English for the workplace

More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce: whether for working with multinational companies in your own country, or living and working abroad.

In many areas of international commerce, English is used as the common language, and if you can show you have an internationally recognised business qualification in English, you will have a greater advantage in the jobs market, and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad.

The Business English Certificates (BEC) are internationally recognised qualifications that shows employers your skills for using English in the workplace.
BEC is an ideal English language exam if you are preparing for a career in business. There are three different levels of BEC: BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher.

Is BEC for you?
If your English language ability is sufficient for most simple communications, such as shopping, you may consider progressing towards BEC. You should have an understanding of, or interest in, the world of work, business and commerce.

Recognition
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.
Leading international companies such as Sony Ericsson, Shell, Vodafone, Bayer, Coca-Cola and HSBC have all recognised BEC in their offices around the world.

Business English exams 2008 / 2009

BEC Levels    Exam dates    Session    Registration    Price   
Preliminary    15 November 08    Session 4    closed    € 160   
19 March 09    Session 1    Nov - 16 Jan    € 160   
16 May 09    Session 2    Feb - 2 April    € 160   
3 June 09    Session 3    Feb - 15 April    € 160   
28 Nov 09    Session 4    Aug - 1 Oct    € 160   
Vantage    29 November 08    Session 4    closed    € 185   
20 March 09    Session 1    Nov - 16 Jan    € 185   
30 May 09    Session 2    Feb - 2 April    € 185   
4 June 09    Session 3    Feb - 15 April    € 185   
5 Dec 09    Session 4    Aug - 1 Oct    € 185   
Higher    22 November 08    Session 4    closed    € 215   
18 March 09    Session 1    Nov - 16 Jan    € 215   
23 May 09    Session 2    Feb - 2 April    € 215   
2 June 09    Session 3    Feb - 15 April    € 215   
21 Nov 09    Session 4    Aug - 1 Oct    € 215