The Basic Communication Certificate in English (BCCE™) is a standardized 4-skill test at the basic level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR B1). It is a secure exam developed by the Hellenic American University and administered by authorized test centers worldwide.
The BCCE™ provides recognized certification that the holder can communicate at B1 level in English, as outlined by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). It is administered internationally and is developed by the Hellenic American University, a non-profit institution of higher education chartered in the state of New Hampshire, USA, in cooperation with external experts and bodies both in Europe and the United States.
The BCCE™ is ideally suited for adolescents and adults who wish to demonstrate that they can successfully manage essential communicative tasks in the English language, but who may not yet be ready for an intermediate-level language examination. Candidates who are successful in the BCCE™ examination obtain a certificate which documents their level of English for educational, occupational, public or personal purposes.
The BCCE™ is officially recognized in Greece by the state (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) as a B1 level certification of English language competence. The BCCE™ certificate can also be used as proof of basic language competence for obtaining employment in the private sector and for further studies.
Listening (25 items)
Part 1 (8 items) (multiple choice): 8 short dialogues heard twice with 1 question per dialogue – candidates choose the correct answer choice from 3 picture answer choices.
Part 2 (5 items) (multiple choice): 5 short monologues heard twice with 1 question per monologue - candidates choose the correct answer choice from 3 short written options.
Part 3 (6 items) (multiple choice): 1 dialogue between 2 speakers heard twice with 6 questions – candidates use the information they hear to choose the correct answer choice from 3 short written options.
Part 4 (6 items) (multiple choice): 1 long monologue heard twice with 6 questions – candidates use the information they hear to choose the correct answer choice from 3 short written options.
Listening section duration: 35 min. (approx.)
Candidates are given extra time (5 minutes) to transfer answers onto the answer sheet.
RUL (Reading and Use of Language) (45 items)
Grammar (15 items) (multiple choice): 15 short sentences with a gap. For each sentence, candidates choose the best answer choice from 4 answer choices.
Vocabulary (10 items) (multiple choice): 10 short sentences with a gap. For each sentence, candidates choose the best answer choice from 4 answer choices.
Reading Part 1 (8 items) (multiple choice): 4 short texts about a topic with 8 questions – candidates choose the best answer choice for each question from 4 answer choices.
Reading Part 2 (6 items) (multiple choice): 4 social media posts, comprising a post with a question and 3 posts with answers. Candidates choose the best answer to 6 questions with 4 answer choices.
Reading Part 3 (6 items) (multiple choice): 1 long text with 4 paragraphs – candidates choose the best answer to 6 questions with 4 answer choices.
RUL section duration: 60 min.
Writing (Candidates select 1 of 2 tasks) – Choice between Task A and Task B
Task A: Candidates answer brief prompts to give a description.
Task B: Candidates write an informal email giving advice.
Length requirement: 100-120 words. Candidates can take notes (make an outline, etc.). Candidates must use pencil in this section.
Writing section duration: 30 min.
Speaking (3 tasks)
Test Format: 1 examiner and 1 candidate
Task 1: Warm Up: Candidates answer non-sensitive personal questions.
Task 2: Role Play: Candidates take part in a role-play activity.
Task 3: General Questions: Candidates answer general questions related to the role play.
Speaking section duration: 8 min. approx.
Useful information
The duration of the written section of the examination (parts 1-3) is approximately 2 hours, including the delivery of the test instructions.
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.
The Listening and RUL sections are scored by computer and the application of specialized software, using the principles of Item Response Theory.
Using scales and procedures established by Hellenic American University, the Writing section is scored by two independent raters. In the case of significant difference between the scores of the two raters, a third rater is called to determine the final score. The raters have been trained and certified according to Hellenic American University standards.
The Speaking section is scored using scales and procedures established by Hellenic American University. The oral examiners have been trained and certified according to Hellenic American University standards. All tests are recorded.
- Each of the BCCE sections is marked on a scale of 100 to 1000; each section carries equal weight in determining the final grade.
- The passing score for each section is 650 out of 1000. The scores for each section are combined and averaged to give a total possible average scale score of 1000 for all four sections.
- Candidates whose average score for all four sections is equal to 650 or higher are awarded the BCCE.
- Candidates whose average score for all four sections is below 650 are not awarded the BCCE.
- Candidates who have been absent from one or more sections are not awarded the BCCE. Any passing score they may have received for whichever section they were not absent from does not affect the final result.
- Hellenic American University allows candidates with disabilities to request for special examination accommodations or modifications.
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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 - 7 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.
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