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The Business English Certificates (BEC) are designed to test the level of English used in business, services and administration.
Candidates who wish to sit these exams do not need to have any specific business knowledge as the exams test mainly the ability to communicate in the business context.
These exams are suitable for people who are already in work and need to communicate with their foreign partners, and also for those who are preparing for a career in business and would like to improve their chances in job market. A growing number of international companies use the BEC exams as part of their staff development programme.
How do Cambridge Business English exams compare with the Common European Framework levels?
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| C2 – Mastery |
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| C1 – Effective operational proficiency |
BEC Higher |
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| B2 – Vantage |
BEC Vantage |
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| B1 – Threshold |
BEC Preliminary |
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| A2 – Waystage |
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| A1 – Breakthrough |
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BEC Preliminary
An examination for elementary and lower-intermediate level candidates. This level is equivalent to Cambridge level 1 (PET).
Examination papers: 1. Reading and Writing – 1 hour and 30 minutes, 2. Listening – approximately 40 minutes, 3. Speaking – approximately 12 minutes per pair of candidates
Grading and results: The minimum successful performance which a candidate typically requires in order to pass the exam corresponds to about 70% of the total marks. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in each paper in order to pass the exam. Successful candidates obtain a certificate with one of the passing grades – "Pass with Merit" or "Pass". The failing grades are "Narrow Fail" and "Fail".
BEC Vantage
An examination for intermediate level candidates already in work or preparing to work in a range of business-related jobs, from general office work to production and financial services. This level is equivalent to Cambridge level 3 (FCE).
Examination papers: 1. Reading – 1 hour, 2. Writing – 45 minutes, 3. Listening – approximately 40 minutes, 4. Speaking – approximately 14 minutes per pair of candidates
Grading and results: The minimum successful performance which a candidate typically requires in order to pass the exam corresponds to about 60% of the total marks. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in each paper in order to pass the exam. Successful candidates obtain a certificate with one of the passing grades - A, B or C. The failing grades are D and E.
BEC Higher
Aimed at students who have already acquired or are acquiring business and/or office skills. Learners at this level are expected to be able to handle complex structures and demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of vocabulary. This examination is at an advanced level similar to Cambridge level 4 (CAE).
Examination papers: 1. Reading – 1 hour, 2. Writing – 1 hour and 10 minutes, 3. Listening – approximately 40 minutes, 4. Speaking – approximately 14 minutes per pair of candidates
Grading and results: The minimum successful performance which a candidate typically requires in order to pass the exam corresponds to about 60% of the total marks. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in each paper in order to pass the exam. Successful candidates obtain a certificate with one of the passing grades – A, B or C. The failing grades are D and E
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