Exam Preparation Courses at CPBE

BEC: The Business English Certificate

What is BEC?
The Business English Certificate (BEC) is a valuable international qualification in business English. BEC exams test English language ability in the context of business.

The examining body is the University of Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). This organization also administers IELTS and BULATS examinations.

Why is BEC a valuable qualification for me?
Cambridge BEC is an internationally-recognised qualification which can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a business or professional context. Therefore, it will enhance your potential for employment and promotion.

The advantages for you of holding a BEC qualification are that:

  • BEC has the Cambridge guarantee of quality and reliability
  • BEC can easily be mapped against other examinations to prove English language proficiency

  • and most importantly,
  • BEC is a recognised English proficiency benchmark course in Hong Kong. Therefore, BEC courses qualify for funding under the Continuing Education Fund (CEF).


  • ICFE: the International Certificate in Financial English

    What is ICFE?
    The International Certificate in Financial English is a valuable international qualification in English for the finance industry.  It has been jointly developed by the University of Cambridge ESOL and the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the world’s largest and fastest-growing international accountancy body.

    Why is ICFE a valuable qualification for me?
    Cambridge ICFE can be used to validate your financial English language skills and provide proof of your linguistic expertise.  It can differentiate you within your field.
    The exam is for people already with an upper intermediate English standard (at least an IELTS 6.0 standard).  You should be familiar with basic finance and accountancy concepts and terminology.

    BULATS: Business Language Testing Service

    We do not run preparation courses for BULATS. This is a simple and quick test to determine language level.