B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P)
B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P)
B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P) is a level of English for practical everyday use in an international business environment.
Exam Information
What is B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P)?
The B1 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 recognised business qualification like B1 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 B1 Business Preliminary?
More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce. The B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P) is taken by learners or professionals with a good basic education in English and is a popular qualification with employers.
In Switzerland, B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P) is mainly taken by KV 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 to changing requirements in the world of work, because more and more companies in Switzerland require minimum English language skills at CEFR B1 level.
Why to take B1 Business Preliminary (BEC P)?
Many companies in Switzerland recognise B1 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 B2 Business Vantage (BEC V) or B2 First (FCE).
Format of the exam
You can take your Cambridge exam in two ways: on a computer or on paper.
| 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. |
FAQ
FAQ
Assistance for candidates
We are here for you. Here’s how to reach us in no time: Select your request, enter your exam details and submit your query.
Assistance for schools and teachers
Our staff is happy to help and advise you competently. We look forward to your call or email.