More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and commerce. If you can show you have relevant language skills you'll have a great advantage in the jobs market and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad.
An internationally recognised business qualification can help you show that you have learned English to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.
If you want to feel confident in using English in every business situation, than this examination is for you. BEC Higher is an advanced-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level C1 and it tests four language skills.
BEC Higher has four papers:
Paper 1 – Reading (60 minutes)
In the Reading paper there are five tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice gap-filling and error identification. The Reading paper is 25% of the total marks.
Paper 2- Writing (90 minutes)
In the Writing paper there are two tasks. In Part One a candidate produces a short report (based on graphic input, approx. 120-140 words). In Part Two, a candidate chooses whether to write a report, proposal or piece of business correspondence. The Writing paper is 25% of the total marks.
Paper 3 – Listening (40 minutes)
In the Listening paper there are three tasks of the following types: gap-filling or note completion, matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages. The Listening paper is 25% of the total marks.
Paper 4 – Speaking (14 minutes)
The candidates are tested in pair and during the test each candidate responds to questions, gives a 'mini-presentation' lasting approximately one minute, takes part in a collaborative task with the other candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate. The Speaking Test is 25% of the total marks.
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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