Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

Business English Certificates (BEC)

Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

Where does BULATS come from?

BULATS is produced by the University of Cambridge for Speakers of Other Languages (Cambridge ESOL), the UK’s largest overseas examining board.  

The Standard test (110 minutes)

The Standard Test is a quick and reliable test of overall language ability in the workplace.  It contains two sections: Listening, Reading and Language Knowledge.

The Computer Test (75 minutes)

This is a computer-adaptive test available on CD.  It adapts to the level of each candidate and can be run at any time in any location.  It assesses the same skills as the Standard Test and produces instant reports.  The programme has a large database of questions to select from.  No two tests are the same.  Organisations can choose to send their staff to British Council which offers the BULATS Computer Test or they can buy the software to use themselves.

The Speaking Test (about 12 minutes)

This test assesses speaking skills in relation to the workplace.  Candidates are assessed individually by a single examiner.  The test is recorded and independently assessed by a second examiner.  Both examiners are qualified and specifically trained in assessing speaking skills.

The test consists of three parts:

• Interview
• Presentation
• Information Exchange and Discussion

The BULATS Writing Test (45 minutes)

This test assesses writing skills in relation to the workplace. It is marked separately by two qualified and specially trained examiners.  It includes two tasks:

• write a short message or letter in response to another message, letter or notice
• write a short report following brief instructions

Business English Certificates (BEC)

The Business English Certificates are a suite of three examinations (BEC preliminary, BEC vantage and BEC higher) designated to test the English used in business.  They are suitable for adults (aged 16 or over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work.

BEC Preliminary

BEC Vantage

BEC Higher