B2 Business Vantage, also known as BEC Vantage, is a qualification which shows employers that its holders are ready to work successfully in international business. This exam could help its holders when applying for new jobs, getting a promotion, or developing their career.
It is the second of Cambridge English: Business Certificates (BEC) suite of exams and is set at CEFR Level B2.
B2 Business Vantage is made up of four papers (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) developed to test candidates’ English skills. Having B2 Business Vantage qualification shows that candidates can write short business messages, reports and proposals, read extracts from business publications and listen to, understand and contribute to discussions in meetings. Achieving a certificate at this level proves that candidates are becoming skilled in Business English.
B2 Business Vantage is aimed at learners who want to:
- Succeed in business-related studies with English language skills they can prove.
- Improve their career opportunities – get the English language skills they need to be successful.
B2 Business Vantage is accepted globally by top international companies as well as education institutions and business schools.
Section |
Time |
Description |
# of items |
Reading |
1 hour |
Part 1 Either four short texts on a related topic or one text divided into four sections and a series of statements. Candidates have to match each statement to the text or section where they can find the information. |
7 questions |
Part 2 A text with gaps and some sentences (A–G). Each gap represents a missing sentence. Candidates have to read the text and the sentences and decide which sentence belongs in each gap. |
5 questions |
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Part 3 A single text with six comprehension questions. Candidates have to read the text and choose the right answer for each question (A, B, C or D). |
6 questions |
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Part 4 A text with gaps. Each gap represents one word or phrase. Candidates have to read the text and choose the right word or phrase to fill each gap from a choice of four (A, B, C or D). |
15 questions |
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Part 5 A text in which some lines are correct and some lines have an extra, unnecessary word. If the line is correct, candidates write 'CORRECT' on their answer sheet. If the line is not correct, they have to write down the extra word. |
12 questions |
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Writing |
45 minutes |
Part 1 A description of a business situation. Candidates have to write an internal company communication (message, memo or email) using the information provided. |
40-50 words |
Part 2 Some material (letter, fax, email, note, notice, advert, graph, chart) to read. Candidates have to write a piece of business correspondence, a report or a proposal based on the information. |
120-140 words |
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Listening |
about 40 minutes |
Part 1 Three monologues or dialogues. For each recording, candidates have to listen and fill in four gaps in a short text, such as a form. |
12 questions |
Part 2 Two sets of five short monologues (recordings of one person speaking). Each set is linked by a common theme and has a list of eight options (A–H). Candidates have to match each speaker to one of the options. |
10 questions |
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Part 3 One longer conversation or monologue (interview, discussion, presentation, etc.) and some comprehension questions. Candidates have to listen to the recording and choose the right answer (A, B or C) for each question. |
8 questions |
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Speaking |
14 minutes per pair of candidates |
Part 1 Conversation between the examiner and each candidate. The examiner encourages the candidates to give information about themselves and to express personal opinions. |
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Part 2 A ‘mini-presentation’ by each candidate on a business theme. The candidates are given prompts which generate a short talk on a business-related topic. |
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Part 3 A collaborative task which candidates do together. The candidates are presented with a discussion on a business-related topic. The examiner extends the discussion with prompts on related topics. |
Register online for your exams through ORFEAS, our online registration system. Find an examination center close to home from a choice of 100 locations throughout Greece and abroad, and complete your application online with your debit, pre-paid or credit card.
You will receive all the details for your upcoming exam via email in a single document that you can save, print and take with you on the day of your test. You will also be sent updates on the status of your application and useful support materials. Expect invitations to webinars for tips and strategies that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.
The ORFEAS registration system does away with print application forms and visits to the bank. Start and complete your registration online in a few simple steps. Use your home computer, tablet or smartphone to apply for your exam.
B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) is recognized by the private sector. It is also officially recognized in Greece by the state (ASEP/Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a certification of English language competence at various levels depending on the Cambridge English Scale overall score, as follows:
Level of recognition |
Overall score |
C1 |
180-190 |
B2 |
160-179 |
B1 |
140-159 |
B2 Business Vantage is accepted globally by top international companies as well as education institutions and business schools.
How can I apply?
Use this link to enter the ORFEAS online registration system. From there, follow the steps as suggested. Choose your exam, date and venue and then provide your personal details. In the last step you will be asked to pay with your card of choice. All the information you will need for the day of the exam will arrive in your inbox via email and SMS.
What if I have a question about the procedure?
If you have any questions about the procedure, even as you complete the steps in the process, contact us on 2103680000 for assistance. We have staff available from 9 am - 5 pm on weekdays to help you complete the registration process and answer your questions.
Can I see the status of my registration after I have applied?
Once you complete your registration you will be sent updates on the status of your application. For example, any changes to the date of the examination, if these occur, will be communicated to you via email, SMS or telephone by our support team.
Additional services:
Schedule
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