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What types of qualification are there?

There are two main types of business English qualification. One is an exam that you pass or fail, and that leads to a certificate, usually with a mark that shows how well you performed. The other type is an assessment that measures your results in points on a scale (for more details, see the table on page 14).

What skills are tested?

The qualifications measure some or all of the following skills in business contexts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. For example, you may have to answer multiple-choice questions on vocabulary or grammar, respond to an e-mail, write a message based on what you hear in a phone call, or take part in a conversation related to a typical business situation.

How are these skills tested?

You use paper and pencil for most tests, usually at a test centre. Sometimes, part of the exam can be taken in an electronic version or online. Some exams also involve speaking with another test taker or with an examiner.

Do I need to take a course beforehand?

Not necessarily. However, you might want to contact the relevant exam board for sample tests. It can be helpful to take an exam-related course or use preparatory self-study material that has been specially created for the exam. A list of self-study books is available at www.business-spotlight.de/services/. Many of the materials can be ordered through www.sprachenshop.de

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