certificates (bec) overview cambridge business - home - one english · 2020. 8. 27. · bec...
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Cambridge BusinessCertificates (BEC) overview
BEC HigherBEC VantageBECPreliminary
BEC exams are Cambridge Business English exams. They test studentson their level of Business English. Business English exams are gainingmomentum worldwide,as a good knowledge of English is required to
succeed in the world of business. There are three levels:
WHAT ARE BEC EXAMS ?
B1 B2 C1
COMPUTER-BASED PAPER-BASED
HOW CAN THE EXAM BE TAKEN?You have the choice
It takes two weeks toreceive results.
It takes four weeks toreceive results.
BEC Preliminary is theCambridge Business English
exam equivalent to the(PET) Preliminary. It tests
students on B1 skills.
Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 160-170 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 153-159 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 140-152 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail A2 level 120-139 (Cambridge English scale score)
RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates havea choice between paper or computer-based.
What is BEC Preliminary (B1
Business Preliminary)?
Difficulty levelB1 / Independent user (CEFR level scale)
How many papers are there?There are three papers in the BEC Preliminary. The Readingand Writing paper is worth 50% and the listening andspeaking is worth 25% each.
BEC Preliminary translates as B1Independent user on the CEFR
level scale. This means candidateshave good knowledge how to use
practical, everyday BusinessEnglish.
How does BECPreliminary translate on
the CEFR level scale?
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Reading part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 3: Matching (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 4: Right/wrong/doesn't say (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 5: Multiple choice (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 6: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for correct answer)Reading part 7: Note completion (one mark for correct answer)Writing part 1: Write a note/memo/message/ email (30-40 words)Writing part 2: Write a letter/ fax or email (60-80 words)
There are seven parts in the Reading and two parts in the Writing.
How many parts are in the Reading and Writing?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 30 points and the minimumWriting score is 20 points which corresponds to 140 (B1) onthe Cambridge English scale score
Reading andWriting90 minutes
Maximum scoreThe maximum Reading score is 45 points and the maximumWriting score is 30 points which corresponds to 170 (B2) onthe Cambridge English scale score
Both Reading and Writing are taken on the same paperbut are given two separate grades. Candidates aregiven 90 minutes to complete both parts.
Are Reading and Writing taken together?
Time management can be a challenging factor of theBEC Preliminary exam. Candidates have approx. 6minutes to complete each Reading part and 20 minutesto do each Writing part.
How much time do candidates have tocomplete each Reading and Writing part?
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How many parts are in the Listening?
Listening part 1: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Note taking (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Note taking (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 4: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)
There are four parts in the Listening.
Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can take notesduring the Listening.
How many times do candidates hear theListening track?
The maximum Listening score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 170 (B2) on Cambridge English scalescore.
Maximum score
Minimum scoreThe minimum Listening score is 20 points which correspondsto 140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score
Headphones are provided for computer-based examsand a CD player is provided for paper-based exams.
What Listening equipment is provided?
Listening40 minutes including
transfer time
Do candidates get extra time to transfer theiranswers?Candidates get extra time at the end of the exam to transfer theiranswers to the answer sheet. Candidates should only transfer theiranswers to their answer sheet when advised by the examiner.
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How many Speaking parts are there?There are three speaking parts.Speaking part 1: Interview (approx. 2 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation about a business related topic(approx. 5 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (approx. 5 minutes)
Candidates do the speaking exam with twoexaminers and a partner. Some parts of the exam aredone alone and other parts involve your speakingpartner.
Who takes part in the Speaking exam?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 18 points which corresponds to140 (B1) on the Cambridge English scale score
The maximum Speaking score is 30 points which correspondsto 170 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.
Can candidates choose their partner?
Speaking12 minutes (per
pair of candidates)
This depends on the exam event that you register for.Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before they register.
Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the sameday?
oneenglish.ch
Price 250CHF
Speakingtest
25.11.2020
Exam typeComputerSt. Alban-Anlage 25
4052 Basel / BS Switzerland
Location
Writingtest
25.11.2020
Registrationdeadline21.09.2020
Writingtest
5.06.2021
Registrationopens
1.09.2020
Writingtest
16.04.2021
Registrationopens
1.09.2020
B1 B
EC P
RELI
MIN
ARY
Upcoming examdates in Basel
There are three upcomingexam events in Basel.
Price 245 CHF
Price 245CHF
Exam typePaper
Exam typePaper
St. Alban-Anlage 25 4052 Basel / BS
Switzerland
Location
St. Alban-Anlage 25 4052 Basel / BS
Switzerland
Location
Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 180-190 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 173-179 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 160-172 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail B1 level 140-159 (Cambridge English scale score)
What is BEC Vantage(B2 Business Vantage)?
BEC Vantage is theCambridge Business
English exam equivalent tothe (FCE) First. It testsstudents on B2 skills.
Number of papersThere are four papers. Each paper is worth 25%.
Difficulty levelB2 / Independent user (CEFR level scale)
RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates havea choice between paper or computer-based.
How does BEC Vantagetranslate on the CEFR
level scale?
BEC Vantage translates as B2Independent user on the CEFR level
scale. This means candidates canstart working in international
business. What's more, it's beneficialwhen it comes to career
development e.g. applying for jobs,getting a promotion.
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Reading part 1: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 4: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 5: Proofreading (one mark for each correct answer)
There are five parts in the reading section.
How many parts are in the Reading?
The maximum Reading score is 45 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Informational texts,articles,reports,advertisements and brochures.
What are the text types?
Reading 60 minutes
Time management can be a challenging factor of theBEC Vantage exam.Candidates have approx. 12 minutesfor each Reading part.
How much time do candidates have tocomplete each part?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 27 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score
This depends on the exam type. Students have a choicebetween paper-based and computer-based. It's importantfor candidates to research this before registering.
Do candidates type or write their texts?
Writing part 1: Write a message, memo or email (40-50 words)Writing part 2: Write a short report or proposal (120-140 words)
There are two parts in the writing.
How many parts are in the Writing?
Candidates with unclear handwriting should considerregistering for the computer-based exam.If an examinercannot read a candidates' text, marks will be deducted.
What happens if the examiner cannot read myhandwriting ?
The maximum Writing score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 190 (C1) on the Cambridge Englishscale score.
Maximum score
Minimum score to passThe minimum Writing score is 18 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Writing45 minutes
Examiners give 0-5 marks (0: lowest,5: highest) for thefollowing criteria: : Grammar and Vocabulary; DiscourseManagement; Pronunciation; and Interactive Communication.Examiners can also award half marks.
How is the Writing graded?
This depends on the exam type. Candidates who do thecomputer-based will be provided with headphones whereascandidates who do paper-based listen to a CD player.
What Listening equipment is provided?
Listening part 1: Note completion (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)
There are three parts in the Listening section.
How many parts are in the Listening?
Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can take notesduring the Listening.
How many times do candidates hear theListening track?
Do candidates get extra time to transfertheir answers?Candidates get extra time at the end of the exam to transferthe answers to the answer sheet. Candidates should onlytransfer their answers to their answer sheet when advised bythe examiner.
The maximum Listening score is 30 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Minimum score to passThe minimum Listening score is 19 points which correspondsto 160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score
Listening40 minutesincluding
transfer time
Speaking part 1: Interview (3 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation on business topic (approx. 6 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (5 minutes)
There are three parts in the Speaking section. How many parts are in the Speaking?
Candidates do the speaking exam with twoexaminers and a partner. Some parts of the examare done alone and other parts involve yourspeaking partner.
Who takes part in the Speaking exam?
Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.
Can candidates choose their partner?
The maximum Speaking score is 30 points which correspondsto 190 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
This depends on the exam event that you register for. Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before they register.
Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the same day?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 18 points which corresponds to160 (B2) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Speaking14 minutes
oneenglish.ch
Price 390CHF
Speakingtest
5.12.2020
Exam typePaper
Writingtest
5.12.2020
Registrationdeadline21.09.2020
Writingtest
3.06.2021
Registrationopens
1.09.2020
St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BS
Switzerland
Location
Writingtest
11.12.2020
Upcoming examdates in Basel
There are three upcomingexam events in Basel.
Speakingtest
11.12.202012.12.2020B2
BEC
VAN
TAGE
St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BS
Switzerland
Location St. Alban-Anlage 25
4052 Basel / BS Switzerland
Location Exam typePaper
Exam typeComputer
Price 395CHF
Registrationdeadline21.09.2020
Price 390CHF
Scores (Cambridge English scale score)Grade A 200-210 (Cambridge English scale score)Grade B 193-199 ( Cambridge English scale score)Grade C 180-192 (Cambridge English scale score)Fail B2 level 160-179 (Cambridge English scale score)
RegistrationBook at least three months in advance. Candidates have achoice between paper or computer-based.
What is BEC Higher (C1Business Higher)?
BEC Higher is theCambridge Business English
exam equivalent to the(CAE) Advanced. It tests
students on C1 skills.
Difficulty levelC1 / Proficient user (CEFR level scale)
Number of papersThere are four papers. Each paper is worth 25%.
How does BEC Highertranslate on the CEFR
level scale?
BEC Higher translates as C1Proficient user on the CEFR level
scale. This means candidates havean advanced level of Business
English.
oneenglish.ch
Reading part 1: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 4: Multiple-choice cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Reading part 5: Open cloze (one mark for each correct answer)Readin part 6: Proofreading (one mark for each correct answer)
There are six parts in the Reading section.
How many parts are in the Reading?
The maximum Reading score is 52 points which correspondsto 210 (C2) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Informational textsarticles reports
What are the text types?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Reading score is 32 points which corresponds to180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score
Time management can be a challenging factor of theexam. Candidates have approx. 10 minutes for eachReading part.
How much time do candidates have tocomplete each part?
Reading 60 minutes
oneenglish.ch
Writing part 1: Write a short report (120-140 words)Writing part 2: Write a report, proposal or businesscorrespondence (200-250 words)
There are two parts in the writing.How many parts are in the Writing?
The maximum Writing score is 30 points which correspondsto 210 (C2) on the Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Minimum score to passThe minimum Writing score is 18 points which corresponds to180 on the Cambridge English scale score
Writing70 minutes
This depends on the exam type. Students have a choicebetween paper-based and computer-based. It's important forcandidates to research this before registering.
Do candidates type or write their texts?
Candidates with unclear handwriting should considerregistering for the computer-based exams. If an examinercannot read a candidates' text, marks will be deducted.
What happens if the examiner cannot read myhandwriting ?
Examiners give 0-5 marks(0: lowest,5: highest) for thefollowing criteria: : Grammar and Vocabulary; DiscourseManagement; Pronunciation; and InteractiveCommunication. Examiners can also award half marks.
How is the Writing graded?
This depends on the exam type. Candidates who do thecomputer-based will be provided with headphones whereascandidates who do paper-based listen to a CD player.
What listening equipment is provided?
Listening part 1: Note completion (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 2: Matching (one mark for each correct answer)Listening part 3: Multiple choice (one mark for each correct answer)
There are three parts in the Listening section.
How many parts are in the Listening?
The maximum Listening score is 30 points whichcorresponds to 210 (C2) on Cambridge English scale score.
Maximum score
Minimum score to pass The minimum Listening score is 18 points which correspondsto 180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score
Listening40 minutesincluding
transfer time
Candidates hear the Listening twice. Students can takenotes during the Listening.
How many times do candidates hearthe Listening track?
Candidates get extra time at the end of the test to transfer their answersto the answer sheet. Candidates should only transfer their answers tothe answer sheet when advised by the examiner.
Do candidates get extra time to transfer theiranswers?
oneenglish.ch
The maximum Speaking score is 75 points whichcorresponds to 210 (C2) on Cambridge English scalescore.
Maximum score
Speaking part 1: Interview (3 minutes)Speaking part 2: Mini presentation on business topic (approx. 6 minutes)Speaking part 3: Collaborative task with partner (approx. 7 minutes)
There are three parts in the Speaking section.
How many parts are in the Speaking?
Candidates do the speaking exam with two examinersand a partner. Some parts of the exam are done alone andother parts involve your speaking partner.
Who takes part in the Speaking?
This depends on the exam event that you register for. Thisinformation is usually given to candidates before theyregister for the exam.
Are the Writing and Speaking exam on the sameday?Candidates are allowed to choose their partner,
provided their partner is taking the same exam on thesame date in the same place.
Can candidates choose their partner?
Minimum score to passThe minimum Speaking score is 45 points which correspondsto 180 (C1) on the Cambridge English scale score
Speaking16 minutes
oneenglish.ch
Upcoming exam dates in BaselThere are two upcoming exams in Basel
Writingtest
22.05.2021
Registrationopens
1.09.2020
Exam typeComputer
Price 405CHF
Writingtest
10.12.2020
Registrationdeadline21.09.2020
Speakingtest
11.12.2020
C1 B
EC H
IGH
ER
St. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BSSwitzerland
LocationSt. Alban-Anlage 254052 Basel / BSSwitzerland
Location Exam typePaper
Price 400CHF
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