BEC

BEC (Business English Certificate)

Business English Certificate assesses candidates’ ability to operate in English in an international business environment and allows candidates to demonstrate to employers their ability to communicate in English with clients and colleagues. Recognition of BEC is increasing rapidly as more companies are using the examination as a focus for in-company training courses, and more and more colleges and universities are adopting it as an integral part of business courses.

Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE) has developed a framework which covers six levels of proficiency aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and shows what learners can typically do at PET level.

BEC Preliminary

BEC Preliminary assesses English language ability used in a business context at Council of Europe “Threshold” level B1.

Reading and Writing (1 hour and 30 minutes)

The Reading test consists of a range of business-related texts and accompanying tasks. A text may consist of several short pieces. The Writing test consists of two business – related writing tasks in response to stimuli provided and for a given purpose and target reader.

Listening (approx. 40 minutes)

In the Listening paper there are three tasks of the following types: gap-filling, note-taking and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including presentations, lectures, interviews, discussions, telephone conversations.

Speaking (approx. 12 minutes per pair of candidates)

The Speaking Test is conducted by two external examiners and candidates are tested in pairs. During the test each candidate responds to questions, gives a 'mini-presentation', takes part in a collaborative task with the other candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor.

BEC Vantage

BEC Vantage assesses English language ability used in a business context at Council of Europe “Vantage” level B2.

Reading (1 hour)

In the Reading paper there are five tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice, gap-filling and error identification.

Writing (45 minutes)

In the Writing paper there are two tasks, both compulsory. Students produce a piece of internal company communication (approx. 40-50 words), and a short report, proposal or piece of business correspondence (based on Reading input, approx. 120-140 words).

Listening (approx. 40 minutes)

In the Listening paper there are three tasks of the following types: gap-filling or note completion, matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages.

Speaking (approx. 14 minutes per pair of candidates)

The Speaking Test is conducted by two external examiners and candidates are tested in pairs. During the test each candidate responds to questions, gives a 'mini-presentation' lasting approximately one minute, takes part in a collaborative task with the other candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor.

BEC Higher

BEC Higher assesses English language ability used in a business context at Council of Europe “Effective Operational Proficiency” level C1.

Reading (1 hour)

In the Reading paper there are six tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, word level gap-filling, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice, gap-filling and error identification.

Writing (1 hour 10 minutes)

In the Writing paper there are two tasks. In Part One, students produce a short report (based on graphic input, approx. 120-140 words). In Part Two, candidates choose whether to write a report, proposal or piece of business correspondence.

Listening (approx. 40 minutes)

In the Listening paper there are three tasks of the following types: gap-filling or note completion, matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages.

Speaking (approx. 16 minutes per pair of candidates)

The Speaking Test is conducted by two external examiners and candidates are tested in pairs. During the test each student responds to questions, gives a 'mini-presentation' lasting approximately one minute, takes part in a collaborative task with the other candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor.

Results

Each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) represents 25% of the total mark available. A single, overall grade is awarded, based on the aggregate of marks gained in the four components indicated above. For BEC Preliminary there are two pass grades - Pass with Merit and Pass. There are two fail grades - Narrow Fail and Fail. For BEC Vantage and Higher results are reported as three pass grades (A, B and C) and two fail grades (D and E).

Once awarded Cambridge ESOL BEC certificates are valid for life.

Find out more about BEC