What level of English is required to work in a company?

English is a universal language and is used in many professional fields around the world. To work in a multinational company, it is essential to have a good command of English.

However, the question is: what level of English is required to work effectively in a company?

Let us take a closer look at the language skills required to work in a company and the language certifications most commonly requested by employers.

Generally, The minimum level required to work in a company is B2.

This level is described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Find out what this means in this article: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/fr/exams-and-tests/cefr/

 The language skills essential for working in a company vary depending on the field of activity. However, there are language skills that are common to all professions.

Listening comprehension

Listening comprehension is an essential skill for working in a business environment. It enables you to understand conversations with your colleagues, clients and business partners. You need to be able to understand different accents and different levels of language. To improve your listening comprehension, you can listen to podcasts and watch television programmes or films in English.

Oral expression

It allows you to communicate with your colleagues, customers and business partners. You must be able to speak clearly and coherently. To improve your speaking skills, you can practise by chatting with English speakers or taking English lessons.

Reading comprehension

It enables you to understand emails, contracts and reports written in English. You must be able to understand different writing styles, from everyday language to professional jargon. To improve your reading comprehension, you can read articles, reports and books in English.

Written expression

It enables you to write emails, contracts and reports in English. You must be able to write clearly and coherently. To improve your writing skills, you can practise by writing professional emails and reports in English.

Language certifications

Language certifications are a way to prove your language skills. Employers may ask for a language certification to prove that you have the level of English required for the job. The most commonly requested language certifications by employers are as follows:

TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a test that measures the English language skills of non-native English speakers.

IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures the English language skills of non-native English speakers.

BULATS: The Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) is a test that measures the English language skills of professionals.

TOEIC: The Test of English for International Communication

Cambridge English: Cambridge English offers several tests to measure English language skills, including Cambridge English: Business Certificates (BEC), which measures the English skills of professionals in a business context.

It is important to note that these certifications are not mandatory for working in a company, but they can be an asset to your application.

Level of English required to work in different fields

The level of English required to work in a company varies depending on the field of activity. Here are a few examples:

Finance: In the field of finance, an advanced level of English is generally required, as it is often necessary to communicate with international business partners and understand specific financial terms in English.

Technology: In the field of technology, an intermediate to advanced level of English is generally required, as it is often necessary to communicate with English-speaking colleagues and clients in order to develop international projects.

Tourism: In the tourism industry, an advanced level of English is generally required, as it is often necessary to communicate with English-speaking customers to book trips or excursions.

Marketing: In the field of marketing, an intermediate to advanced level of English is generally required, as it is often necessary to communicate with English-speaking colleagues and clients in order to develop international advertising campaigns.

The level of English required to work in a company therefore varies depending on the field of activity. However, it is essential to master the language skills necessary to communicate effectively with your colleagues, customers and business partners. Language certifications can be an asset to your application, but are not mandatory. It is important to continue improving your English by practising regularly and taking English courses if necessary. By working on your English level, you will increase your chances of success in your professional career.

Discover our professional English courses: Business English course.