To succeed in international business and commerce you need a good knowledge of English. If you can show that you have good language skills you will have a great advantage in the jobs market.
BEC is a suite of three exams – BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage, BEC Higher – designed to test English language ability used in the context of business. They are suitable for adults (aged 16 and over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work. The exams cover the same range of language skills as the General English exams, but with the emphasis on activities that are common in business.
All 4 language skills, reading, writing, listening, speaking are assessed.
BEC Preliminary
Prepares candidates to interact effectively while carrying out routine business transactions, for e.g. speaking to clients over the telephone, writing brief letters, making appointments.
BEC Vantage
Assesses how candidates can conduct and take part in meetings and teleconferences using skills of negotiation to put across a point of view. Ability to draft letters, memos, minutes of meetings and topics for presentation using appropriate business vocabulary and format.
BEC Higher
Assesses proficiency in the use of English for making presentations, negotiating effectively in the promotion of products and services, and in engaging in extended conversations with clients at meetings and seminars.
While you are preparing for the tests you will be learning and practising the skills you will need in real business situations.
The exams are suitable for adults (aged 16 and over) who are either preparing for a career in business or already in work. The certificate is recognised by the institutions and corporations world-wide and complements degrees and diplomas.
| Month |
Exam |
Written papers on |
Speaking test
(window period) |
Registration
dates |
| November |
Preliminary
Vantage
Higher |
Sunday 15
Saturday 29
Saturday 22 |
from 7 to 17 November |
16 September to 4 October |
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collect an application form from the British Council, or download it from this website. |
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register by submitting the completed entry form in person or post during the period of registration for a given session. |
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fees can be paid in cash, by cheque or bank draft (SL Rupees) drawn in favour of 'British Council'. You can also make a bank transfer to the following account (please bring or post the receipt with your application) |
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Credit cards are accepted ( Visa/Master/Amex) |
Bank name: HSBC
Account name: British Council Sri Lanka
Account number: 001-002377-001
Message: BEC- (your full name)
| Level |
Fee |
| Preliminary |
Rs.4,900/- |
| Vantage |
Rs.5,900/- |
| Higher |
Rs.7,900/- |
Please submit the following:
- two recent passport-size photographs.
- three self addressed envelopes.
The British Council can help you prepare for the tests:
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A range of courses at our Teaching Centre to help improve your Business English |
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Our English Learning Zone has a range of materials to help you improve your English and prepare for your test |
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Past paper booklets and cassettes |
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Download sample question papers and handbooks from the Cambridge ESOL website |
Candidates will receive a free library reference membership card on registration for the exam, with access to BEC preparation resources 7 days a week.
Come to our Cambridge English exams presentation; pick up a pass from Examinations Services.
If you are not sure which exam or level you should take, our Examinations staff will advise you based on your past English studies and understanding of past exam papers.
A results sheet will be posted to you approximately a month following the test
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