Thanks for writing to us. Details of the different stages of BEC Exam and fees are attached in the link :
http://www.britishcouncil.org/india-exams-bec.htm .Generally it takes around minimum of 60 hours preparation time .However it depends on your current level of English Language knowledge which needs to be ascertained. If you email your contact details to rajat.pal@getsetgrow.org, we can conduct a quick interview of yourself and advise which BEC exam is best suitable for you. Our recommendation would be to spend around 2 hours per day for a period of a month, For the speaking section preparation, it is recommended to study with a group of friends and practice as many JAM (Just a minute) sessions as possible. Also you can prepare for this exam totally in sync with your college studies , however you need to manage your study timings efficiently so that you can focus on both.

Let us know if you need more info and we would be glad to guide you.

Best Regards,
GSG Team

Thanks for writing to us, to answer your question, BEC is more suitable for a working individual to improve their communication skill and seeking an official certification in English Language, however for teachers the recommended certification is CELTA.

The course is full time – 120 hours over four weeks. You are also required to do lesson planning, reading and research and write four assignments in the evenings and over the weekends. The total cost are around Rs 1,40,000, however we would recommend you to check with the local British Council Centre to get the exact fee structure.

Please contact the following British Council branches for an application form.

CELTA Applications, New Delhi

English Language Teaching Centre

British Council Division

17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg

New Delhi 110001

CELTA Applications, Mumbai

British Council

C Wing Mittal Tower

Nariman Point

Mumbai 400 021

For CELTA syllabus please look at http://www.cambridgeesol.org/assets/pdf/celta8_251103.pdf

However if you cannot afford for CELTA now, you can go for TKT in the interim.

What does TKT involve?

TKT has three core modules:
Module 1 – Language and background to language teaching
Module 2 – Lesson planning and use of resources for language teaching
Module 3 – Managing the teaching and learning process

How much does it cost?

Each module costs Rs. 2,500. Register for all three modules at once for a special fee of Rs 6,900.

How can I prepare?

All candidates receive a TKT handbook and a self-study book on registration, The TKT Course, when they register. Individuals can also use the TKT sample papers which are available from Cambridge ESOL website and by downloading the glossary of terms tested in the TKT and by using the resources available on the Cambridge Teaching resources website.

How can I apply?

For details contact:
Examination Services
British Council Division
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 110001

or

Call at: 011-42199000

Please refer to the link below fo syllabus : http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/teaching-awards/tkt.html

Warm Regards,

GetSetGrow Team.

Thank you,
Leena

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

Thanks in anticipation of a quick response.

Yours faithfully

Joseph

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