Workplace English exams

English exams for the workplace

Cambridge English has a range of qualifications suitable for developing the language skills needed to succeed in the workplace.

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 a globally recognised, certificated, online and on-demand exam to help employers and education institutions understand the English levels of their staff or students.

Linguaskill Business is a globally recognised, certificated, online and on-demand exam to help employers understand the English levels of their staff. It certifies a candidate’s level of Business English to prove they have the right communication skills and give them an advantage in achieving their career goals. It tests ability from B1 to C2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Cambridge English Skills Test Business is an online, on-demand, modular test of English needed for the workplace. It tests all four English skills (Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening) from A1 to C1 on the CEFR, the international scale of English ability. Results are ready in 48 hours.

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 level (CEFR level A2)

CEFR A1 level Cambridge English exams

Cambridge English Skills Test Business (score 100-119)

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

Cambridge English Skills Test Business (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 Business (score 140–159)

Cambridge English Skills Test Business (score 140-159)

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 Business (score 160–179)

Cambridge English Skills Test Business (score 160–179)

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 Business (score 180-199)

Cambridge English Skills Test Business (score 180+)

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

Linguaskill Business (score 200+)

C2 Proficiency (Grade A, B or C)

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.