British Council Netherlands

Page Content

Cambridge Business English (BEC)

English for your future: certificates for the workplace

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 which show 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 2012

BEC Levels Written papers & Listening Speaking Closing Date Price
Preliminary 3 April 2012 3 April 2012 CLOSED € 163
24 Nov 2012 16 Nov 2012 5 Oct 2012 € 163
Vantage 4 April 2012 4 April 2012 CLOSED € 189
2 June 2012 24 May 2012 6 April 2012 € 189
3 Nov 2012 3 Nov 2012 21 Sept 2012 € 189
Higher 2 April 2012 2 April 2012 CLOSED € 219
5 June 2012 5 June 2012 20 April 2012 € 219
17 Nov 2012 16 Nov 2012 5 Oct 2012 € 219

Which level do I choose?

A minimum of ten candidates is required for any exam
Candidates can register individually or through their school/language training institution.
All exams can be administered at the premises of any institute or company with a minimum of 70 candidates.

Registration

Please note that at the moment it is only possible to do your BEC exams in Amsterdam

If you wish to register, please download one of these forms:

Individual registration form 2012
Block registration form 2012(for schools)

Please read the terms and conditions before you register.

Candidates' Support

Contact
For more information on the business English exams, please contact our office in Amsterdam:

British Council Amsterdam
Weteringschans 85A
1017 RZ Amsterdam

T +31 (0)20 - 550 60 68

Back to top

Business Exams_02

IELTS

General English (ESOL)

Young Learners (YLE)

Cambridge English (KET and PET)

Cambridge General English (FCE, CAE, CPE)

Business English (BEC, BULATS, ILEC, ICFE)

University and Professional Exams

Materials for Teachers

Resources to prepare for your exam

Cambridge ESOL FAQs

The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland)
Our privacy and copyright statements.
Our commitment to freedom of information. Double-click for pop-up dictionary.

© British Council

Text Only Options

Top of page

Text Only Options

Open the original version of this page.

Usablenet Assistive is a UsableNet product. Usablenet Assistive Main Page.