Cambridge BusinessCertificates (BEC) overview

BEC HigherBEC VantageBECPreliminary

BEC exams are Cambridge Business English exams. They test studentson their level of Business English. Business English exams are gainingmomentum worldwide,as a good knowledge of English is required to

succeed in the world of business. There are three levels:

WHAT ARE BEC EXAMS ?

B1 B2 C1

COMPUTER-BASED PAPER-BASED

HOW CAN THE EXAM BE TAKEN?You have the choice

It takes two weeks toreceive results.

It takes four weeks toreceive results.

BEC Preliminary is theCambridge Business English

exam equivalent to the(PET) Preliminary. It tests

students on B1 skills.

Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 160-170 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 153-159 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 140-152 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail A2 level 120-139 (Cambridge English scale score)

RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates havea choice between paper or computer-based.

What is BEC Preliminary (B1

Business Preliminary)?

Difficulty levelB1 / Independent user (CEFR level scale)

How many papers are there?There are three papers in the BEC Preliminary. The Readingand Writing paper is worth 50% and the listening andspeaking is worth 25% each.

BEC Preliminary translates as B1Independent user on the CEFR

level scale. This means candidateshave good knowledge how to use

practical, everyday BusinessEnglish.

How does BECPreliminary translate on

the CEFR level scale?

oneenglish.ch

Reading part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 3: Matching (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 4: Right/wrong/doesn't say (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 5: Multiple choice (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 6: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 7: Note completion (one mark for correct answer)Writing part 1: Write a note/memo/message/ email (30-40 words)Writing part 2: Write a letter/ fax or email (60-80 words)

There are seven parts in the Reading and two parts in the Writing.

How many parts are in the Reading and Writing?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 30 points and the minimumWriting score is 20 points which corresponds to 140 (B1) onthe Cambridge English scale score

Reading andWriting90 minutes

Maximum scoreThe maximum Reading score is 45 points and the maximumWriting score is 30 points which corresponds to 170 (B2) onthe Cambridge English scale score

Both Reading and Writing are taken on the same paperbut are given two separate grades. Candidates aregiven 90 minutes to complete both parts.

Are Reading and Writing taken together?

Time management can be a challenging factor of theBEC Preliminary exam. Candidates have approx. 6minutes to complete each Reading part and 20 minutesto do each Writing part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each Reading and Writing part?

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How many parts are in the Listening?

Listening part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Note taking (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Note taking (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 4: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)

There are four parts in the Listening.

Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can take notesduring the Listening.

How many times do candidates hear theListening track?

The maximum Listening score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 170 (B2) on Cambridge English scalescore.

Maximum score

Minimum scoreThe minimum Listening score is 20 points which correspondsto 140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score

Headphones are provided for computer-based examsand a CD player is provided for paper-based exams.

What Listening equipment is provided?

Listening40 minutes including

transfer time

Do candidates get extra time to transfer theiranswers?Candidates get extra time at the end of the exam to transfer theiranswers to the answer sheet. Candidates should only transfer theiranswers to their answer sheet when advised by the examiner.

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How many Speaking parts are there?There are three speaking parts.Speaking part 1: Interview (approx. 2 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation about a business related topic(approx. 5 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (approx. 5 minutes)

Candidates do the speaking exam with twoexaminers and a partner. Some parts of the exam aredone alone and other parts involve your speakingpartner.

Who takes part in the Speaking exam?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 18 points which corresponds to140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score

The maximum Speaking score is 30 points which correspondsto 170 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.

Can candidates choose their partner?

Speaking12 minutes (per

pair of candidates)

This depends on the exam event that you register for.Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before they register.

Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the sameday?

oneenglish.ch

Price 250CHF

Speakingtest

25.11.2020

Exam typeComputerSt. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BS Switzerland

Location

Writingtest

25.11.2020

Registrationdeadline21.09.2020

Writingtest

5.06.2021

Registrationopens

1.09.2020

Writingtest

16.04.2021

Registrationopens

1.09.2020

B1 B

EC P

RELI

MIN

ARY

Upcoming examdates in Basel

There are three upcomingexam events in Basel.

Price 245 CHF

Price 245CHF

Exam typePaper

Exam typePaper

St. Alban-Anlage 25 4052 Basel / BS

Switzerland

Location

St. Alban-Anlage 25 4052 Basel / BS

Switzerland

Location

Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 180-190 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 173-179 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 160-172 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail B1 level 140-159 (Cambridge English scale score)

What is BEC Vantage(B2 Business Vantage)?

BEC Vantage is theCambridge Business

English exam equivalent tothe (FCE) First. It testsstudents on B2 skills.

Number of papersThere are four papers. Each paper is worth 25%.

Difficulty levelB2 / Independent user (CEFR level scale)

RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates havea choice between paper or computer-based.

How does BEC Vantagetranslate on the CEFR

level scale?

BEC Vantage translates as B2Independent user on the CEFR level

scale. This means candidates canstart working in international

business. What's more, it's beneficialwhen it comes to career

development e.g. applying for jobs,getting a promotion.

oneenglish.ch

Reading part 1: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 4: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 5: Proofreading (one mark for each correct answer)

There are five parts in the reading section.

How many parts are in the Reading?

The maximum Reading score is 45 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Informational texts,articles,reports,advertisements and brochures.

What are the text types?

Reading 60 minutes

Time management can be a challenging factor of theBEC Vantage exam.Candidates have approx. 12 minutesfor each Reading part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each part?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 27 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score

This depends on the exam type. Students have a choicebetween paper-based and computer-based. It's importantfor candidates to research this before registering.

Do candidates type or write their texts?

Writing part 1: Write a message, memo or email (40-50 words)Writing part 2: Write a short report or proposal (120-140 words)

There are two parts in the writing.

How many parts are in the Writing?

Candidates with unclear handwriting should considerregistering for the computer-based exam.If an examinercannot read a candidates' text, marks will be deducted.

What happens if the examiner cannot read myhandwriting ?

The maximum Writing score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 190 (C1) on the Cambridge Englishscale score.

Maximum score

Minimum score to passThe minimum Writing score is 18 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Writing45 minutes

Examiners give 0-5 marks (0: lowest,5: highest) for thefollowing criteria: : Grammar and Vocabulary; DiscourseManagement; Pronunciation; and Interactive Communication.Examiners can also award half marks.

How is the Writing graded?

This depends on the exam type. Candidates who do thecomputer-based will be provided with headphones whereascandidates who do paper-based listen to a CD player.

What Listening equipment is provided?

Listening part 1: Note completion (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)

There are three parts in the Listening section.

How many parts are in the Listening?

Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can take notesduring the Listening.

How many times do candidates hear theListening track?

Do candidates get extra time to transfertheir answers?Candidates get extra time at the end of the exam to transferthe answers to the answer sheet. Candidates should onlytransfer their answers to their answer sheet when advised bythe examiner.

The maximum Listening score is 30 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Minimum score to passThe minimum Listening score is 19 points which correspondsto 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score

Listening40 minutesincluding

transfer time

Speaking part 1: Interview (3 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation on business topic (approx. 6 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (5 minutes)

There are three parts in the Speaking section. How many parts are in the Speaking?

Candidates do the speaking exam with twoexaminers and a partner. Some parts of the examare done alone and other parts involve yourspeaking partner.

Who takes part in the Speaking exam?

Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.

Can candidates choose their partner?

The maximum Speaking score is 30 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

This depends on the exam event that you register for. Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before they register.

Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the same day?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 18 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Speaking14 minutes

oneenglish.ch

Price 390CHF

Speakingtest

5.12.2020

Exam typePaper

Writingtest

5.12.2020

Registrationdeadline21.09.2020

Writingtest

3.06.2021

Registrationopens

1.09.2020

St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BS

Switzerland

Location

Writingtest

11.12.2020

Upcoming examdates in Basel

There are three upcomingexam events in Basel.

Speakingtest

11.12.202012.12.2020B2

BEC

VAN

TAGE

St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BS

Switzerland

Location St. Alban-Anlage 25

4052 Basel / BS Switzerland

Location Exam typePaper

Exam typeComputer

Price 395CHF

Registrationdeadline21.09.2020

Price 390CHF

Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 200-210 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 193-199 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 180-192 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail B2 level 160-179 (Cambridge English scale score)

RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates have achoice between paper or computer-based.

What is BEC Higher (C1Business Higher)?

BEC Higher is theCambridge Business English

exam equivalent to the(CAE) Advanced. It tests

students on C1 skills.

Difficulty levelC1 / Proficient user (CEFR level scale)

Number of papersThere are four papers. Each paper is worth 25%.

How does BEC Highertranslate on the CEFR

level scale?

BEC Higher translates as C1Proficient user on the CEFR level

scale. This means candidates havean advanced level of Business

English.

oneenglish.ch

Reading part 1: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 4: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 5: Open cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Readin part 6: Proofreading (one mark for each correct answer)

There are six parts in the Reading section.

How many parts are in the Reading?

The maximum Reading score is 52 points which correspondsto 210 (C2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Informational textsarticles reports

What are the text types?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 32 points which corresponds to180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score

Time management can be a challenging factor of theexam. Candidates have approx. 10 minutes for eachReading part.

How much time do candidates have tocomplete each part?

Reading 60 minutes

oneenglish.ch

Writing part 1: Write a short report (120-140 words)Writing part 2: Write a report, proposal or businesscorrespondence (200-250 words)

There are two parts in the writing.How many parts are in the Writing?

The maximum Writing score is 30 points which correspondsto 210 (C2) on the Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Minimum score to passThe minimum Writing score is 18 points which corresponds to180 on the Cambridge English scale score

Writing70 minutes

This depends on the exam type. Students have a choicebetween paper-based and computer-based. It's important forcandidates to research this before registering.

Do candidates type or write their texts?

Candidates with unclear handwriting should considerregistering for the computer-based exams. If an examinercannot read a candidates' text, marks will be deducted.

What happens if the examiner cannot read myhandwriting ?

Examiners give 0-5 marks(0: lowest,5: highest) for thefollowing criteria: : Grammar and Vocabulary; DiscourseManagement; Pronunciation; and InteractiveCommunication. Examiners can also award half marks.

How is the Writing graded?

This depends on the exam type. Candidates who do thecomputer-based will be provided with headphones whereascandidates who do paper-based listen to a CD player.

What listening equipment is provided?

Listening part 1: Note completion (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)

There are three parts in the Listening section.

How many parts are in the Listening?

The maximum Listening score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 210 (C2) on Cambridge English scale score.

Maximum score

Minimum score to pass The minimum Listening score is 18 points which correspondsto 180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score

Listening40 minutesincluding

transfer time

Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can takenotes during the Listening.

How many times do candidates hearthe Listening track?

Candidates get extra time at the end of the test to transfer their answersto the answer sheet. Candidates should only transfer their answers tothe answer sheet when advised by the examiner.

Do candidates get extra time to transfer theiranswers?

oneenglish.ch

The maximum Speaking score is 75 points whichcorresponds to 210 (C2) on Cambridge English scalescore.

Maximum score

Speaking part 1: Interview (3 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation on business topic (approx. 6 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (approx. 7 minutes)

There are three parts in the Speaking section.

How many parts are in the Speaking?

Candidates do the speaking exam with two examinersand a partner. Some parts of the exam are done alone andother parts involve your speaking partner.

Who takes part in the Speaking?

This depends on the exam event that you register for. Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before theyregister for the exam.

Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the sameday?Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,

provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.

Can candidates choose their partner?

Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 45 points which correspondsto 180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score

Speaking16 minutes

oneenglish.ch

Upcoming exam dates in BaselThere are two upcoming exams in Basel

Writingtest

22.05.2021

Registrationopens

1.09.2020

Exam typeComputer

Price 405CHF

Writingtest

10.12.2020

Registrationdeadline21.09.2020

Speakingtest

11.12.2020

C1 B

EC H

IGH

ER

St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BSSwitzerland

Location Exam typePaper

Price 400CHF

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