The Level 1 Certificates in Business Language Competence are part of a suite of qualifications offered by OCR, which provides a defined pathway through all levels. OCR also offers accreditation in Business Language Competence at Entry Level, Level 2 and Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework.

These qualifications provide a practical solution to certifying competence in using a foreign language in a business context, across a range of skills.

At Level 1 qualifications are available in the following languages:

• French
• German
• Spanish
• Italian

Units

Each full qualification is made up of the following five Units:

• Unit 1 – Listening to spoken language (in the target language)
• Unit 2 – Reading (the target language)
• Unit 3 – Doing Business by Telephone (in the target language)
• Unit 4 – Conversing with Business Colleagues (in the target language)
• Unit 5 – Writing (in the target language)

The structure of the qualification enables a unit-based approach which allows candidates to work towards individual elements as stepping stones towards the full award. In order to achieve a full Level 1 Certificate in Business Language Competence, candidates must achieve all five Units in the target language. Achievement of fewer than the five Units (individual Units) is recognised by means of a Unit Certificate per element achieved. Each Unit is assessed separately via an OCR-set test. All tests are assessed by an external OCR-appointed examiner.

The qualification is designed for post-16 students who wish to acquire language skills for their work or alongside their work and need a qualification that they can take when they are ready.