English for the workplace

More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce: whether for working with multinational companies in your own country, or living and working abroad.

In many areas of international commerce, English is used as the common language, and if you can show you have an internationally recognised business qualification in English, you will have a greater advantage in the jobs market, and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad.

The Business English Certificates (BEC) are internationally recognised qualifications that shows 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: BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage and BEC Higher.

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.

Recognition
BEC is officially recognised by more than a thousand educational organisations, employers, ministries, government bodies and professional organisations throughout the world as a suitable qualification for business use.
Leading international companies such as Sony Ericsson, Shell, Vodafone, Bayer, Coca-Cola and HSBC have all recognised BEC in their offices around the world.

Business English exams 2008 / 2009

BEC Levels	Exam dates	Session	Registration	Price
Preliminary	15 November 08	Session 4	Sept - 1 Oct	€ 160
	19 March 09	Session 1	Nov - 16 Jan	€ 160
	16 May 09	Session 2	Feb - 2 April	€ 160
	3 June 09	Session 3	Feb - 15 April	€ 160
Vantage	29 November 08	Session 4	Sept - 1 Oct	€ 185
	20 March 09	Session 1	Nov - 16 Jan	€ 185
	30 May 09	Session 2	Feb - 2 April	€ 185
	4 June 09	Session 3	Feb - 15 April	€ 185
Higher	22 November 08	Session 4	Sept - 1 Oct	€ 215
	18 March 09	Session 1	Nov - 16 Jan	€ 215
	23 May 09	Session 2	Feb - 2 April	€ 215
	2 June 09	Session 3	Feb - 15 April	€ 215

Which level do I choose?

			A minimum of ten candidates is required for any exam
			Candidates can register individually or through their school/language training institution.
			There is a reduction of € 10 per candidate for schools or institutions registering ten candidates or more. Please use a block entry form for this purpose.
			All exams can be administered at the premises of any institute or company with a minimum of 70 candidates.

Registration

To register for the BEC exams in Amsterdam in 2008/09 please use our online registration system (IES).

Or download one of these forms:

	Individual registration form
	Block registration form (for schools)

Please read the terms and conditions before you register.

Candidates' Support

• Order form for past papers
  (€ 18.15 per paper (including CD)
  
• Practice online with Cambridge:
• BEC Preliminary
• BEC Vantage
• BEC Higher

Contact
For more information on the business English exams, please contact our office in Amsterdam:

British Council Amsterdam
Weteringschans 85A
1017 RZ Amsterdam

T +31 (0)20 - 550 60 68

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