EXAMINATION CONTENT

Reading (1 hour)

Reading consists of 6 parts with different types of text and questions. In each part you may have to read one long text or two or more shorter, related texts. Tasks include matching, multiple choice, multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, proof reading. Reading carries 25% of total marks.

Writing (1 hour 10 minutes)

In this part you have to produce two pieces of writing.

Part one is a compulsory task - a short report (memo or email) based on some input in the form of graphs or charts. You have to write 120–140 words.

In part two you choose one of 3 questions: a piece of business correspondence (letter, fax or email), a report (memo or email), or a proposal (memo or email). For each question you read some input material to guide you. You have to write 200–250 words.

Writing carries 25% of total marks.

Listening (40 minutes)

This paper has three parts. For each part you have to listen to a recorded text or texts and answer some questions. You hear each recording twice. Tasks includegap filling, multiple matching, multiple choice. You should be able to listen for gist, specific information, attitudes, and be able to identify topic, context, function, speaker’s opinion etc. Listening carries 25% of total marks.

Speaking (approx. 16 minutes per pair of candidates)

The Speaking test has three parts. The first part is a conversation with an examiner on a number of personal and business-related subjects. The second part is a mini-presentation on a business theme: you choose one of 3 topics, prepare for 1 minute and then speak for 1 minute. You also have to ask the other candidate a question after his presentation. The third part is a discussion with the other candidate about a given business-related situation – both of you should discuss the matter and come up with a decision. You should be able to express and justify opinions, use comparisons, agree and disagree.  

Speaking carries 25% of total marks.

What grades can I receive?

The minimum score you need to achieve a passing grade is 60. If you have achieved a grade A in your exam, you will receive the Business English Certificate Higher stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C2. If you have achieved grade B od C in your exam, you will be awarded the Business English Certificate Higher at Level C1. If your performance is below Level C1, but falls within Level B2, you will receive a Cambridge English certificate stating that you demonstrated ability at B2 level.

Preparation materials

Textbooks for exam preparation:

• Business Benchmark 3 (CUP)
• Cambridge BEC Higher 1-3 (Past Papers) (CUP)
• English for Business Studies (CUP)
• Handbook of Commercial Correspondence (OUP)
• Writing for Business (OUP)
• Pass Cambridge BEC Higher (Summertown Publishing)
• Intelligent Business Upper Intermediate (Pearson Longman)
• Advanced Business Contacts (Pearson Education)

Do you want to register for BEC Higher? Click here for more information about registration.

For more information about BEC Higher and useful resources visit the Cambridge ESOL candidate support website – BEC H.