Master the Cambridge B1 Business Preliminary speaking test. Learn how to ace the interview, deliver a clear 1-minute mini-presentation, and collaborate on a business task.
Visit Official Cambridge SiteThe B1 Business Preliminary (formerly BEC Preliminary) is for students and early-career professionals who want to prove they have the practical, everyday English skills needed for an international business environment.
In Part 2, you must give a 1-minute "Mini-Presentation". The examiner will give you a card with a topic and some bullet points to guide you.
The B1 Business Preliminary speaking test takes 12 minutes. You will take the test with another candidate. There are two examiners: the interlocutor (who speaks to you) and the assessor (who listens and grades).
The examiner will ask you and your partner questions about your work, your studies, and your general opinions on basic business topics (like working from home, learning languages, or commuting).
This is a warm-up designed to help you relax. Keep your answers brief (2-3 sentences).
You will be given a choice of two topics. You choose one, and you have 1 minute to prepare. Then, you must talk about that topic continuously for 1 minute.
After your presentation, the examiner will ask your partner a short question about what you just said. Then, your partner will give their presentation, and you will answer a question about theirs.
You and your partner will be given a business scenario with two questions to discuss. For example, "Your company wants to improve staff health. Discuss offering free gym memberships or serving healthier food."
You have to discuss the options together, give your opinions, and try to reach an agreement.
Watch an official Cambridge mock test to see how candidates handle the 1-minute Mini-Presentation and interact during the Collaborative Task.
The assessor grades you on four categories, while the interlocutor gives you one overall Global Achievement score.
Can you use basic business vocabulary correctly? Minor grammatical errors are acceptable at the B1 level, as long as they don't prevent the examiner from understanding your point.
This evaluates how well you organize your thoughts. During your 1-minute presentation, you must use basic linking words like "and", "but", "because", and "so" to connect your sentences smoothly.
Your speech must be generally intelligible. You should try to use correct intonation (e.g., your voice going up when asking a question in Part 3) and pronounce common business words clearly.
This is crucial for Part 3. You must show you can start a conversation, ask your partner for their opinion, and negotiate effectively. You cannot just give a monologue.
No, you do not need actual corporate work experience! The exam is designed for both working professionals and students. You only need a basic understanding of general business topics like customer service, basic marketing, and office life.
No, you will take the test with another candidate (your partner). You are expected to interact with them, especially in Part 3 (the Collaborative Task).
Yes! In Part 2, the examiner will give you a choice of two different business topics. You get to pick the one you feel most comfortable talking about.