BEC Higher

Aimed at students who have gained or are gaining business and administrative experience. Listeners at this level should be able to handle more complex sentence structures and demonstrate knowledge of a large vocabulary. This level is equivalent to C1.

Reading (1 hour)

The reading section contains various types of business-oriented texts such as articles, reports, advertisements, catalogues, letters. The candidate completes tasks that include combining options, selecting from multiple choices, completing with or without options, and editing text.
Reading accounts for 25% of the total score.

Writing (70 minutes)

Candidates write two texts, the first of 120-140 words, in the form of a message or email, based on some input in the form of graphs or tables. For the second text, which must be 200-250 words, the candidate can choose a topic from a number of options, such as a report or proposal (in the form of a note or e-mail), business correspondence (letter, fax or e-mail).
Writing accounts for 25% of the total score. Both texts have an equal share.

Listening (40 minutes)

This part of the exam tests the ability to understand spoken language in a variety of situations and to understand the main topic, detailed information, context, and opinions of people.
Listening accounts for 25% of the total score.

Speaking (16 minutes)

The candidate's reactions, comparisons, expressions of agreement or disagreement, and ability to reason and compromise with the examiner and the other candidate on topics of a business nature are tested. This part of the examination includes a short presentation on a business topic, which the candidate chooses on the spot from the three options offered, questions on the other examinee's presentation and a discussion with the other examinee on the business topic to find a solution.
Speaking accounts for 25% of the total score.

The pass mark for the exam is 180 out of 210 points from all parts of the exam combined. Candidates who achieve a score of 160-179 will be awarded a B2 level certificate.

200 -210 = Pass at Grade A (Corresponds to the level C2.)
180 - 199 = Pass at Grade B and C
160 - 179 = Level B2 (Candidate receives a B2 level certificate.)
0 - 159 = Fail

For more, see this document.

Flyer: here
Handbook for teachers: here
Information for candidates: here

Sample test: Reading; Writing; Listening; L-Pt1; L-Pt2; L-Pt3
Assignment of the oral part: here