Introducing BEC Exam :
In today’s world effective English Communication gives you the booster you need to make a jump start in your career . There are many exams to test the proficiency in English, While IELTS, TOEFL are more needed while applying for foreign universities as per their guideline; BEC is another exam which is designed for the working professionals. Today more of the employers in India are recognizing BEC certified candidates.
This exam has four focus areas : Reading , Writing, Speaking and Listening. While a months preparation of 2 hours per day is necessary for preparation of the exam for average students, it may take more time if english is not your schooling language and your are not fluent in english.
GSG team recommends our readers to prepare for the BEC Higher Certification. If you are not much confident in your english skills , you can take the BEC Vantage first and subsequently the higher version.
The details of the certification are available below in the British Council Site and attached below.
What is BEC (Business English Certificate) ?
BEC is an international examination designed by the University of Cambridge ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages), to assess business English proficiency. The certificate is recognised by educational institutions and corporations worldwide and complements degrees and diplomas. BEC is a qualification that is valid for life and can be added to your resume. In India, the British Council in co-operation with Cambridge ESOL brings the BEC to you.
BEC is practical by nature, so you will focus learning to use English in real world business situations, e.g. Meetings, Presentations, Teleconferences etc.
EXAM LEVELS
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.
RECOGNITION
Many employers around the world recognise Business English Certificates as proof of the holder’s ability to cope linguistically in a wide range of professional situations. There is a long list of companies and organizations in India, which have officially recognised or used BEC, either for staff recruitment or as part of their training and staff development programme. Some organizations have even made BEC requirement for recruitment.
BEC is now recognised by over 100 corporate organisations in India and offered by over 120 educational institutes. Download our BEC recognition brochures to find out more:
Download the BEC Recognition Brochure here:
Click here for details of your nearest British Council office.
BEC Fees
| BEC Preliminary fees | Rs. 3050 |
| BEC Vantage fees | Rs. 2500 |
| BEC Higher fees | Rs. 3300 |
Registration Procedure
at New Delhi/ Mumbai/ Kolkata/ Chennai respectively. The above have to be submitted to the BC office before the registration closing date. |
http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-exams-bec-dates2008.pdf
Do post your questions regarding this exam and we will be happy to guide you.
Warm Regards,
Balakrishnan
(Content Manager - GetSetGrow.org)
Hi, I am a pre-final year engineering student ,looking forward for my campus interview. SO,what level of BEC would help me to have an edge over others in the campus interview?
Hi Logesh,
Even a BEC preliminary with good grade definitely help you a lot to differentiate yourself from others. It will also help you to present yourself to the interviewer. That is how you communicate with the interviewer.
All the best
I am looking out for books to teach BEC Preliminary, Vantage and Higher. Are there any books published by Goel or Goyal Publications in India which I think would be useful for Indian students.
Thanks in anticipation of a quick response.
Yours faithfully
Joseph
Hi Joseph,
For BEC Books please click on the link http://www.cambridgeesol.org/resources/books-for-study.php
and select your exam name viz, BEC Higheror BEC Vantage and this will give you a list of all books, alternatively you can find them amazon.co.uk and order online to your India address , you would need a credit card to order the books.
Pass Cambridge BEC: Higher Student’s Book (Paperback)
Summertown Publishing Ltd; Revised edition
by Ian Wood , Louise Pile cost £20
PASS Cambridge BEC Higher. Class and Exam Focus Audio-CD: An examination preperation course. Update for the revised exam (Audio CD) £26
by Ian Wood
Cambridge BEC Higher 1: Practice Tests from the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (Bec Practice Tests) £11
Pass Cambridge BEC: Higher Teacher’s Book by Louise Pile £14.40
PASS Cambridge BEC: Higher Self-study Practice Tests by Russell Whitehead £18
The Cambridge University books are best recommended, if you find the book costly you can borrow the same from nearby British Council Library from friends who have a library card there.
Let me know if you need more info.
Cheers,
Rajat