To succeed in international business and commerce, you need a good knowledge of English. BEC exams focus on the use of English to deal with real business situations.
Who can take BEC exams?
BEC is for candidates who have experience of, or are interested in entering, a range of business field, including marketing, production, financial services and general office work. The test assesses your ability to use English for a wide range of work-related functions including, arranging appointments and meetings, understanding office communication, welcoming foreign visitors, giving information about a product or service, and much more.
What are the different levels?
There are three BEC levels:
BEC Preliminary - is aimed at the elementary and lower-intermediate English language speakers, and students preparing for a career in business. The exam is equivalent to KET and PET and to Council of Europe Level B1 (ALTE Level 2)
BEC Vantage - is for intermediate level English language speakers. It is equivalent to FCE and to Council of Europe Level B2 (ALTE Level 3)
BEC Higher - is for advanced level English Language speakers, people who are either already in business or preparing to pursue such a career. It is equivalent to CAE and Council of Europe Level C1 (ALTE Level 4).
For detailed information about different levels visit the Cambridge website.
When and where can you take the exam?
BEC is currently offered on demand from educational institutions and companies with a minimum of 10 candidates. For further information contact us on exams@britishcouncil.be
The whole exam (written and oral) usually takes place on the same day (but not always). Below are the forthcoming exam dates which Cambridge set 18 months in advance and cannot be changed so you have to make sure you choose a convenient date to sit your exam.
Academic year 2011-12 (till 30/8/2012)
BEC levels
Test dates
Orals
Venue
Registration period
Price
Preliminary
on request
TBC
Brussels
TBC
€ 163
Vantage
on request
TBC
Brussels
TBC
€ 189
Higher
on request
TBC
Brussels
TBC
€ 219
There are late entry fees of € 65 if you apply up to 20 calendar days after the closing date for applications.
Minimum entry requirements: Please note that we can only hold a BEC session on the condition that we have a minimum of 4 candidates for the level you have chosen provided that the combined total BEC Preliminary and/or BEC Vantage and/or BEC Higher in the same session is at least 10 candidates.
How do I apply to take BEC exams?
To apply for a BEC exam you need to contact our Examinations Services on exams@britishcouncil.be
How can I prepare myself for the BEC exams?
You will find handbooks, sample papers, exam reports and much more on the Cambridge ESOL website. If you are a teacher Cambridge's Teaching Resources website contains plenty of teaching resources for ESOL exams.
How can I find out more?
For further information on Business English Certificates please visit the BEC website for detailed information; or contact us at exams@britishcouncil.be
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