What is BEC?
The Business English Certificates are designed for the purpose of international business and trade. There are three different levels of BEC: BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher and they are aligned with Levels B1 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages an internationally recognised benchmark of language ability.
Global Business Communication
BEC exams are based on authentic situations, giving you the skills to communicate in real-life business scenarios. As a result you will develop the ability to express your opinion, present your ideas and negotiate in an international workplace.
Accepted Worldwide
BEC qualifications are accepted and trusted by thousands of leading employers and organisations worldwide. They are a mark of excellence, opening doors and giving you the skills and confidence to thrive.
Who is the BEC exam for and why should I take it?
BEC is an ideal English language exam if you are preparing for a career in business and it can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a business context.
B1 Business Preliminary, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary), is a Cambridge English qualification (Level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and is suitable for people who are preparing for a career in business.
A B1 Business Preliminary qualification shows that you have mastered the basics of business English. It helps you to get the practical language skills you need to start doing business in English.
A B1 Business Preliminary certificate shows that you can:
- talk about business subjects
- understand charts and graphs
- write a short business email
- follow short telephone conversations
Reasons to choose B1 Business Preliminary:
- Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
- Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
- Accepted globally by top international companies like Procter & Gamble, HSBC and AstraZeneca, as well as education institutions and business schools.
Key facts
- CEFR level: B1
- Scale score: 140–159
- Test format: Computer or paper-based
- No. of papers: 3
- Exam length: About 2 hours 20 minutes
The content for each exam is based on everyday work and business tasks and is designed to develop your business English skills, with a B1 Business Preliminary qualification, you show employers that you have a good knowledge of English for practical, everyday use in business.
B2 Business Vantage, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage), is a Cambridge English qualification (Level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) and is suitable for people who are either preparing for a career in business or those who are already working in a lower-middle management or middle-senior clerical position.
A B2 Business Vantage certificate shows that you can:
- write short business messages and reports
- read articles from business publications
- listen to, understand and give your opinions in meetings
Reasons to choose B2 Business Vantage:
- Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
- Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
- Accepted globally by top international companies like Procter & Gamble, HSBC and AstraZeneca, as well as education institutions and business schools.
Key facts
- CEFR level: B2
- Scale score: 160–179
- Test format: Computer or paper-based
- No. of papers: 4
- Exam length: About 2 hours 40 minutes
The content for each exam is based on everyday work and business tasks and is designed to develop your business English skills. With a B2 Business Vantage qualification, you show employers that you are ready to work successfully in international business. This exam could help you when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion, or developing your career.
C1 Business Higher, formerly known as Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher), is a Cambridge English qualification (Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). It helps you to get the practical language skills you need to work effectively at a senior level in international business.
A C1 Business Higher certificate shows that you can:
- communicate effectively at managerial and professional level
- participate with confidence in workplace meetings and presentations
- express yourself with a high level of fluency
- react appropriately in different cultural and social situations
Reasons to choose C1 Business Higher:
- Improve your career opportunities – get the English language skills you need to be successful.
- Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills you can prove.
- Accepted globally by top international companies like Procter & Gamble, HSBC and AstraZeneca, as well as education institutions and business schools.
Key facts
- CEFR level: C1
- Scale score: 180–199
- Test format: Computer or paper-based
- No. of papers: 4
- Exam length: About 3 hours
The content for each exam is based on everyday work and business tasks and is designed to develop your business English skills. With a C1 Business Higher qualification, you show employers that you have achieved an advanced level of Business English.
This qualification gives you the practical language skills you need to operate confidently at a senior level in global business.
BEC exams are suitable for adults (aged 16 and over).