5+ Certificates in Business English for Your Career (2025)

Key takeaways:

• A certificate in business english tests a learner's ability to navigate an English-speaking workplace.
• Knowing business English can help you distinguish between formal and informal language, give presentations, and write business reports.
• Some popular business English certificates include TOEIC, BEC, TOEFL, and IELTS.

In the world of international business, certificates in business English can go a long way. Having a business English certificate on your CV shows that you know how to use English for work and that you’re serious about your career progression.

There are many certifications out there that test and confirm your English language skills, but not all of them are suitable for those working in business. Some work better for academic use, while others focus on real workplace communication. For companies, these certificates also play a valuable role in language training for employees, helping teams communicate clearly, deliver stronger results, and grow professionally.

In this article, we’re going to go over five of the best English certificates that will help you stand out in the business world.

What is business English?

Business English is a specific form of English that allows you to communicate effectively in a workplace or business setting. 

Compared to general English, the focus of business English isn’t just on basic language proficiency. Outside of navigating everyday social situations, you’ll also need to know your business jargon, how to write professional emails, when to use formal and informal English, and how to successfully deliver a presentation.

Why get a certificate in business English

English is considered to be the lingua franca of international business. This means that if you have ambitions to work with people or companies outside of your country, you’ll likely need to conduct business in English. For that, a certificate in business English may be extremely useful.

But is getting official certification really worth it? Isn’t it enough to just teach yourself business English in your spare time? Not quite. There are several reasons why getting a certificate confirming your current business English level is worth it.

1. More job opportunities

Getting a certificate in business English can open many doors. Often, job seekers include their language skills in their resumes, with many claiming that they are fluent in English without any evidence to support this claim. 

If you, as one of the candidates, have a specific certificate, the person working in human resources who’s in charge of hiring for your role may be more likely to offer you an interview. You’ll stand out from the crowd simply by having proof of your English skills. It’s that easy to get a leg up over your competitors.

2. Better English proficiency

When you decide to get a business English certification, you’ll have to spend some time studying for the exam. This will include learning more business-specific vocabulary, as well as brushing up on your grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.

As a result, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively in professional settings, and your colleagues and employers worldwide will likely be impressed.

3. Access to work and study visas

If you’re looking for career or study opportunities in one of the many English-speaking countries, it’s likely that you’ll be asked to submit proof of your language skills to obtain a visa.

Often, countries have this as a requirement for international talent to qualify for entry. This is to avoid workers or students coming in and struggling with the language barrier. 

Countries such as the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia all offer incredible business opportunities. So, if you have your eyes set on a career in one of these countries, you may want to consider getting a certificate in business English.

4. Confidence boost

Finally, having an official English language certificate will give you more confidence, which can, in turn, help you in your career. You’ll know that your English skills have been assessed and graded by professionals, and you were deemed fluent enough to work in international business.

A certificate like this won’t just give you a competitive edge. You’ll also know that you can nail all those presentations, create excellent written reports, and use complex business and finance terms with ease.

Best business English certificates for work

There are over 1,500 million English speakers in the world, but only about 390 million are native speakers. This means that the majority of those who speak English have had to learn the language at some point in their life.

As a result, the English language training industry is booming. In 2024, the market size was worth around 78.17 billion dollars, and this number is only expected to grow. What this means is that there are business English tutors everywhere, and more certificates available than you can count.

So which one should you choose? We’d recommend one of the following:

1. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

Levels: A1-C1

Price: $100-200

TOEIC, or the Test of English for International Communication, is one of the best business English certificates out there. It was created by the Educational Testing Service (or ETS) in the U.S., which makes it perfect for learners focusing on American English in particular.

That being said, TOEIC is recognized by companies worldwide, not just in the U.S. Its focus on English in the workplace makes it particularly useful for anyone interested in business English in particular.

The test comes in two parts: listening & reading and speaking & writing. This may be useful if you know that your employer is only interested in your ability to complete written assignments and give presentations. In that case, taking just the speaking & writing exam will be enough.

It’s also possible to take both parts, or to take an easier version of the test, called the TOEIC Bridge Test, which is suitable for more beginner and intermediate learners.

2. BEC (Cambridge English Business English Certificate)

Levels: B1-C1

Price: $150-300

For those of you more interested in British English, the Cambridge English BEC certificate may be the right choice. This certification is suitable for anyone who wants to work or study abroad, especially in business-related fields.

The test comes in three versions, depending on your current language level. If you’re at B1, take the BEC Preliminary exam. B2 learners should take the BEC Vantage test, and C1 speakers should aim for the BEC Higher certification.

All BEC exams have four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You have to complete all of these to receive your certificate. You can’t just do the written assignments. BEC is a comprehensive exam, and all parts are compulsory.

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3. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Levels: A2-C2

Price: $100-340

Not to be confused with the TEFL certification, which is for English teachers, the TOEFL certificate is another excellent option for those interested in improving their professional communication. 

Much like TOEIC, TOEFL was created by the American Educational Testing Service, and it has global recognition. If your organization or university needs you to prove your English speaking ability, the TOEFL might be the perfect choice for you.

There are two versions of TOEFL you can take: TOEFL Essentials or TOEFL iBT. The difference between the two exams is in their length and scope. Essentials is shorter, less pricey, but covers less ground. The iBT test is much more comprehensive, and some employers and universities may prefer it.

Both iBT and Essentials grade all four essential language skills: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. What’s more, both exams come with an at-home version, meaning that you may not have to visit a testing center to obtain your certificate.

4. IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Levels: A1-C2

Price: $200-300

IELTS is another popular English language certificate that’s recognized globally. One big benefit of IELTS is that it’s a truly international test. It doesn’t matter if you use British or American spelling and pronunciation, as long as you stay consistent throughout.

This certificate is especially popular for people applying for visas abroad, as well as for those interested in academia. Depending on your goals, you can choose between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

The Academic exam is suitable for future students, while the General Training test is better for work visa applicants and job seekers.

Both tests take just under 3 hours overall and can be taken on a computer or on paper.

5. Linguaskill

Levels: A1-C1+

Price: $100-150

Last but not least, we have Linguaskill, an AI-powered online certificate suitable for English learners of all levels. Often, Linguaskill is used by companies and universities to test a group of people. However, you can also take the test by yourself.

The certification is recognized by organizations worldwide. There are two versions available: Business and General. If you’re interested in improving your business English skills and workplace communication, consider taking the Business exam.

Linguaskill is computer-based, and you can choose which skills you want to test. If you’re only interested in a speaking certificate, this is possible. However, you can also test your writing, reading, and listening skills if needed.

6. Other recognized certifications

While the five above are the most globally recognized and popular business English certificates, there are some other exams you may want to consider. These are:

Cambridge English Qualifications

Popular among job seekers and university applicants hoping to move to the UK, the Cambridge English Qualifications certificates come in five different variations, depending on your English proficiency level.

Anyone between the A2 and C2 levels can take this exam and test their writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills.

Pearson English Language Test

Also known as the PTE, this is another test that many international students choose to take to test their English language skills. The certificate is also accepted for visa applications to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK.

One benefit of the Pearson English Language Test is that it’s computer-based, meaning that you usually get the results relatively fast (within 48 hours).

Comparison table of Business English Certifications

How to choose the best English certificate for work

When choosing a certificate to showcase your business communication skills, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when trying to decide which certificate you should aim for:

• Overall goals: Are you applying for a work visa? A university course? Or simply a more international position at your local company that requires English for work? Consider what your goals are and which certification best aligns with those.
• Language level: Most certificates are available for B1 to C1 speakers, but if your level is lower or higher than that, you might have to be more picky. Always make sure that the certificate you’re applying for matches your language level.
• Availability: Check your local test centers and see when and where you can take each of the exams. If you’re under a time constraint, opt for the earliest date. Or, if the test center is too far, consider taking a home-based exam.
• Price: Some certificates are more expensive than others. If you’re on a budget, choose an exam that won’t break the bank.

Prepare for Business English Certificate online

Before you take your business English exam, it’s important to spend some time studying. Promova partner solution can help with that. Here’s why our corporate language training is a great choice for employees and employers alike:

• Expert-built: Our lessons are put together by real teachers and professional tutors.
• Certified mentors: We only offer the best of the best. All our mentors are experienced and certified.
• Useful app: The Promova app helps you learn on the go. You can do a quick lesson on your daily train commute or during your lunch break every single day, slowly building a consistent habit in the process.
• AI tutor: Practice your language skills at any time of any day with our AI tutor. Our bots are friendly, suitable for all levels, and always provide feedback that’s both gentle and personalized.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business English learning journey, try Promova corporate language training today.

Final thoughts

Business English certificates are a great way for non-native speakers to show that they take their career seriously and can find their way around an international workplace. From TOEIC to IELTS and BEC, there are many certifications to choose from. Make sure to pick the right one for you and start studying today!