Cambridge English : B1 Business Preliminary (BEC-P)
The Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC P) exam is for individual learners who want to have a business-related English language qualification on B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). By taking an internationally recognized business qualification like Cambridge English:Business Preliminary (BEC P), you can show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.
Who takes Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC P)?
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC P) is mainly taken by students as the final school-leaving exam after their three year apprenticeship. It is also used in the corporate sector by candidates who intend to enhance their business English skills, due changing requirements in the world of work, because more and more companies in india require minimum English language skills at CEFR B1 level.
How Cambridge English is: Business Preliminary (BEC P) Recognised?
Many companies in india recognize Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC P) as a full B1 qualification. It is also an excellent foundation to continue with preparing for a next level exam such as Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC V) or Cambridge English: First (FCE).
Format of the exam
| Paper | Content | Marks(% of total) | Purpose |
| Reading and Writing (1 hour 30 minutes) |
Reading: 7 parts Writing: 2 parts |
50% | Shows you can read and understand the main points from graphs or charts, messages and emails, and can use vocabulary and structure correctly. You are also required to be able to produce two short pieces of writing: an internal communication, such as a note or a message, and some business correspondence, such as an email or a letter. |
| Listening (about 40 minutes, including transfer time) |
4 parts | 25% | Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials including interviews and discussions about everyday life. |
| Speaking (12 minutes per pair of candidates) |
3 parts | 25% | Shows your spoken English as you take part in conversation, asking and answering questions, and talking freely about your opinions, for example, when discussing business-related topics. Your Speaking test will be face-to-face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. |
Result :
Depending on which university, college or organisation you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. For Cambridge English Business Preliminary, the following scores will be used to report results:
| Grade | Score | CEFR level |
| Pass with Distinction | 160–170 | B2 |
| Pass with Merit | 153–159 | B1 |
| Pass | 140–152 | B1 |
| Level A2 | 120–139 | A2 |