BULATS: What is it?

The Cambridge English BULATS exam measures your proficiency with business English. It is a well-known test that both students and businesses find to be very helpful. What will be on the BULATS exam and what essential information is required? Continue reading to learn more.

Business English is the sole focus of the BULATS exam, which stands for Business Language Testing Service. For this reason, it's a very popular exam among both individuals and businesses looking to gauge the English proficiency of potential hires.

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What’s in the exam?

The exam, which is done online, takes approximately two hours and has three sections:

1. Reading and Listening

2. Writing

3. Speaking

In the reading and listening section you will need to answer multiple choice questions and gap-fills. In the writing section you’ll be asked to write an email and a letter or report. And in the speaking test you’ll have to introduce yourself, read some text out aloud, give two brief presentations, and take part in a communication activity.

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How can I understand my score?

The BULATS exam has a very wide range of scores and has no pass or fail system. The maximum score in BULATS is 100 and is equivalent to C2. Anyone can take the test so there is also the possibility of obtaining a certificate as an A1 level student. The scores are as follows:

CEFR A1: BULATS 10-19

CEFR A2: BULATS 20-39

CEFR B1: BULATS 40-59

CEFR B2: BULATS 60-74

CEFR C1: BULATS 75-89

CEFR C2: BULATS 90-100

The Reading and Listening section is adaptive which means that if you answer correctly the questions become more difficult, and if you answer incorrectly the questions become easier.

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What kind of language is used in the exam?

Every section of the exam is based on the type of language that is used daily in the workplace. This can include topics such as making arrangements, sales and purchasing, asking permission, making complaints, giving presentations, and describing jobs, activities and companies.

The language used is generally quite formal in fitting with the context of the work environment.

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How can I do well in the exam?

The BULATS test is quite tricky if you’ve never used English at work or if you’re not familiar with any business terms in English. We certainly recommend preparing by doing some sample questions, preferably with a teacher’s guidance. The ideal way to prepare for BULATS is to do a course that can help you improve your general level English as well as help you learn and review business English. Wall Street English offers you the chance to do this with our core course. The interactive lessons are based on three main storylines, one of which is set in a company, and also include audio and reading tasks that focus on a wide range of topics, principally business oriented.

The BULATS test is an excellent certificate to add to your CV, so get ready to prepare for it today! Take our English test and find out your starting level.

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