Exams at CPBE

Click here for information about the Business English Certificate (BEC)

Click here for information about the Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

Click here for information about the Cambridge International Certificate in
Financial English (ICFE)

 

The Cambridge Business English Certificate (BEC)

What is BEC?

The Cambridge 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).

 

What level of English do I need to take the examination?

BEC examinations are offered at three levels, which reflect your ability to handle different workplace communication tasks.

Certificate level Proficiency level Workplace tasks
BEC – Preliminary

intermediate

routine
BEC – Vantage

upper-intermediate level

more demanding

BEC – Higher advanced level complex


What does the examination test?
BEC examinations test your writing, speaking, listening and reading skills. 
For more detailed information about BEC examinations, look on the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations website: http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/bec.htm

How can I study for the examination?

CPBE (the Centre for Professional and Business English) offers 60-hour preparation courses.  See the CPBE course schedule for more information.

Read more information about BEC qualifications
Click here

 

Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

What is BULATS?

BULATS is a language test which assesses ability to use English in workplace communication.  The test is developed and administered by Cambridge ESOL
(English for Speakers of Other Languages) and is therefore internationally recognised.

 

Who is it for?
A BULATS test is useful:

  • for companies because:

(i) it helps them to assess the language skills of their staff and decide upon their future training needs.
(ii) it is accepted by the WEC (Workplace English Campaign Funding Scheme) as a benchmark test when they finish their English language training and apply for reimbursement of course fees. 

  • for individuals because:

(i) it will help you to demonstrate your language ability to your employer and potential employers.
(ii) it is accepted by the CEF (Continuing Education Fund) as a benchmark test when you finish your English language training and apply for reimbursement of your course fees.

 

What does BULATS test?

  • The BULATS Standard Test assesses (i) reading, (ii) language knowledge and (iii) listening
  • The BULATS Writing Test asks you to complete two writing tasks and assesses range of language, accuracy, appropriacy, organisation, format and task achievement.
  • The BULATS Speaking Test asks you to complete three parts and assesses range of language, accuracy, discourse management, interaction and pronunciation.
  • The topics and situations used in the tests are similar to those that you would do in the workplace.  It is a good idea to download sample papers from the BULATS website: http://www.bulats.org before taking the test.

Where and when can I do the BULATS Test?
CPBE conducts the BULATS Standard Test about once a month for students.
This means that if you wish to apply to the CEF for reimbursement of their course fees, you can take the BULATS Test soon after you finish your English language training at CPBE.

When will I receive my test results?

  • You will receive your BULATS Test Report about three weeks after you take the BULATS Standard Test at CPBE.
  • You will receive your result by post.

What will the BULATS Test Report tell me?
The test report gives three scores:

  • a score for each of the three sections (reading, language knowledge and listening)
  • a total score on a scale from 0 to 100
  • a level from 0 to 5.

You will also receive a ‘Can-Do’ statement which describes what a candidate at each level (1 to 5) can do in English.  The tasks refer particularly to the workplace, for example. ‘CAN deal with all routine requests for goods or services’.

How do I apply?

  • At the end of your course, your CPBE teacher will give you a BULATS Test application form, or you can get one from our reception on the 8th floor.
  •  The form will give you the date of the next BULATS test conducted at CPBE.
  •  You should fill in the form and send it with a cheque for the test fee to the CPBE administration.
  • CPBE administration will contact you to confirm the date and place of the test.

Click here for more information about BULATS

 

The Cambridge International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE)

 

Cambridge ESOL has recently launched a new English qualification for people in the accounting and finance industries.  Called the International Certificate in Financial English (ICFE), it has been developed in cooperation with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the world’s largest and fastest-growing international accountancy body.

Hong Kong finance professionals have shown a great deal of interest since the examination was announced here in January.  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 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.  The exam has four parts (written, oral, listening and reading) and is based on realistic texts, tasks and topics similar to those finance professionals would expect to encounter in their daily working lives.

Worldwide public examinations will be held in May and November annually.  More information on ICFE, including sample test papers, can be found on the Cambridge website:  http://www.financialenglish.org/