BEC Vantage
This is a question our students ask us a lot in Carole Brown Idiomas and we feel that it is a valuable topic to blog about. For those working in companies and studying Business English, we recommend the Cambridge BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage exam. The topics are based on languages and skills for business. Some of these include: Staff development and training, Job descriptions and job satisfaction, Launching a product, Starting a business, Expanding into Europe and Presenting your business idea. According to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) the BEC Vantage is B2 level. It is rapidly growing in popularity as a number of companies are using the examination as a focus for in-company training courses (See www.cambridgeesol.org). The business aspect of the examination affects the vocabulary, the types of texts selected and the situations presented in the speaking tasks. All four skills are examined. The Reading paper consists of 5 parts, the Writing paper consists of 2 parts, the Listening paper consists of 3 parts and the Speaking paper consists of 3 parts. The Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners which creates a more realistic and reliable measure of the candidate’s ability to use English to communicate.
The B2 First
For those in Bachillerato 2 or those doing an undergraduate course in University, we recommend the B2 First. (https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/first/).This was previously known as Cambridge English: First and the First Certificate in English. This is an English language examination provided by Cambridge Assessment English. B2 First shows that learners have the language skills needed to communicate confidently in an English-speaking environment. It is a GE (general English) exam and covers general topics such as Travel, The Environment, Education, Current Affairs, Health, Culture, Hobbies and Extra Curricular activities etc. It is made up of four papers 1) The Reading and Use of English 2) Writing 3) Listening 4) Speaking. Just like in the BEC exam, the Speaking test is taken face to face, with two candidates and two examiners.
Why choose the B2 First?
- It is accepted for entry to foundation courses in English speaking countries
- It is accepted for entry for undergraduate programmes taught in the medium of English in non-English speaking countries
For those of you taking either of the two exams, we wish you every success!