Cambridge Business English Certificates (BEC) preparation, all levels

BEC is a suite of three exams designed to test English language ability used in the context of business.

BEC is the right exam for you if the following criteria apply to you:

• Your first language is not English.
• Your English language ability is sufficient for most simple communications, such as shopping.
• You have an understanding of or an interest in the world of work, business and commerce.

Exam Components

BEC can be taken at three different levels, and candidates are assessed in four key areas at each level – listening, speaking, reading and writing. The tasks and questions are based on real-life business situations.

BEC Preliminary: Level B1

Reading and Writing: 1 hour 30 minutes

Listening: 40 minutes

Speaking: 12 minutes

This level tests candidates on their ability to use English to carry out basic office skills such reading short messages, interpreting charts, writing a short e-mail, following short telephone conversations and discussing, and talking about business-related matters.

BEC Vantage: Level B2

Reading: 1 hour

Writing: 45 minutes

Listening: 40 minutes

Speaking: 14 minutes

This level tests similar skills to BEC Preliminary but to a higher standard. Candidates are required to show they can write a short piece of business correspondence, a report or proposal, read extracts from business publications as well as listen to, understand and contribute to discussions on business topics.

BEC Higher: Level C1

Reading: 1 hour

Writing: 1 hour 10 minutes

Listening: 40 minutes

Speaking: 16 minutes

This level tests similar skills at an advanced level. Candidates are required to show they can write a longer piece of business correspondence, report or proposal, read longer business articles, summarise graphs as well as take part in discussions and express opinions on a topic.