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Everything you need to know about the Cambridge Business English exams

Many business English students are currently preparing for their exams. What’s all the fuss about? In a nutshell, Cambridge Assessment English is an organization dedicated to providing examinations and qualifications for students and teachers of English. They have been operating since 1913 and, presently, over 5 million people take a Cambridge English exam each year. They also offer English certification for business professionals.

Who are the Cambridge Business English (BEC) exams for?

The Cambridge Business English exams are suitable for any student who seeks to improve and certify their business English communication skills. The qualification is recognized by a large number of employers and can be an excellent addition to your CV, especially if you want to get your foot in the door at a new company.

The BEC exams are offered in three different levels and are suitable for English students with a minimum CEFR level of B1. Based on their entry level, candidates may choose to take the BEC Preliminary, BEC Vantage or BEC Higher exam, the latter being the most advanced of the three exams offered.

What do the exams involve?

The Cambridge exams are divided into four categories: reading, writing, listening and speaking. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of English, not their knowledge of business, although having a business background certainly helps!

The reading papers are designed to test the candidate’s comprehension, as well as grammatical and lexical accuracy. The listening papers are comprised of three sections, which focus on sentence completion, matching and multiple-choice questions.

To test writing proficiency, candidates are asked to produce two pieces of business writing, one of which is a brief company communication and the other, which is a report, proposal or letter. To test for fluency, candidates give their opinion in the form of a mini-presentation followed by an active discussion with a fellow candidate.

What’s the advantage of taking a BEC exam?

Cambridge English Qualifications are accepted and trusted by thousands of leading employers and organisations worldwide. They prove that you have the necessary English language skills to succeed in your workplace. The content is based on authentic case material derived from a relevant business context. The certification is a mark of excellence and can provide you with the confidence you need to thrive in your profession so that you can stay ahead of the curve.

Are you interested? Take the Cambridge English exam preparation course.

If you’re still on the fence about diving into a BEC exam, you should consider enrolling in a preparation course to get familiarized with the exam’s structural framework. The course applies valuable skills and techniques required for successful completion, and provides ample opportunity to establish speaking fluency, eliminate hesitation and develop writing accuracy.

During this intensive course, you are guided through a few mock exams to get an impression of what’s to come. And if you follow the advice and feedback provided by your trainer, you are certain to have a higher chance of success.

What are you waiting for? Get the ball rolling!

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Alma Bonger
Alma is an English language trainer and writer from Canada. She is passionate about education, exploring new cultures, and creative collaboration.

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