B1 Business Preliminary results are reported on the Cambridge English Scale.
You will receive a separate score for each of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and use of English, giving you a clear understanding of your performance. These five scores are averaged to give you an overall result for the exam. You will also be given a grade and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level.
For more information about the Cambridge English Scale, download our factsheet
All candidates receive a Statement of Results, and if you are successful in the exam you will also receive a certificate.
Your Statement of Results is released online, approximately four to six weeks after the exam for paper-based exams, and two to three weeks after the exam for computer-based exams. The fastest way to get your results is to sign up to our free online results service.
We send your certificate to your exam centre about three weeks after results are available. Your exam centre then sends it on to you.
Depending on which university, college or organisation you are applying to, you may be asked to achieve a specific score or grade, either overall or for a particular skill. For B1 Business Preliminary, the following scores will be used to report results:
| Cambridge English Scale Score | Grade | CEFR level |
|---|---|---|
| 160–170 | Pass with Distinction | B2 |
| 153–159 | Pass with Merit | B1 |
| 140–152 | Pass | B1 |
| 120–139 | Level A2 | A2 |
The exam is targeted at Level B1 of the CEFR. The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above B1 (Level B2) and the level below (Level A2).
Scores between 120 and 139 are also reported on your Statement of Results, but you will not receive the Business English Certificate Preliminary.
The relationship between the CEFR levels, the Cambridge English Scale and the grades awarded in B1 Business Preliminary is illustrated below:
Your Statement of Results contains the following information:
Find out how to understand your Statement of Results
Download a sample Statement of Results for B1 Preliminary for SchoolsCertificates are normally sent to exam centres within three months of the exam. Please contact your centre if you need to know the specific date. Your certificate can be awarded at different levels, depending on your achievement.
B1 Business Preliminary – Level B2
If you achieve a scale score of 160–170 (Distinction) in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Preliminary at Level B2.
B1 Business Preliminary – Level B1
If you achieve a scale score of 140–159 (Pass, Pass with Merit) in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Preliminary at Level B1.
Level A2 certificate
We believe it is important to recognise your achievement, even if you do not reach Level B1. If your exam performance is below Level B1, but falls within Level A2, we will recognise your achievement with a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at Level A2.
How long is my B1 Business Preliminary certificate valid for?
Your Cambridge English certificate does not expire. Recognising organisations such as universities, colleges and employers can choose how long to accept results for, so make sure you always check their requirements.
Yes, the fastest way for you to get your exam results is to sign up for our FREE online results service. Your exam centre will give you the information you need to register for this service.
You can let employers, universities or other organisations check your results online.
Just send them your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number (printed on your Confirmation of Entry) and they can check your results quickly, easily and securely online at www.cambridgeenglish.org/verifiers
