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.
When will I get my B1 Business Preliminary Statement of Results?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic we have provided greater flexibility to our exam centres in delivering exam sessions. This increased flexibility, along with the continued impact from COVID-19, means that currently results are released later than our standard results issue dates. Please note, this also impacts on when certificates are printed and despatched.
The Confirmation of Entry document you receive from your centre will state when your results will be released.
If you need any further information, please contact your exam centre.
B1 Business Preliminary Scale Scores
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:
