to examine their own students or anybody they know socially.

  Can I take the test alone?

  No. You are examined in pairs with two examiners. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate is examined with the last pair to form a group of three. N.B. The group of three format may only be used to deal with uneven numbers, unexpected absence of candidates, illness, etc. It is not an option that may be selected in normal circumstances where there is an even number of candidates at a session.

  Why are there two examiners?

  One examiner (the interlocutor) speaks to you, and the other (the assessor) does not take part in the test but listens to you speak and interact with the other candidate. Both examiners give you a mark, but the assessor gives more detailed marks than the interlocutor.

  What happens if the other candidate won't let me speak?

  Examiners know how to deal with this situation, and give both of the candidates an opportunity to speak. It is important both to talk and to give the other candidate the chance to talk. Remember, there is also a time in the test when you speak on your own.

  What should I do if I don't understand what the examiner asks me to do?

  You can ask the examiner to repeat the instructions. However, you should listen carefully and try to understand them the first time.

Prepare successfully for Cambridge English: Business Preliminary

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

Authentic practice materials for teachers to boost candidates’ confidence. Each pack includes ten reusable exam papers, Speaking test materials, a teacher booklet, and audio recordings for practising the Listening paper.

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Speaking Test Preparation Pack

Speaking Test Preparation Pack

Designed to help teachers prepare candidates to perform with confidence during the Speaking test. Each book includes: teacher’s notes, photocopiable student worksheets, candidate visuals and a DVD showing real students taking a Speaking test.

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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 Preliminary.

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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 Preliminary.

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Computer-based Sample Tests

Try a computer-based sample test. It will allow you to see what a full computer-based test will be like and shows the types of questions that will appear in the live exam.

Try now – Listening
(click on 'submit' to start the test)

Try now – Reading and Writing
(click on 'submit' to start the test)

BEC Preliminary Sample Speaking Task
Get a better idea of what’s involved in the Speaking test.

View PDF

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

View PDF

BEC Preliminary Vocabulary List
Gives teachers a guide to the vocabulary needed when preparing students for Cambridge English: Business Preliminary.

Read now

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

Read in English

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.

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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 Preliminary 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 Preliminary

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 Preliminary – Level B2

New for September 2011
Pass with Distinction

Exceptional candidates sometimes show ability beyond Level B1. From September 2011, if you achieve a Pass with Distinction, you will receive the Business English Certificate Preliminary stating that you demonstrated ability at Level B2.

• Cambridge English: Business Preliminary – Level B1

Pass with Merit, Pass

If you achieve a Pass or Pass with Merit in your exam you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Preliminary at Level B1. Reaching this level shows that you are developing your language abilities and are ready for the next challenge.

• Level A2 certificate

We believe it is important to recognise your achievement, even if you do not reach Level B1.

If your performance falls within Level A2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level A2.

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