Why BULATS?

Reasons to choose BULATS Assess job applicants quickly, accurately, and affordably. Global companies including PwC, Mercedes Benz, Microsoft and Nestlé use BULATS for their recruitment. Select internal candidates with the right English language skills for placement in your overseas offices. It is a flexible test which you can use when and where you need it. BULATS helps organisations become more competitive – it helps them develop a workforce with improved English skills, that can communicate effectively in international business environments recruit more efficiently by screening applicants’ language abilities know the strengths and weaknesses of your workforce identify training needs quickly and economically. Sample BULATS tests: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/bulats/preparation/

	Business Language Testing Service
	The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) is a rapid, economical and accurate means of assessing English language skills for recruitment, training and staff development. BULATS offers: Fast, economical assessment Rapid clear and easy-to-understand test results which can be produced for individuals or groups Internationally recognised language testing Optional Speaking and Writing tests only
	Reliable The BULATS test enables your organisation to test employees individually or audit the skills of whole departments. Results are delivered quickly, reliably and accurately.
	An internationally recognised test The BULATS test is one of the most recognised workplace English tests in the world and is accepted globally by employers, education institutions and government departments. Over 20,000 organisations worldwide trust the Cambridge English range of exams.
	The Cambridge English approach to quality Cambridge English is a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge and part of the Cambridge Assessment group which is committed to ensuring that all its assessments are fair, have a sound ethical underpinning and operate according to the highest technical standards. The Cambridge English approach to quality and fairness is outlined in the Principles of Good Practice which you can view here...

BULATS test format

BULATS’ modular format provides testing of all four language skills:

• Reading & Listening
• Speaking
• Writing

You can use the tests in any combination to meet your specific needs. The tests can be taken on any computer with a good internet connection. You do not need to download or install any special software.

BULATS sample tests: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/bulats/preparation/index.aspx

Technical requirements for BULATS: https://support.cambridgeenglish.org/hc/en-gb/articles/218304783-BULATS-Online-Technical-Support

BULATS online test has three papers:

BULATS Reading and Listening: about 60 minutes (7 parts) The Reading and Listening module is an adaptive test, so there is not a fixed number of questions. Each question the candidate answers helps the computer to understand their level better. The test finishes when the candidate has answered enough questions to identify their level accurately. Number of parts: 7 Number of questions: Varies Length of texts: Candidates read texts of about 250 words in length BULATS Speaking: about 15 minutes (5 parts) The Speaking test is taken on a computer, using a headphones and a microphone. Answers are recorded and sent to examiners for marking. Format: Single candidate records answers Example topics: buying and selling environment, entertainment of business clients, business travel, human resources, training and development. Part 1 (Interview): Eight questions about the candidate and his/her background/work/future plans, etc. (e.g. What is your job?) Part 2 (Reading Aloud) Eight sentences to read aloud. Part 3 (Presentation): A business or work-related topic (e.g. the perfect office) is given for the candidate to talk about for one minute. The candidate has 40 seconds to prepare. Part 4 (Presentation with Graphic): The candidate is given one or more graphics (e.g. pie charts, line graphs) with a business focus (e.g. company exports) to talk about for one minute. The candidate has 1 minute to prepare. Part 5 (Communication Activity): The candidate gives his/her answer to five questions related to one scenario (e.g. planning a conference). The candidate has 40 seconds to prepare. BULATS Writing: 45 minutes (2 parts) In the Writing test, candidates have to write answers using a computer keyboard. Answers are recorded and sent to examiners for marking. Example topics: buying and selling products and services, the office and general business environment, entertainment of business clients, business travel, human resources, training and development. Part 1 (email): The candidate types a short email of 50–60 words. Questions: 1 Marks in part 1: One-third of the final Writing mark. Part 2 (Long Text): The candidate types a report or a letter of 180–200 words following instructions. Questions: One of a choice of two tasks must be chosen. Marks in part 2: Two-thirds of the final Writing mark.

Test results

BULATS results are normally issued within 5 working days for the Reading and Listening module and 7 working days for the Speaking and Writing modules. Candidates receive their result on a computer generated Test Report Form.

Meaningful results
There is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ mark for BULATS tests. Scores are reported on a scale of 1 to 100 – you can decide on the level of ability appropriate to your organisation’s requirements.

All BULATS tests are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the international benchmark for describing language ability. This ensures that candidates’ results can be compared with international standards.

BULATS score	Level description	CEFR level
90 - 100	Upper advanced	C2
75 - 89	Advanced	C1
60 - 74	Upper intermediate	B2
40 - 59	Intermediate	B1
20 - 39	Elementary	A2
0 - 19	Beginner	A1

Easy-to-understand report format

BULATS results are presented in a clear and easy-to-understand Test Report Form. You can produce reports for individuals or groups, depending on your needs. You can also produce a breakdown of scores by group and level, allowing easy comparison of language ability across your whole organisation.

Can Do statements

BULATS Preparation resources

Receive free BULATS preparation emails Candidates preparing for the BULATS test can get free tips and resources sent directly to their inbox. The BULATS preparation plan is a series of 11 emails that includes: online interactive practice activities top tips on how to prepare for the exam exam practice tasks vocabulary practice. Candidates decide how many emails they want to receive each week, and Cambridge English then send them free materials to support their test preparation. Sign up for the emails on this page: http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams/bulats/preparation/ Free online sample tests Follow these steps to take an online sample test. Note: The demonstration test is shorter than a real test and does not provide a result. Choose a BULATS online sample test: Reading and Listening Speaking Writing Click on 'Tutorial' to see how to answer the different questions, or click on ‘Test' to take the demonstration test. Once you have clicked on 'Test', enter the correct code: BULATS Online Reading and Listening demo code BULATS Online Speaking demo code BULATS Online Writing demo code DEMBULE1 DEMBULE1SP DEMBULE1W Guide for candidates Find out more about the BULATS test and what to expect on the day. Download the BULATS guide for candidates... Information for course teachers Teachers and administrators are provided with training materials which introduce them to the online Learning Management System and a complete set of printable teacher's notes and classroom activities for each module. To find out more about teaching BULATS and offering BULATS blended learning courses at your organisation or institution, contact the Cambridge English helpdesk. Online Self Study Courses The Cambridge English Online Self Study Course for BULATS provides a flexible and engaging learning experience to help candidates prepare for the BULATS tests. The course is suitable for candidates with English at a minimum of CEFR Level B1. Please click here to view the course options – BULATS online self study courses

How to organise a BULATS session (Business Language Testing Service)

BULATS Fees

You can hold a BULATS test session at your organisation or at our centre on the date of your choice as long as you have a minimum of 10 candidates. If you do not have enough candidates they can still take the exam at one of our BULATS open sessions. Organising a BULATS session is easy and all you need to do is follow the 4 steps below: 1. Choose a date for your BULATS session. BULATS tests are on-demand and you can choose the date that best suits your organisation’s needs. 2. Contact our centre. Call us on 914 184 796 or send an email to [email protected] with your proposed exam date. Please note that dates must be reserved no less than 3 weeks in advance. 3. Register your candidates. Once we have confirmed your exam date please complete the registration form and send it to us by email to [email protected]. You must send the completed form to us and make payment no less than 3 weeks before the date of your BULATS session.  Download the BULATS registration form here... 4. We will send you confirmation and an invoice. You will receive all the exam information, instructions and timetables in advance of your BULATS session.

BULATS requirements for in-house test sessions

If you plan to organise a BULATS test session at your centre it is essential that you comply with the following basic guidelines: Online tests Please view our Format tab for the required technical specifications and to check whether your computers have the correct technical specifications to run the tests. Computer room configurations for Online tests can vary and we will discuss this with you in advance of your session. If you hold a session at your organisation you are required to provide headphones for the listening test and/or headphones with microphones for the speaking test. You may also need to provide separator panels. There should be no books, papers or materials under/in the tables/desks. All posters/materials with English on them must be removed from the walls. For further information or queries please contact us at [email protected] or tel. 914 184 796