What is BEC?
BEC consists of three exams at different levels designed to test English language ability used in the context of business.
Who are they for?
Those preparing for a career in business, especially if you want to work abroad. An internationally recognised business qualification can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.
There are three levels of BEC:
- Preliminary
- Vantage
- Higher
BEC Preliminary
|
Section |
Assessment |
Duration |
Percentage |
|
Reading and Writing |
Reading Writing Two compulsory tasks:
|
1 hour, 30 minutes |
Reading: 25% Writing: 25% |
Listening |
Four tasks of the following types: multiple choice, gap-filling and form-filling Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages |
40 minutes (approx.) |
25% |
Speaking |
Candidates are tested in pairs. Candidates: Respond to questions Give a 'mini-presentation' Take part in a collaborative task Take part in a discussion |
12 minutes per pair (approx.) |
25% |
BEC Vantage
|
Section |
Assessment |
Duration |
Percentage |
|
Reading |
Five tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice gap-filling and error identification. |
1 hour |
25% |
Writing |
Two tasks:
|
45 minutes |
25% |
Listening |
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 |
40 minutes (approx.) |
25% |
Speaking |
Each candidate: Responds to questions Gives a 'mini-presentation' lasting approximately one minute, Takes part in a collaborative task Takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor |
14 minutes (approx.) per pair of candidates |
25% |
BEC Higher
|
Section |
Assessment |
Duration |
Percentage |
|
Reading |
Six tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, word level gap-filling, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice gap-filling and error identification |
1 hour |
25% |
Writing |
Two tasks:
|
1 hour, 10 minutes |
25% |
Listening |
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. |
40 minutes (approx.) |
25% |
Speaking |
Each candidate: Responds to questions Gives a 'mini-presentation' Takes part in a collaborative task Takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor. |
16 minutes (approx.) per pair of candidates |
25% |
How to Register for BEC Test
Contact a Cambridge ESOL exam centre at least 10 weeks before the exam.
You cannot apply directly to Cambridge.
The centre will give you full information about the fees for taking BEC, the dates of the tests and other arrangements.
How is the BEC scored?
A single grade is given based on the total marks of all four sections of the test.
There are two pass grades:
Pass with Merit and Pass
There are two fail grades:
Narrow Fail and Fail.
You will also receive a statement of results which shows your performance in each paper. These are shown against the scale Exceptional - Good - Borderline - Weak and indicate your relative performance in each paper. If you pass, you will be awarded a certificate from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
Once awarded Cambridge ESOL BEC certificates are valid for life.







Google
Facebook
Twitter
Myspace
Yahoo
Digg
Del.icoi.us
Windows Live
Reddit
Blogger