About Strategic Business Leader (SBL)
The Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam is an integrated case study that is designed to mirror the workplace. It assesses not only technical and ethical skills, but also the professional skills expected of effective leaders and advisers to senior management. Students are advised to complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module (EPSM) before attempting SBL.
Read more in the Examining team guidance.
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SBL is a three-hour, 15-minute case study comprising three compulsory tasks.
The exam has 20 professional skills marks available – four for each of the areas below:
See more guidance on Professional Skills in SBL
Evaluate – Determine the scenario in the light of the arguments for & against, with evidence.
Discuss – Consider and debate in detail about the pros & cons of an issue using arguments in favor or against.
Recommend – Advise the appropriate actions to pursue in terms the recipient will understand.
Read this article for more about exam verbs.