In France, the English level required for an engineer is B2.

You don’t yet have the required English level or don’t know how to prove it? Here you will find answers to your questions and some tips to reach the B2 level of the CEFR.

What is this B2 level? And the CEFRL

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), designed by the Council of Europe, associates specific skills to a given level. Thus way, a B1 in Spanish and a B1 in English have the same skills, but in different languages. These levels, from lowest to highest, are marked by a letter and a number: A1-A2-B1-B2-C1-C2.

Grille d’evaluation recap CECRL.

Why this level?

The level required by the CTI for graduation is C1; however, B2 is the minimal condition for obtaining the diploma. An engineer must be able to read and communicate in English for their work, which often operates on an international scale.

At ISBA TP, only the validation of your B2 level in English will allow you to obtain a CTI diploma… English therefore carries as much weight as all other subjects combined!

How to prove a B2 level?

Different exams are recognized by ISBA TP to justify your level, each with its own specifics.

Comparative table

The B2 level corresponds to the following scores in these different language exams:

• TOEIC score 785
• IELTS: Band 5.5
• TOEFL ITP: score 550
• FCE B2 First: score 160
• LINGUASKILL: score 160

WHEN?

You can prove your B2 level before the start of the school year (but be mindful of to the validity period of your certificate), during the school year, or up to 2 years after the end of classes. At ISBA TP, we provide TOEIC training during the 9 months of the program.

WHERE?

At the school, we are a TOEIC exam center and offer 3 exam dates per year with one day of intensive preparation before each. Moreover, if you obtain the TOEIC during the training year on one of the school’s exams, it will be reimbursed! It’s well worth trying !

There are, of course, other exam centers depending on the chosen test; everything can be found online.

WHAT FORMAT?

The school currently administers the TOEIC “Reading and Listening” in paper format, lasting 2 hours (You can learn more on the ETS website). But all TOEIC formats with the appropriate score are recognized.

What if I wait 2 years after the end of the program to gain more experience?

Of course, everything is possible! But it’s not recommended: it’s hard to find time and motivation to study TOEIC alone, especially with the workload of the internship, and statistics prove it’s easy to lose momentum….

Also, you will no longer benefit from the courses included in your program after the 9 months and can get rusty quite fast !

Work on your English beforehand and study well during the year to take your TOEIC on one of the proposed dates, and you’ll come out ahead!

I’m at A2 level; how long before I reach B2?

It’s not a matter of time but of the number of hours you spend learning the language. Here’s an estimate, to be adapted based on many factors:

• A1 → A2: 100 to 150 hours (class and individual work)
• A2 → B1: 150 to 200 hours
• B1 → B2: 200 to 250 hours

I’m taking tests, but I’m struggling to improve

Have you dedicated enough time to working on your English to improve between tests?

Your TOEIC reflects and validates skills at a given moment; think of it as an long distance sport that requires preparation on two fronts:

– Work on vocabulary (general and professional English) and grammar related to the exam + the format of each section to maximize your score.

– Practice regularly on exam sections or mock exams to learn time management and train your concentration for this test.

If you only work on one of these aspects, it’s likely not enough!

I watch all my series in English; is that enough?

Keep it up! It’s an excellent complement but rarely sufficient. An exam like the TOEIC focuses on professional exchanges, so you need to find resources on this topic.

Reading is just as important, if not more, for the TOEIC: make sure to read regularly on varied topics (websites, magazines, books, etc.).

Continue “consuming” English on topics you enjoy, but set aside time to work on other resources.

A little tip for series and videos: up to B1 level, use English subtitles to read the word and associate it with its pronunciation! From B1+/B2, go without subtitles to really work on pure comprehension.

Do you have any tips for practice?

Of course! Contact your English coordinator: laure.barascud@isba.fr, who will guide offer guidance based on your needs.

Do you have any tips for practice?

Of course! Contact your English coordinator: laure.barascud@isba.fr, who will guide offer guidance based on your needs.

How to register for the ISBA TP?

Find all the information to build your file on our ADMISSION page.