Business English Certificates (BEC)

Level	Preliminary at B1; IHWO Level 5; Mid Intermediate Vantage at B2; IHWO Level 6; Pre Advanced Higher at C1, IHWO Level 7; Lower Advanced
Exam Board	Cambridge ESOL
Exam dates	March, May, June, July (computer-based only), September (computer-based only), November, December (computer-based only)
Website	http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/bec.html

Description

The Business English Certificates (BEC) are internationally recognised qualifications that show an ability to use English in the workplace. There are three different levels of BEC (Preliminary, Vantage and Higher), reflecting the differing reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities needed for business.

BEC is officially recognised by more than a thousand educational organisations, employers, ministries, government bodies and professional organisations throughout the world as a suitable qualification for business use.

It is developed by Cambridge ESOL and runs in March, May, June, July (computer-based only), September (computer-based only), November, December (computer-based only).

The Preliminary test consists of three papers testing the four skills of Reading and Writing (1 hour 30mins), Listening (40mins) and Speaking (12mins). Vantage and Higher each consist of four papers: Reading (1 hour) Writing (45mins/1 hour 10mins), Listening (40mins) and Speaking (14/16mins).

BEC Preliminary is designed for candidates who are at the B1 level of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, equivalent to IHWO level 5. Vantage is at CEF level B2, which is IHWO level 6 and Higher is at CEF level C1 or IHWO level 7.

This means that if you pass BEC, you are able to function effectively in professional contexts at the appropriate level.

Around 1.75 million people in over 135 countries take Cambridge ESOL exams each year. For more information about the BEC exams go to the Cambridge ESOL website at http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/bec.html.