C1 Business Higher (BEC H)
C1 Business Higher (BEC H)
C1 Business Higher (BEC H) is the level of English required for demanding study and work settings.
Exam Information
What is C1 Business Higher (BEC H)?
The C1 Business Higher (BEC H) certifies that candidates are at the same level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level C1) as those taking the C1 Advanced (CAE), with emphasis on Business English. Candidates are able to use the language in their professional environment in a practised, focused and competent manner.
Who takes Cambridge C1 Business Higher?
In Switzerland, C1 Business Higher (BEC H) is used as the final school-leaving exam after HF programmes (Höhere Fachschule) or (Fachhochschule) in the field of Business or related fields. C1 Business: Higher (BEC H) is also used in the corporate sector by candidates who want to enhance their English skills to CEFR Level C1, with a particular focus on business English.
Why [to] take C1 Business Higher (BEC H)?
Many companies in Switzerland recognise C1 Business Higher (BEC H) as a full CEFR C1 qualification. C1 Business Higher (BEC H) is also a solid basis to prepare for the next level (Level C2) Cambridge English exam, the C2 Proficiency (CPE).
Format of the exam
You can take your Cambridge exam in two ways: on a computer or on paper.
| Paper | Content | Marks (%of total) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading (1 hour) | 6 parts | 25% | Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text. |
| Writing (1 hour and 10 minutes) | 2 parts | 25% | You need to be able to write a variety of different items such as memos, letters, emails, reports and proposals. |
| Listening (about 40 minutes, including transfer time) | 3 parts | 25% | You need to be able to follow and understand a range of spoken materials, such as presentations, interviews and discussions. |
| Speaking (16 minutes per pair of candidates) | 3 parts | 25% | Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face situations. Your Speaking test will be face-to-face with one or two other candidates. This makes your test more realistic and more reliable. |
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