BEC Preliminary - British Council

	BEC PRELIMINARY


	available in paper-based and computer-based versions

The examination consists of 3 components:

		Reading / Writing

The BEC Preliminary Reading and Writing paper (1 hour 30 minutes) has seven parts for reading and two tasks for writing. There are different types of text and questions. To learn more about this part of exam and to download a sample paper click here.

		Listening

The Listening component (ca 40 mins; 25% of the total marks) contains 3 parts with tasks including multiple choice, gap filling and listening for specific information. Candidates must be able to understand a range of dialogues and monologues from work-related situations. They are also expected to make sense of texts without necessarily understanding every word. The types of texts include: formal and informal exchanges, announcements, recorded messages, phone conversations, business presentations, interviews and discussions. To learn more about this part of exam and to download a sample paper click here.

		Speaking

	The standard format of the Speaking component (ca 12 mins; 25% of the total marks) is two candidates and two examiners. This component consists of 3 tasks. At lower levels candidates are expected to be able to talk about themselves and their work/studies as well as ask for, and give, non-personal information. To learn more about this part of exam and to download a sample paper click here.

		What grades can I receive?

Passing grades – Pass with Merit, Pass

Failing grades – Narrow Fail, Fail

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This is to inform you that from March 2009 BEC Preliminary and KET and PET exams candidates who do not achieve a passing grade but have demonstrated ability at the Council of Europe level below the examination they have taken will be awarded a certificate showing that level. For those candidates the following information will be given as the overall grade:
Council of Europe Level A1 – for KET
Council of Europe Level A2 – for PET and BEC Preliminary exams.

		What is the percentage scale?

Pass with Merit 80% and above

Pass 65 to 79%

Narrow Fail 60 – 64%

Fail 59% and below

		How to prepare for BEC Preliminary?

A preparation course is not a requirement for those wanting to register for BEC, although candidates may find it beneficial to prepare for the examination under the guidance of an experienced teacher. You can register for a course in our Teaching Centre in Warsaw and Krakow or other language schools which run preparation courses.

Although many textbooks on the market cover general business English topics and not specific exam preparation, most of them are appropriate for those preparing for the BEC exams. For candidates wanting to practice their exam skills publishers have prepared Practice Tests for BEC. Books are available in most language bookshops in Poland. Preparation materials are also available in the British Council Library.

		Statistics

	To find out more about the results statistics of Cambridge ESOL exams please click here.