What is the BEC Vantage test like?

The test has five sections:

1.

2.
3.

4.

Reading - 60 minutes, 45 questions

1. part 1 - matching 7 sentences to four short texts
2. part 2 - text with sentences missing
3. part 3 - text with multiple choice questions
4. part 4 - text with multiple choice gaps
5. part 5 - Identification of additional unnecessary words in text
Writing - 2 tasks , 45 minutes
Listening - 40 minutes, 30 questions
1. part 1 - note completion, 3 short passages
2. part 2 - matching
3. part 3 - multiple choice
Speaking - interview, normally with another candidate, 15 minutes

BEC VANTAGE

Why take BEC?

More than ever, a good knowledge of English is needed to succeed in international business and
commerce. If you can show you have relevant language skills you'll have a great advantage in the jobs
market and much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad.
An internationally recognised business qualification can help you show that you have learned English to
an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional context.
About BEC Vantage
You can improve your knowledge of business English further more by taking this examination. The BEC
Vantage is an intermediate-level Cambridge ESOL exam, at Level B2 and it tests four language skills.
Test format
BEC Vantage has four papers:
Paper 1 Reading (60 minutes)
In the Reading paper there are five tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, sentence
level gap-filling, multiple choice gap-filling and error identification. The Reading paper is 25% of the total
marks.
Paper 2- Writing (45 minutes)
In the Writing paper there are two tasks, both compulsory. Candidates produce a piece of internal
company communication (approx. 40-50 words), and a short report, proposal or piece of business
correspondence (based on Reading input, approx. 120-140 words). The Writing paper is 25% of the total
marks.
Paper 3 Listening (40 minutes)
In the Listening paper there are three tasks of the following types: gap-filling or note completion,

matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews,
discussions, telephone conversations and messages. The Listening paper is 25% of the total marks.
Paper 4 Speaking (14 minutes)
The candidates are tested in pair and during the test each candidate responds to questions, gives a
'mini-presentation' lasting approximately one minute, takes part in a collaborative task with the other
candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate. The Speaking Test is 25% of the total
marks.
Grading
The minimum successful performance which a candidate typically requires in order to pass the exam
corresponds to about 60% of the total marks. It is not necessary to achieve a satisfactory level in each
paper in order to pass the exam. Successful candidates obtain a certificate with one of the passing
grades - A, B or C. The failing grades are D and E.

Results
A single, overall grade is awarded, based on the aggregate of marks gained in the four components
indicated above. There are no pass/fail marks for individual papers, so you do not need to reach a
particular level in any component in order to achieve a pass in the examination. There are two pass
grades - Pass with Merit and Pass. There are two fail grades - Narrow Fail and Fail.