Master the Cambridge C1 Business Higher speaking test. Prove you can operate at a senior management level by dominating complex presentations and high-stakes corporate negotiations.
Visit Official Cambridge SiteThe C1 Business Higher (formerly BEC Higher) is Cambridge's top-tier business qualification. It is aimed at professionals who need to operate at an executive or senior management level in international business.
In Part 3, you must discuss a complex strategic issue. You have 30 seconds to read the prompt before negotiating with your partner.
The C1 Business Higher speaking test takes 16 minutes. You will take the test with another candidate. You are expected to demonstrate fluency, sophisticated vocabulary, and executive presence.
The examiner will ask you questions about your career trajectory and broader, abstract business topics (e.g., the impact of AI on the workforce, corporate ethics, or international trade policies).
You must answer confidently using C1-level vocabulary immediately.
You will choose one of three complex topics. You have 1 minute to prepare, and you must deliver a highly structured 1-minute presentation.
After your presentation, your partner will ask you a challenging question about it. You must defend your points professionally.
You and your partner will be given a strategic corporate scenario with two discussion points. You have 30 seconds to read it, followed by a 3-minute discussion.
The examiner will then join the conversation and ask both of you follow-up questions for 4 minutes.
Watch an official Cambridge mock test to see how C1 candidates maintain an executive presence and utilize advanced business idioms.
At the C1 level, basic competence is assumed. Examiners are looking for sophisticated expression and the ability to handle complex, abstract concepts.
You must use advanced corporate vocabulary (e.g., "economies of scale", "stakeholder engagement", "market penetration") and complex grammatical structures naturally, without hesitation.
Can you develop an argument logically? Your 1-minute presentation must be a cohesive, well-structured speech, not just a list of ideas.
Your pronunciation must be effortless to understand, using sophisticated intonation patterns to emphasize key points and convey subtle nuances in meaning.
You must demonstrate professional facilitation skills. You need to negotiate, concede points politely, and constructively challenge your partner's opinions during the Collaborative Task.
You do not need a degree in finance, but you MUST be comfortable discussing high-level corporate concepts like mergers, macroeconomics, supply chain logistics, and sophisticated marketing strategies using C1-level vocabulary.
You only have 1 minute to prepare. Use a strict structure: A strong opening hook, two main points (with brief examples), and a decisive conclusion. Use signposting language like 'Turning now to the issue of...'
Your partner's English level does not affect your score. If they are struggling, use it as an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership and facilitation skills. Ask them targeted questions to bring them into the discussion.