The BEC suite of exams is adjusted to the Council of Europe Common European Framework developed by ALTE and the Council of Europe. Each BEC level is equivalent to a general English (or Cambridge Main Suite) certificate.  

DATES AND FEES

HOW TO ENROL
Enrolments can only be accepted if payment is made by the enrolment deadline. You can enrol:

1. By post
   Download the enrolment form (pdf, 126k), follow the simple instructions and return it to your nearest centre, together with a photocopy of your ID card and a cheque made payable to 'British Council' for the examination fee.
2. In person
   At any British Council office (please check opening hours). You will need to complete the examination enrolment form and bring with you your ID card. Payment can be made by Multibanco, cheque or cash. (Note: no Multibanco in Porto).

CONTENTS: PRELIMINARY

			Reading and writing (90 minutes)
			Listening (40 minutes)
			Speaking (12 minutes)

CONTENTS: VANTAGE

			Reading (60 minutes)
			Writing (45 minutes)
			Listening (40 minutes)
			Speaking (14 minutes)

CONTENTS: HIGHER

			Reading (60 minutes)
			Writing (70 minutes)
			Listening (40 minutes)
			Speaking (16 minutes)

MORE INFORMATION

Visit the Cambridge ESOL site.

MARKING AND ISSUE OF RESULTS

All completed exam papers are returned to Cambridge for marking. The examiners are English-teaching specialists with relevant experience at the appropriate level. Examiners are trained, their work is continuously monitored and checked by highly experienced senior examiners as they work.

There are five possible grades for BEC: A, B and C are 'pass' grades; D and E are 'fail' grades. The grade is based on your total score in all the papers. Nine weeks after the exam, you will receive a Statement of Results giving the overall grade and including a graphical display of your performance in each component. These are shown against the scale Exceptional - Good - Borderline - Weak.

Certificates are issued to you if successful, approximately four months after the exam