From 1 April 2009, there will be four sessions for BULATS standard paper between April 2009 and March 2010. British Council will no longer provide BULATS writing test, BULATS speaking test and BULATS computer test.

We organise two types of Business English examinations on behalf of Cambridge ESOL, namely Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) and Business English Certificates (BEC).

These examinations are complementary to each other to serve different business language testing needs. The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) is a non-certificated examination, and is widely used by employers for recruitment purposes. It is a quick and flexible way of assessing your Business English level. Business English Certificates (BEC) are certificated examinations aiming at students who wish to obtain a business-related English language qualification. These examinations are held twice a year and they are at three levels.

Both of these examinations are recognised for the purpose of the Hong Kong Workplace English Funding Scheme and Continuing Education Fund.

Business Language Testing Service (BULATS)

Business English Certificates (BEC)

Business Language Testing Service BULATS

What is BULATS?
The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) is an on-demand testing service that provides an immediate ‘snapshot’ of language ability.

The service provides:

• a range of standardized tests of language ability in listening, reading, grammar, vocabulary, writing and speaking
• parallel tests for English, French, German and Spanish
• flexible service – tests administered when the company needs them, with quick  and meaningful results
• professional support on the use and interpretation of the tests
• advice on appropriate strategies for language testing, assessing language needs (language auditing) and training.

We provide 4 test dates for BULATS standard test in a year. Please refer to examination content for more information.

Who is BULATS for?
BULATS is designed for organisations that need a reliable way of assessing the language ability of groups of employees or trainees.

The tests are ideal for assessing the language skills of employees who need to use a foreign language in their work, and for students and employees on language courses or on professional/business courses where foreign language ability is an important element of the course.

How can BULATS help you?
BULATS is useful in many contexts. The following are just a few examples.

• evaluating the language level of staff within a company
• evaluating the language level of job applicants
• placing learners on suitable courses for language training
• evaluating language training
• recommending suitable standard examinations for learners

Test Results
BULATS links directly to ALTE standards because it has been produced by key members of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe).

For the Standard Test, scores are given on a standardised scale of 0-100.  The Standard Test also gives scores for each section of the test. All test results are linked to ‘Can-Do’ statements which describe what candidates at a particular level are typically able to do in the language with particular reference to the workplace.

Business English Certificates (BEC)

Why take BEC?

To succeed in international business and commerce, you need a good knowledge of English. Business English Certificates (BEC) are practical examinations that focus on the application of language dealing with real-world business situations. They are internationally recognised qualifications that show you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.

What is BEC?

BEC are produced by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (Cambridge ESOL), the UK's largest overseas examining board. There are three levels – BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher. BEC assesses all four language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing – in a business context.

Who is BEC for?

BEC is suitable for people aged 16 or above, either already in business-oriented work or preparing for an occupation in business.

All three levels of BEC are linked to the Common European Framework (CEF) for language assessment. These levels are linked to extensive ‘Can Do’ statements that specify what certificate holders are typically able to do in English at each level.

When are the results available?

The examinations are marked in the UK. Your Statement of Results can be downloaded from our website approximately six weeks after the examination. Statement of Results includes a graphical display of your performance in each skill. There are no pass/fail marks for individual papers, hence there is no requirement to reach a particular level in any paper in order to achieve a pass in the examination. If you pass BEC, you will receive a certificate. Certificates will be sent by local courier approximately three months after the examination.

More about the tests

A video interview with Chris Defty, Teacher Trainer and Examiner of University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations