BEC Vantage

The Business English Certificates are a suite of three examinations - 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. BEC Vantage assesses language ability used in the context of business at the Council of Europe's Vantage Level (B2) for general language proficiency, which is Level 1 in the UK National Qualifications Framework. 

Examination Content

Test of Reading (1 hour)

In the Reading component there are five tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, sentence level gap-filling, multiple-choice gap-filling and error identification. The Reading component contributes 25% of the total marks.

Test of Writing (45 minutes)

In the Writing component there are two tasks, both compulsory. Candidates produce a piece of internal company communication (approx. 40 - 50 words) and a short report, proposal or piece of business correspondence (based on Reading input, approx. 120 - 140 words). The Writing component contributes 25% of the total marks.

Test of Listening (approximately 40 minutes including time for completion of answer sheets)

In the Listening component there are three tasks of the following types: gapfilling or note completion, matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages. The Listening component contributes 25% of the total marks.

Test of Speaking (approximately 14 minutes per pair of candidates)

The Speaking Test is conducted by two external examiners and candidates are tested in pairs. There are four tasks in which 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 and the interlocutor. The Speaking component contributes 25% of the total marks. 

Results

A single, overall grade is awarded, based on the aggregate of marks gained in the four components indicated above. There are no pass/fail marks for individual components, hence there is no requirement to reach a particular level in any component in order to achieve a pass in the examination.

Three classes of passing grade are available, A, B and C and two classes of failing grade, D and E.

All candidates are provided with a Statement of Results which includes a graphical display of the candidate's performance in each paper. These are shown against the scale Exceptional / Good / Borderline / Weak and indicate the candidate's relative performance in each paper. Passing candidates are awarded a certificate. 

How to enter?

To Register for the exam, please click here (NB: entries cannot be made directly to Cambridge ESOL)

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