BULATS (The Business Language Testing Service) tests communication skills that are needed in real business situations. Unlike other assessment tools, it tests all four skills needed for international business: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
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Four different types of tests (Each test can be used independently of the others, or they can be used in various combinations.)
Types Description Time Context Standard Test a paper-based alternative to the computer test 110 minutes 1. Listening
2. Reading and Language
KnowledgeComputer Test pinpoints ability quickly and accurately by using 'adaptive' testing techniques 75 minutes 1. Listening
2. Reading and Language
KnowledgeWriting Test thorough evaluation of writing skills in a business context 45 minutes Part 1: Short Message/Letter
Part 2: Report or LetterSpeaking Test face-to-face evaluation of speaking skills 12 minutes Part 1: Interview
Part 2: Presentation
Part 3: Information Exchange
and Discussion
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The indespensible tool for measuring and developing language skills
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Evaluating the language skills of staff within a company
A company decides it wants a complete language profile of its staff. BULATS can be used to test some or all employees. The service can also be used at regular intervals to monitor the company's language profile. -
Evaluating the language skills of job applicants
A company is recruiting staff to work in its international sales department. BULATS provides a simple way of testing prospective employees and providing the company with an up-to-date and accurate assessment of language ability. -
Placing learners in suitable courses for language training
A business college provides language training courses for its students and needs to place them in courses at the right level. BULATS can be used to place the students in suitable courses. -
Screening learners who are unsuitable for the training courses provideds
A company wants to focus its language training on employees who are already close to the level of language required. BULATS can provide a test to screen off unsuitable candidates and so help make best use of resources available. -
Evaluating language training given
The training division of a company needs to assess the quality of language training being provided by an external training organisation. BULATS can be used to test people at the beginning and end of the course to monitor progress. -
Recommending suitable standard examinations for learners
An organisation would like to motivate its staff by sponsoring them to take standard examinations which provide a certificate with international currency (such as the Cambridge First Certificate in English). BULATS provides a test to help advise which standard examination would be most suitable. - To provide testing support for language audits
Language audits are being used increasingly. BULATS can provide a valuable language testing tool in carrying out the assessment of a company's language requirements.
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Evaluating the language skills of staff within a company
- Topics and situations covered
- travel
- reports
- planning
- phone messages
- personal Information
- customer service
- descriptions of jobs
- companies and products
- management and marketing
- business correspondence and presentations
