BEX Exam | BEC Preliminary
Cambridge Preliminary Business English Certificate
Cambridge Business English Certificates (BEC) help you realize your ambitions and develop your international business career. BEC helps you develop real practical English language skills required in everyday business scenarios, helping you to be successful in an international business environment or dealing with international business contacts.
The Preliminary Business English Certificate or Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) is one of three different Cambridge Business English Certificate tests. BEC preliminary is designed for intermediate level. BEC Higher and BEC Vantage are aimed at more advanced levels.
Where can I take BEC?
You can take the BEC exams (Business English Certificate tests) at worldwide Cambridge authorized test centers offering Cambridge Exams. Simply find a BEC test center near you and register for the BEC exam you would like to take.
Why should I take BEC?
Cambridge Exams are respected and valued worldwide. Taking the BEC Preliminary test can help improve your employment opportunities and help develop your professional career for the future. Many leading international business organizations recognize the Cambridge BEC Business English Certificates and in fact some use as part of their internal staff development programs. Well known industry leading companies such as Kodak, GE Healthcare, Coca-Cola, Philips, IBM and Shell are among those who accept BEC Preliminary as proof of your proficiency at intermediate level in Business English.
As one BEC candidate commented:
“Working in a marketing department of a foreign company requires very good business communication skills in English. BEC has helped me to reach an international business communication level.”
(Phan Thu Ha, Cambridge English: Business Certificates candidate)
What can I do with BEC?
The Preliminary BEC English test can help you:
- Prove your Business English skills to employers
- Take advantage of potential career opportunities in other companies
- Achieve internal promotion within your existing company
- Demonstrate that you have Business English skills which can be of benefit in everyday business situations.
More specifically; Cambridge BEC Preliminary is targeted at B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is an intermediate English level necessary for professional and academic contexts. When you take the BEC preliminary test you demonstrate that you can:
- read and understand brief business messages
- understand charts and graphical data
- write brief business emails
- understand simple telephone conversations
- understand and participate in short discussions
The Cambridge BEC Preliminary test covers English normally used in everyday business contexts. Obtaining BEC Preliminary makes you an asset to your employers and shows a commitment and dedication you the development of your professional career.
BEC is flexible
When you choose to take the Cambridge BEC Preliminary test you can choose a test center which is convenient for you, the exam date that suits you and opt for the BEC Preliminary computer version or BEC Preliminary paper version of the test. BEC computer tests are normally more frequent than paper based versions and the registration process is also quicker.
Other BEC benefits
As well as developing your Business English skills as part of your professional career. BEC Preliminary is also recognized by the UK Border Agency for immigration purposes.
Cambridge BEC Preliminary can be the key to your future success, helping you develop essential English language communications skills for everyday business situations, giving you the tools, practice and confidence to perform successfully in international business.
