The BEC Vantage test covers the four language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking.
BEC Vantage Reading Test
Time allowed 1 hour
This test is in 5 parts. there are 45 questions worth one mark each.
BEC Vantage Reading Test Part 1
Consists of a matching task based on four short texts or one longer text divided into four sections (250-350 words in total).
The texts are taken from newspapers, magazines and catalogues. The task is to match seven statements to the relevant text.
This part of the test focuses on your ability to identify specific details in the texts.
BEC Vantage Reading Test Part 2
Consists of a matching task consisting of a single text (450-550 words in total) such as an article or report which has six missing sentences in it, and a choice of seven possible sentences to complete the text.
The task is to choose one of the set of seven sentences to fit each gap in the text. The first one is done as an example so you only have to complete five gaps.
This part test your understanding of text structure as well as general comprehension of the text as a whole.
BEC Vantage Reading Test Part 3
This is a single text (450-550 words) with six multiple choice questions, each with four options.
The text may be a newspaper article or some business literature including company information and management topics.
This part tests your ability to understand the text as a whole and to elicit specific information.
BEC Vantage Reading Part 4
This is a single text (200-300 words) with sixteen gaps. The first one is done as an example.
The task is to select the correct answer from a choice of four options.
This part tests your vocabulary and understanding of structure.
BEC Vantage Reading Part 5
This is a proof reading task. The task is to identify words that have been introduced incorrectly in to the text. The text (150-200 words) could be a letter, an advertisement or other similar material.
BEC Vantage Writing Test
Time allowed 45 minutes
The writing test is in two parts. There are a total of ten possible marks for the first part and a total of twenty possible marks for the second part.
BEC Vantage Writing Test Part 1
This task is to produce an internal company communication such as a note, a memo or an email (40-50 words).
The information explains the role you are given and the person you are writing to. You are also given some information that must be included in the message.
This part test your ability to briefly give instructions, explain a development, ask for comments or information or agree to a request.
BEC Vantage Writing Test Part 2
This task is to produce a piece of business correspondence, a short report or a proposal (120-140) words.
The information you are given includes an explanation of the task and one or two texts. These texts are sometimes visual or graphic material with handwritten notes on them.
This part tests your ability to explain, apologize, reassure, complain, describe, summarize, recommend or persuade.
BEC Vantage Listening Test
Time allowed 40 minutes
The listening test consists of recorded extracts and a written question paper. In the exam, the instructions are on the recording and on the question paper.
The test is in three parts and lasts about 30 minutes.
In the exam, each section is heard twice and there is an extra ten minutes to transfer the answers on to a special answer sheet.
There are 30 questions worth one mark each.
BEC Vantage Listening Test Part 1
In this part, there are three conversations or messages and a gapped text for each one.
There are four gaps in each text. The texts are forms, invoices and message pads, etc.
This part tests your ability to listen for factual information and convert it into a suitable answer to complete the gap.
BEC Vantage Listening Test Part 2
This part is divided into two sections.
You will hear five short monologues in each section and the task is to match each monologue to one of eight options. There is a theme or topic linking each set of options.
This part tests your global listening skills and your ability to understand the main idea or gist of the monologues.
BEC Vantage Listening Test Part 3
There is a longer text in this part of about four minutes.
There is an interview, discussion, presentation or report. Eight multiple choice questions, each with three options, are given that test your general understanding of ideas and opinions expressed in the recording.
BEC Vantage Speaking Test
Time allowed 14 minutes
The speaking test is taken in pairs or, occasionally, with three candidates.
There are two examiners. One of them (the interlocutor) will speak and lead you through the tasks. The other examiner just listens. Both examiners are involved in the marking process.
The test is in three parts.
BEC Vantage Speaking Test Part 1
This part lasts about three minutes.
The interlocutor will speak to each of you in turn and ask you general questions about your life, your work or your studies.
You are being tested on your ability to talk briefly about yourself and to show that you are able to agreed, disagree or express preferences. You won't usually be asked exactly the same questions as your partner.
BEC Vantage Speaking Test Part 2
In this part of the test, you will be asked to give a mini-presentation on a business topic.
You and your partner are each given a choice of three topics and you have one minute to prepare your presentation.
You are expected to talk for about one minute. When you have finished your presentation, your partner is invited to ask you a questions about it.
This part tests your ability to speak for an extended period.
BEC Vantage Speaking Test Part 3
In part three, you and your partner are given a topic to discuss for about three minutes.
The interlocutor will then ask further questions related to the topic.
This part test your ability to hold a conversation, express opinions, compare and contrast and acknowledge your partner's contributions. You are not expected to reach a joint conclusion and it is acceptable for you both to disagree as long as this is expressed clearly.
FAQ
Is BEC equal to IELTS?
Both BEC and IELTS are English proficiency tests, but they are not equal.
BEC is a test of Business English, while IELTS is a general English test.
So, if you're looking to study or work in a business context, BEC would be the more relevant exam.
However, both tests require high levels of English ability, so whichever one you choose, you'll need to prepare well!
| EXAM | Preliminary | Vantage | Higher |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEFR Level | B1 | B2 | C1 |
| IELTS Band | 4.0 - 5.0 | 5.5 - 6.5 | 7.0 - 8.0 |
Why is B2 Business Vantage (BEC V) better than IELTS?
The main benefit of BEC over IELTS is that the Business English certificate is lifelong. IELTS results are valid only for two years.
Employers prefer the International Business English Certificate. It not only verifies English proficiency but also demonstrates your ability to function in a business environment.
When you prepare for BEC, you learn practical English for Finance, People Management, Marketing, and more, rather than abstract topics, as in IELTS.
