BEC can no longer be taken anywhere in the world except China. The final BEC exam sessions outside of China took place in June 2024.
No, there are no further BEC exam sessions anywhere in the world except China. For information on sessions in China, please visit our China website.
Yes, Cambridge English certificates do not expire. Recognising organisations such as universities, colleges and employers can choose how long to accept results for, so make sure to check their requirements.
- How much time you have to prepare for the exam
- Whether the university or organisation you are applying to accepts the qualification
- Whether you are looking for international or domestic university entry or employment
- Whether you want to do a digital or paper-based exam
- Whether you want to develop general and academic English, or business English
Yes, and in the case of B2 First and C1 Advanced, more enhanced recognition than BEC. You can find a full list of recognising organisations on the Cambridge Assessment English website.
We have a broad range of preparation materials that can be used both in the classroom and as self-study from home. These include:
- Paper-based and computer-based sample tests
- Lesson plans
- Free online activities to help students practise all four skills
- Self-study activities and study tips
- Test & Train
- A wide range of coursebooks such as Open World, Complete and Compact
Our preparation materials help candidates practise their English in all four skills. Students can use the materials to familiarise themselves with the question types and format so they can approach the test confidently. These include:
- Online sample tests
- Preparation videos
- Top tips for each module
- Practice tests for reading, listening and writing
- Linguaskill Online Course, a preparation course
Cambridge English Qualifications are designed so that each exam builds on the skills learned at the previous level. Our qualifications for general and higher education help students develop real-life communication skills.
They are known world-wide as an excellent way to prepare students for many of the tasks they will face at university, such as listening to lectures, writing essays, understanding by reading across multiple texts and giving presentations. Beyond that, they also ensure that successful candidates have work-ready language skills that will help them in the transition from education to work and professional development.
Key facts – Cambridge English Qualifications vs BEC
| |
Cambridge English Qualifications for General and Higher Education |
Cambridge English Qualifications for Business (BEC) |
| Format |
Computer or paper-based |
Computer or paper-based |
| Topics |
Real-life communication skills for higher education and employment |
Communicative workplace English |
| Skills tested |
All four skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking |
All four skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Modules |
Four |
Four |
| Test length |
B1 Preliminary all four skills total: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
B2 First all four skills total: approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
C1 Advanced all four skills total: approx. 4 hours
|
BEC B1 Preliminary all four skills total: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
BEC B2 Vantage all four skills total: approx. 2 hours 40 minutes
BEC C1 Higher all four skills total: approx. 3 hours
|
Linguaskill Business tests English used in a business or corporate setting. It will check that candidates have the skills they need to communicate in small or large organisations operating on an international level. Test topics are based on everyday work and business tasks, and include the buying and selling of products or services, the office, business travel and human resources.
Key Facts – Linguaskill vs BEC
| |
Linguaskill Business |
Cambridge English Qualifications for Business (BEC) |
| Format |
Online |
Computer or paper-based |
| Topics |
Communicative workplace English |
Communicative workplace English |
| Skills tested |
All four skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking |
All four skills – reading, listening, writing and speaking |
| Modules |
Three – reading and listening combined |
Four |
| Test length |
Reading and listening approx. 60 – 85 minutes Speaking 15 minutes Writing 45 minutes
All four skills total: approx. 2 hours 40 minutes
|
BEC B1 Preliminary all four skills total: approx. 2 hours 20 minutes
BEC B2 Vantage all four skills total: approx. 2 hours 40 minutes
BEC C1 Higher all four skills total: approx. 3 hours
|
Yes, they test the same four language skills as BEC.
Yes, in a modular format (so you choose which skills you take and when).
Results for Linguaskill Business are provided instantly for Reading and Listening, and within 48 hours for all skills. With a computer-generated Test Report, there is no waiting for printed certificates or other documents.
They are presented the same as BEC.
Visit the Results page to learn more about how the results are presented.
Cambridge English Qualifications for general and higher education are reported in the exact same way as Cambridge English Qualifications for Business.
Score Comparison
| Cambridge English Qualifications for General and Higher Education |
Cambridge English Qualifications for Business (BEC) |
|
C1 Advanced
CEFR level: C1
Scale score: 180-190
|
BEC C1 Advanced
CEFR level: C1
Scale score: 180-190
|
|
B2 First
CEFR level: B2
Scale score: 160-179
|
BEC B2 Vantage
CEFR level: B2
Scale score: 160-179
|
|
B1 Preliminary
CEFR level: B1
Scale score: 140-159
|
BEC B1 Preliminary
CEFR level: B1
Scale score: 140-159
|
Please refer to the below diagram.
Contact your local exam centre to get pricing information for Cambridge English Qualifications. Click here to find your nearest centre.
If you need any further assistance beyond what our FAQs can provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpdesk team.
We have collected various success stories from learners of Cambridge English Qualifications which can be explored on our website. Additionally, you can find testimonials and case studies from higher education institutions and employers who use Linguaskill on our dedicated testimonials section.