CAMBRIDGE ENGLISH BUSINESS CERTIFICATES (BEC)
To succeed in international business and commerce you need a good knowledge of English. If you can show that you have good language skills you will have a great advantage in the jobs market.
The Business English Certificates (BEC) are internationally recognised qualifications that 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; Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC - P), Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC - V) and Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC - H). They are suitable for adults (aged 16 and over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work. The exams cover the same range of language skills as the General English exams, but with the emphasis on activities that are common in business.
All 4 language skills, reading, writing, listening, speaking are assessed.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT EXAM LEVELS?
Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC - P)
Prepares candidates to interact effectively while carrying out routine business transactions, for e.g. speaking to clients over the telephone, writing brief letters, making appointments.
Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC - V)
Assesses how candidates can conduct and take part in meetings and teleconferences using skills of negotiation to put across a point of view. Ability to draft letters, memos, minutes of meetings and topics for presentation using appropriate business vocabulary and format.
Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC - H)
Assesses proficiency in the use of English for making presentations, negotiating effectively in the promotion of products and services, and in engaging in extended conversations with clients at meetings and seminars.
While you are preparing for the tests you will be learning and practising the skills you will need in real business situations.
Council of Europe levels
All three levels of BEC are clearly linked to the Common European Framework for language assessment, published by the Council of Europe:
COUNCIL OF EUROPE LEVEL BEC EXAMS MAIN SUITE EXAMS
B1 Preliminary PET
B2 Vantage FCE
C1 Higher CAE
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.
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WHEN CAN I TAKE THE TEST?
(All three levels - Preliminary, Vantage, Higher)
EXAM DATES AND REGISTRATIONS
Month Written papers Speaking test
(window period) Registration
period
June
Preliminary
Wednesday 6
Vantage
Thursday 7
Higher
Tuesday 5
1 to 11 June
(all levels)
closed
November
Preliminary
Friday 2
Vantage
Saturday 3
Higher
Thursday 1
26 October to
5 November
(all levels)
16 August to
6 September
Saturday 7 July
(Computer Based) Preliminary
Vantage
Higher 30 June to
8 July 22 May to
15 June
PLEASE NOTE:
Registration dates, exam dates, venue, fees and minimum requirements for examinations are subject to change at the discretion of British Council or Cambridge ESOL.
We may be able to offer additional sessions (subject to a minimum number of candidates registering). Please contact us for further information
If the required minimum number of candidates set by the examination board (which is 5 candidates) is not met by the registration closing date the exam will be cancelled and a full refund will be granted to the candidate.
The completed application form along with the documents required and the exam fee needs to reach the British Council on or before the registration closing date. No application will be accepted once registrations are closed. Applications received via post or courier will be returned.
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THE FEE STRUCTURE
Level Fee
Preliminary (paper based) Rs. 6,500/-
Vantage (paper based) Rs. 7,700/-
Higher (paper based) Rs. 10,000/-
Preliminary (computer based) Rs. 6,100/-
Vantage (computer based) Rs. 7,100/-
Higher (computer based) Rs. 9,300/-
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HOW CAN I REGISTER?
collect an application form from the British Council, or download the appropriate application:
- application form for paper-based exams
- application form for computer-based exams
download the Information Sheet for Candidates for reference
- paper-based exam
- computer-based exam
register by submitting the completed entry form in person or post during the period of registration for a given session. Please submit the following along with your entry:
- two recent passport-size photographs.
- three self addressed envelopes.
fees can be paid in cash, by cheque or bank draft (SL Rupees) drawn in favour of 'British Council'. You can also make a bank transfer to the following account (please bring or post the receipt with your application)
Bank name: HSBC
Account name: British Council Sri Lanka
Account number: 001-002377-002
Message: BEC- (your full name)
Credit cards are accepted (Visa/Master/Amex)
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CONFIRMATION OF ENTRY
A confirmation of entry will be issued to all eligible candidates two weeks before the first date of the examination. If you have not received your confirmation document at least one week prior to your examination, please contact the British Council Examination Services on (011) 4521521.
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WHICH TEST SHOULD I TAKE?
If you are not sure which exam or level you should take, our Examinations staff will advise you based on your past English studies and understanding of past exam papers.
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WHEN AND HOW DO I GET THE RESULTS?
Results are issued approximately two to three months after the date of the written exams and the results sheets will be sent via post to the candidates
Certificates for successful candidates approximately one month after results are issued. Candidates will be informed in writing for the collection of certificates.
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GRADING AND RESULTS
The final grade is an aggregate of the marks achieved in each of the three papers: Reading and Writing, Listening, Speaking. There is no minimum pass mark for each individual paper. You will be awarded the grading 'Pass with Distinction' if you achieve a score of 85 or above in the BEC Preliminary exam; this will also award you level B2 in the
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) assessment.
All the candidates will receive a Statement of Results and the results will be sent to the candidates via post after seven (7) weeks of taking the exam. Certificates will be issued approximately after six (6) weeks from the date results are released. Candidates will be informed in written for the collection of certificates.
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CANDIDATES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
In co-operation with Cambridge ESOL, we provide a Special Arrangements Service for candidates with hearing, speech, visual and kinetic difficulties, as well as for candidates with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. We also make special arrangements for candidates who have sustained accident-related injuries, such as a broken arm, prior to the day of the exam. Download our
Information Sheet for Special Needs Candidates (PDF, 18 KB) for details of how to apply for Special Arrangements.
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REFUND POLICY
A refund is granted for candidates who produce a written notice of registration withdrawal before the final registration date of the exam, as published by the British Council. The refund will consist of the local fee, less an administrative fee of Rs.2000.
Instances where notice is given after a the final registration date of the exam the fee will be forfeited in its entirety. An exception to this rule is a registration withdrawal on medical grounds. Candidates who are able to produce a medical certificate within 5 working days of the written test will receive a refund, less an administrative fee of Rs.3000.
Following documents are to be submitted for the processing of the refund
Completed Local Refund Claim Form
A medical certificate from a recognised western medical practitioner or a hospital (if the the request for refund is on medical grounds)
Confirmation of Entry
Receipt issued by British Council for the examination fees paid
Please note that photocopies of the above documentation will not be accepted.
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CONTACT US
Colombo
British Council
49 Alfred House Gardens
Colombo 03
T (011) 4521521 or (011) 7521521
E info.lk@britishcouncil.org
Kandy
British Council
88/3 Kotugodella Veediya
Kandy
T (081) 2222410
E info.lk@britishcouncil.org
CONTACT US
Colombo
British Council
49 Alfred House Gardens
Colombo 03
T (011) 4521521 or (011) 7521521
E info.lk@britishcouncil.org
Kandy
British Council
88/3 Kotugodella Veediya
Kandy
T (081) 2222410
E info.lk@britishcouncil.org
Cambridge ESOL exams
Business English exams
OFFICIAL CESOL WEBSITE
Exam Preparation Support
SUMMARY REGULATIONS FOR CANDIDATES
ENGLISH COURSES FOR TEENAGERS AND ADULTS
LearnEnglish website for professional
Opening Hours
COLOMBO
Tuesday to Saturday
Payments - 0900 to 1730
Enquiries - 0900 to 1800
KANDY
Tuesday to Saturday
Payments - 0900 to 1600
Enquiries - 0900 to 1730
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