What are the differences between those three and how you are awarded CBE or OBE or MBE ?
Do you absolutely have to be British to be CBE or OBE or MBE ?
Do you have to do a specific thing to be a CBE ? Another thing for OBE and MBE ?
Here, in order of precedence are the honors; to receive top honors means more work done:
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom.[ The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions. In descending order of seniority, these are:
Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE) or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE) see Knight Grand Cross.[3]
Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE)
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
This explains the process:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Honoursawardsandmedals/DG_067909
These are guidelines to nominate someone for an honor:
The honours system recognises people of outstanding merit, and those who have committed themselves to service to the nation. It’s been around for centuries, but it was a closed system for many years. Only since 1993 has everybody been free to nominate.
Who can be nominated?
Anyone can be nominated, but only exceptional people are honoured. If you want to see your candidate on the honours list, make sure your nomination has what it takes to make it all the way to Buckingham Palace. Achievement comes in many forms but honours committees are looking for someone who has made a difference in their field of work or community.
Honours can be awarded for all sorts of work – paid or unpaid – but your nominee must still be involved in the activity for which they are nominated.
Before you make your nomination, ask yourself the following questions. Has your nominee:
made a difference to their community or field of work?
brought distinction to British life and enhanced its reputation?
exemplified the best sustained and selfless voluntary service?
demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship?
carried the respect of their peers?
changed things, with an emphasis on achievement?
improved the lot of those less able to help themselves?
displayed moral courage and vision in making and delivering tough choices? http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Honoursawardsandmedals/DG_067917
Here’s a further explanation about the awards:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/UKgovernment/Honoursawardsandmedals/DG_176568
Knight or Dame
This rewards a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at a national level), or in a capacity which is recognised by peer groups as inspirational and nationally significant, and demonstrating sustained commitment.
Awarded for:
a pre-eminent and sustained contribution
being recognised by peer groups as inspirational
the impact of the contribution being felt at a national level
CBE
This rewards a prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity.
Awarded for:
an achievement or service in a leading role at a regional level
making a highly distinguished, innovative contribution with a wide impact
OBE
This rewards a distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally.
Awarded for:
a regional or county-wide role
a contribution where the impact is felt by a significant number of people or across a broad geographical area
MBE
This rewards an achievement or service in or to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered a sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.
Awarded for:
an outstanding achievement or service
a sustained contribution
a real impact
a local role model
There are more honors listed on the above link.
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
It takes a lot of work to be come tops in the field of work the honoree is in; raising millions of dollars for a charity, founding a charity, saving lives, serving the government… there are many ways to earn an honor.