BEC exam
Why take BEC?
The Business English Certificates (BEC) are internationally recognised qualifications that show employers your skills for using English in the workplace. BEC is recognised and used by a number of banks, including the World Bank, a number of United Nations organisations, hotels and business companies as a reliable tool for external, fair assessment of language proficiency or when they employ new personnel.
Exam information
The paper exam is taken twice a year and consists of 4 parts, Reading , Writing, Listening and speaking. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and is usually held at the British council offices in Sofia . Students will be notified of their results about 6 weeks after the exam receiving a grade A-E with a minimum of C required to pass the exam.
BEC levels:
- Business English Certificate Preliminary
BEC Preliminary is an intermediate-level qualification that gives you the practical everyday skills you need to succeed in an English-speaking working environment and in international business. The exam is equivalent to KET and PET and to Council of Europe Level B1. More information. - Business English Certificate Vantage
BEC Vantage is an upper-intermediate level qualification that shows you can use English with confidence in a business environment. It is equivalent to FCE and to Council of Europe Level B2. More information. - Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher Business English Certificate (BEC) Higher, is a high-level exam, taken all over the world by people who need to prove that they have a high level of English for business purposes. It is equivalent to CAE and to Council of Europe Level C1. More information.
Exam dates - 2013:
| Dates for Reading, Writing, Use of English and Listening | Dates for Speaking within the period: | Deadline for regisration: |
|---|---|---|
| BEC Vantage | ||
| 23 March | 15 – 25 March | 15 February |
| 1 June | 10 May – 3 June | 12 April |
| 20 September | 13 – 23 September | 16 August |
| 2 November | 25 October – 4 November | 27 September |
| BEC Higher | ||
| 13 March | 8 – 18 March | 1 February |
| 4 June | 31 May– 10 June | 26 April |
| 19 September | 13 – 23 September | 16 August |
| 16 November | 8 – 18 November | 11 October |
Results:
Results are issued approximately two months after the date of the written exams. Certificates are sent to successful candidates approximately one month after results are issued. All candidates who register at English Аcademy will receive their certificates from us. You can access your results through the Cambridge ESOL Results Online website. Results Online access details are provided by exam centres.
How to register for BEC:
You can register for the BEC exam at English Academy. Please bring with you your ID card/passport, a proof of a bank transfer, complete and sign an individual entry form. If you are unable to come you can send a person with your notarised written agreement and with a copy of your ID card/passport to register you.
The fee for 2013 for the BEC Preliminary is 209 BGN, for BEC Vantage - 323 BGN, and for BEC Higher - 335 BGN. Fees must be paid by bank transfer to British Council bank account:
CITIBANK, 2 Maria Luiza Blvd, Sofia.
IBAN Leva account: BG24 CITI 9250 1051 0009 03
For further information about Cambridge Exams visit Cambridge ESOL website.