Workplace English exams

English exams for the workplace

Cambridge English offers a range of qualifications that are suitable for the workplace, including the following exams that are specifically developed for business purposes:

Cambridge English Qualifications offer a path to learning English, step by step. They are accepted by thousands of employers worldwide as proof of English language skills.

IELTS is the world’s most popular English test for higher education and global migration. It is recognised by organisations worldwide as proof of English language skills.

Linguaskill is a quick and convenient online test to help organisations check the English level of individuals and groups of candidates, powered by Artificial Intelligence technology. You can administer the test at any time or place, even to candidates at home.

CEFR levels and Can Do statements

All our examinations are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the international framework for describing language ability. The CEFR levels can be directly related to different job roles and skills.

Below you can find brief descriptions of what a candidate can do at each level of the CEFR. These descriptions help organisations understand what level of English or which Cambridge English exam should be specified as part of recruitment, development and training.

Basic levels (CEFR levels A1 and A2)

CEFR A1 level Cambridge English exams

Linguaskill (score 100-119)

What can candidates do at this level?

take and pass on simple messages
understand short reports or product descriptions on familiar matters, if expressed in simple language
write a simple routine request to a colleague.

CEFR A2 level Cambridge English exams

Linguaskill (score 120–139)

A2 Key (Pass or Pass with Merit)

What can candidates do at this level?

state simple requirements within their own job area
understand most short reports or manuals of a predictable nature within their own area of expertise, provided enough time is given
write a short, comprehensible note of request to a colleague or a known contact in another company.

Independent levels (CEFR levels B1 and B2)

CEFR B1 level Cambridge English exams

Linguaskill (score 140–159);

B1 Business Preliminary (Pass or Pass with Merit)

A2 Key (Pass with Distinction)

B1 Preliminary (Pass or Pass with Merit)

What can candidates do at this level?

offer advice to clients within their own job area on simple matters
understand the general meaning of non-routine letters and theoretical articles within their own work area
make reasonably accurate notes at a meeting or seminar where the subject matter is familiar and predictable.

CEFR B2 level Cambridge English exams

Linguaskill (score 160–179)

B2 Business Vantage (Grade B or C)

B2 First (Grade B or C)

What can candidates do at this level?

write short pieces of business correspondence, reports or proposals
read extracts from business publications
listen to, understand and contribute to discussions in meetings.

Proficient levels (CEFR levels C1 and C2)

CEFR C1 level Cambridge English exams

Linguaskill (score 180+)

C1 Business Higher (Grade B or C)

C1 Advanced (Grade B or C)

What can candidates do at this level?

communicate effectively at a managerial and professional level
participate with confidence in meetings and presentations
express themselves with a high level of fluency
react appropriately in different cultural and social situations.

CEFR C2 level Cambridge English exams

C2 Proficiency (Grade A, B or C)

C1 Business Higher (Grade A)

C1 Advanced (Grade A)

What can candidates do at this level?

advise on complex, delicate or contentious issues, such as legal or financial matters, to the extent that he/she has the necessary specialist knowledge
understand reports and articles likely to be encountered during their work, including complex ideas expressed in complex language
make full and accurate notes and continue to participate in a meeting or seminar.