BULATS

About the test

BULATS
- Test format
- Results
- FAQ

Do you want to take a BULATS test?

Your local BULATS agent can help you book your test at your nearest centre.

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Become a BULATS agent

Find out about becoming part of the international network of agents that run and administer the BULATS tests.

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BULATS discontinued from end 2019

BULATS will be retired at the end of 2019. It will be replaced with Linguaskill Business.

Test format

BULATS’ modular format allows testing of all four language skills:

Reading and Listening
Speaking
Writing.

You can use the tests in any combination to meet your specific needs.

The tests are administered through our network of BULATS agents, but can be taken on any computer with a good internet connection. You do not need to download or install any special software.

Note: BULATS tests were formerly available in paper format and for languages other than English. Since December 2016, these formats are now no longer offered by Cambridge English.

BULATS sample tests

Technical requirements for BULATS

Reading and Listening

The Reading and Listening module is an adaptive test, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions to identify their level accurately.

Length:	About 60 minutes
Number of parts:	7
Number of questions:	Varies
Length of texts:	Candidates read texts of about 250 words in length

Speaking

The Speaking test is taken on a computer, using a microphone. Answers are recorded and sent to examiners for marking.

Length:	15 minutes (5 parts)
Format:	Single candidate records answers.
Example Topics:	buying and selling environment entertainment of business clients business travel human resources training and development.

Part 1 (Interview)	Eight questions about the candidate and his/her background/work/future plans, etc. (e.g. What is your job?)
Questions:	8

Part 2 (Reading Aloud)	Eight sentences to read aloud
Questions:	8

Part 3 (Presentation)	A business or work-related topic (e.g. the perfect office) is given for the candidate to talk about for one minute. The candidate has 40 seconds to prepare.
Questions:	1

Part 4 (Presentation with Graphic)	The candidate is given one or more graphics (e.g. pie charts, line graphs) with a business focus (e.g. company exports) to talk about for one minute. The candidate has 1 minute to prepare.
Questions:	1

Part 5 (Communication Activity)	The candidate gives his/her answer to five questions related to one scenario (e.g. planning a conference). The candidate has 40 seconds to prepare.
Questions:	5

Writing

In the Writing test, candidates have to write answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are recorded and sent to examiners for marking.

Length:	45 minutes (2 parts)
Example Topics:	buying and selling products and services the office and general business environment entertainment of business clients business travel human resources training and development.

Part 1 (email)	The candidate types a short email of 50–60 words.
Questions:	1
Marks in part 1:	One-third of the final Writing mark.

Part 2 (Long Text)	The candidate types a report or a letter of 180–200 words following instructions.
Questions:	One of a choice of two tasks must be chosen.
Marks in part 2:	Two-thirds of the final Writing mark.