Business English certificates: B2 Vantage and C1 Higher

What are B2 Business Vantage and C1 Business Higher?

B2 Business Vantage is an examination at upper-intermediate level (CEFR B2). It confirms the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in an English-speaking professional context.

C1 Business Higher is an examination at advanced level. A C1 Business Higher qualification confirms the candidate’s ability to operate confidently at a senior level in global business.

The Business English certificates: B2 Business Vantage and C1 Business Higher show the candidate’s score on the Cambridge English Scale for each of the four exam papers, overall score on the Cambridge English Scale and a grade: A; B; or C:

B2 Business Vantage

C1 Business Higher

Grade A: a scale score of 180 – 190 (CEFR С1)

Grade B: a scale score of 173 – 179 (CEFR В2)

Grade C: a scale score of 160 – 172 (CEFR В2)

Level В1: a scale score of 140 – 159

Grade A: a scale score of 200 – 210 (CEFR С2)

Grade B: a scale score of 193 – 199 (CEFR C1)

Grade C: a scale score of 180 – 192 (CEFR C1)

Level В2: a scale score of 160 – 179

If you achieve a Grade A in the B2 Business Vantage exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Vantage stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1. If you achieve Grade B or C in this exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Vantage at Level B2. If a candidate’s performance is below Level B2, but falls within Level B1, they will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B1.

If you achieve a Grade A in the C1 Business Higher exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Higher stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2. If you achieve Grade B or C in this exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Higher at Level C1. If a candidate’s performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, they will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that they demonstrated ability at Level B2.

B2 Business Vantage and C1 Business Higher cover 4 language skills

B2 Business Vantage

Reading 1 hour	Candidates need to be able to deal confidently with different types of texts, such as business publications and correspondence.
Writing 45 mins	Candidates need to be able to produce two different pieces of writing, such as letters, reports, proposals and emails.
Listening 40 mins	Candidates need to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and presentations.
Speaking 14 mins	Candidates need to show their ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations in a professional context.

More information about the B2 Business Vantage exam format

C1 Business Higher

Reading 1 hour	Candidates need to be able to deal confidently with different types of text, often aimed at a managerial level and reflect international business practices.
Writing 1 hour 10 mins	Candidates need to be able to write a variety of different items such as memos, letters, emails, reports and proposals.
Listening 40 mins	Candidates need to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as presentations, lectures, interviews, discussions and more informal business conversations.
Speaking 16 mins	Candidates need to show their ability to talk fluently about a variety of business issues and practices and communicate effectively at managerial and professional level.

More about the С1 Business Higher exam format

Exam preparation materials