Download the free Business English Proficiency Test (BEPT), a validated one‑hour TOEIC alternative with exam papers, and marking guide
The Business English Proficiency Test (BEPT) is a one hour assessment designed to measure a candidate’s ability to use English in real business contexts. I originally developed it for Toyota to use for corporate recruitment, and it provides organisations with a practical, fast, and low cost alternative to the TOEIC while still offering strong predictive accuracy.
This page explains the purpose of the test, how it was designed, how it correlates with TOEIC scores, and includes free downloadable exam papers, mark schemes, and raw data.
Why the BEPT Was Created
Many companies rely on the TOEIC to evaluate business English proficiency, but administering the TOEIC can be costly and time consuming, costing up to US$200 per candidate, with scheduling at the behest of external providers. I created the BEPT as a short, efficient alternative that could be administered internally without specialised equipment or licensing fees.
Regression analysis later confirmed that BEPT scores can be used to predict TOEIC performance, making it a reliable screening tool for recruitment and internal assessment.
Test Format and Structure
The BEPT is designed to be completed within one hour and can be administered independently by HR teams or hiring managers. Except for the writing task, all questions are multiple choice, allowing for fast and consistent marking. It consists of three sections:
1. Error Detection
This section evaluates whether candidates can identify common mistakes in business English. It focuses on grammar, vocabulary, and typical usage errors encountered in professional communication.
2. Reading Comprehension
Candidates read a business level article and answer multiple choice questions that assess their understanding of tone, nuance, and key ideas. This section measures the ability to interpret written information in a workplace setting.
3. Writing Task
Candidates choose one of two business related writing prompts. This section assesses clarity, structure, and appropriateness of written communication.
A listening component was intentionally excluded to keep administration simple and to ensure the test could be completed quickly. Listening and speaking skills were instead evaluated during the interview stage for shortlisted candidates.
Correlation with TOEIC Scores
Over a two year period, 833 candidates completed the BEPT. Of these, 54 candidates were later hired and subsequently sat the TOEIC exam.
A regression analysis was conducted to determine whether BEPT scores could predict TOEIC performance. The results showed an adjusted R square of 71.5%, indicating a strong and acceptable level of correlation.
This means the BEPT can be used to estimate a candidate’s TOEIC score within a reasonable margin of error, making it a valuable tool for organisations seeking a cost effective assessment method.
Download the BEPT (Free Resources)
All materials are provided under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY NC SA 4.0) licence. You may administer the test within a business or organisation, but you may not sell the test itself.
Exam Papers (PDF) for download
A printable version of the BEPT
[##download## Exam Papers Download]
Mark Scheme
Includes the writing rubric and answer key for the reading section.
[##download## Mark Scheme Download]
Raw Data & Regression Analysis
Contains anonymised BEPT and TOEIC scores, regression output, and a formula to estimate TOEIC scores based on BEPT results.
[##download## Raw Data Spreadsheet]
Licence and Usage
These materials are free to use under the CC BY NC SA 4.0 licence. You may:
- Administer the test within a company or commercial organisation
- Adapt or share the materials under the same licence
- Use the raw data for research or analysis
You may not sell the test or use it commercially beyond administering it to candidates. For any other use cases, please contact me directly.
FAQs
What is the Business English Proficiency Test (BEPT)?
The BEPT is a one hour business English assessment designed for companies and learners who need a practical alternative to the TOEIC. It evaluates error detection, reading comprehension, and business writing.
How does the BEPT compare to the TOEIC in terms of cost and accuracy?
The BEPT can be administered internally at no cost, making it significantly cheaper than the TOEIC. Regression analysis of candidate results shows a strong correlation between BEPT and TOEIC scores, allowing organisations to estimate TOEIC performance without paying for external testing.
Is the BEPT suitable for recruitment screening and internal assessments?
Is the BEPT free to download and use?
Yes. The materials are released under a CC BY‑NC‑SA 4.0 licence, which allows modification and redistribution for non‑commercial purposes. Any adapted versions must be shared under the same licence terms.
How accurate is the BEPT in predicting TOEIC scores?
Analysis of 54 hired candidates showed an adjusted R² of 71.5%, indicating a strong predictive relationship. This allows organisations to estimate TOEIC scores within a reasonable margin of error using BEPT results.
Does the BEPT include listening or speaking components?
No. The BEPT focuses on written business English to keep administration simple and fast. Organisations typically evaluate listening and speaking skills during interviews or through separate oral assessments.
Who should use the BEPT?
Is the BEPT appropriate for non‑native English speakers applying for corporate roles?
Yes. The test was specifically designed for international recruitment environments and reflects the types of English tasks non‑native speakers encounter in global business settings.
How long does the BEPT take to complete?
The test is designed to be completed within one hour, making it easy to administer during recruitment or training sessions.
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