The B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
Level B1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
With a B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) qualification, you can show employers that you are ready to work in an international business setting.
This exam could help you when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion, or developing your career and is recognised worldwide by top-employers such as Procter& Gamble, HSBC, or AstraZaneca.
The B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) certificate shows that you can:
- write short business messages and emails
- read short articles from business publications
- listen to, understand and give your opinions on a basic level in meetings
Worldwide recognition
The B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) is accepted by thousands of employers and governments, professional bodies and universities globally. However, please note that most institutions require you to have C1 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), such as the C1 Advanced (CAE) or the C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher).
The Exam Format
Cambridge exams are designed to ensure standardised test conditions for people of all linguistic backgrounds and nationalities and are supported by a dedicated global research programme.
The exam covers all four language skills (Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking).
Duration: 1 hour 30 Minutes
Target: Shows you can deal with different types of text, such as easy business publications and correspondence.
Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test – once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore.
You may need to use the Firefox browser to access these sample tests.
Duration: 40 minutes
Target: Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and presentations.
Check your answers (see PDF) as you do the test – once the test has finished you will not be able to check them anymore.
You may need to use the Firefox browser to access these sample tests.
Duration: 12 minutes
Target: Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other candidates.
Ready for Exam-Assessment
Would you like to clarify whether or not you already are at the right level to take the B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) exam? Ask us for our Ready for Exam-Assessment (free of charge) and a personal consultation!
The exams at The Cambridge Institute are computer-based, which means that you can take the Reading, Writing and Listening conveniently on the computer.
To be fully prepared on the exam day, please be so kind as to familiarise yourself with the following video tutorial as well as the computer-based sample tests: