BTL is authorized to give your employees an independent, internationally-recognized test or examination, eligible for the CPF. This enables you to standardize the assessment of your employees' language levels, so that they can be evaluated on the same reference scale and receive a language certification attesting to their level. What's more, an independent test enables you to enhance your profile with a recognized certificate.

BTL has been a TOEIC agent for more than fifteen years, as well as a CLOE, BRIGHT and LILATE agent, among others.

To compare tests and decide which one would be best for you, consult our comparison table. You'll find more information on each test on the following pages, or you can contact us for more information.

All candidates taking one of these tests will receive a certificate of their language level, provided they meet the test conditions. However, the test is considered validated as soon as the candidate reaches the B1 level threshold.

Here are the annual test choice statistics for 2024, last updated in May 2025:

 

 2024 test selection statistics

Here are the statistics for all language levels (last update: May 2025):

Test statistics available May 2025, results from January 2023 - May 2025

 

Answers to your questions about foreign language certification tests

An academic test academic (like the academic IELTS) is designed for students wishing to enter a university or study program abroad. A general test general (like TOEIC) is more oriented towards employability and everyday life, often required for visas or professional certifications.

Language certifications are generally based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which classifies proficiency levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Each test assesses skills according to these criteria.

More about CEFR >

The choice of certification test depends above all on your company's specific objectives and the language profiles of your employees. It is crucial to determine whether the objective is academic certification for studies abroad, or whether the test is intended to validate professional skills in an international work context. For example, the TOEIC is often the preferred professional tool for measuring the English skills of employees in a working environment. In addition, it is important to take into account the recognition of certification by the company's partners or customers.

Apart from the question of purpose, there are other factors to consider:

  • Language some tests are more suitable for certain languages
  • Recognition some institutions prefer a specific test.
  • Format Is the test computerized? How do I make an appointment for the test?

The format of a certification test is generally based on four core competencies:

  • Listening comprehension Listen and answer questions.
  • Reading comprehension Read texts and answer questions.
  • Written expression writing an essay or answering questions.
  • Oral expression interview or audio recording.

However, the way in which these skills are assessed can vary. For example, some prefer a more academic approach with a computer component, while others combine an online test with an oral test with an examiner. For professional contexts, tests such as TOEIC focus on communication situations common in the workplace, while others incorporate assessments that focus on communication in a broader social or cultural context. It is therefore essential to choose a test that reflects the communication situations most relevant to your company and to the employee in question.

Finally, some tests assess only one skill in particular. For example, the TOEIC Listening + Reading certifies oral proficiency.

Many language certifications have a defined validity period. In a professional context, it is common for test results to be valid for 2 years. In any case, updates may be necessary if the company requires a reassessment of skills. It is therefore essential to plan regular assessments to maintain ongoing language training and ensure that employees retain an optimum level of competence to meet the demands of their jobs. Without necessarily requiring a certificate: BTL offers a range of level tests and audits for all HR needs. Level assessment is also integrated into all our training courses, before, during and at the end of the course.

Language level evaluations with BTL >

To ensure that your employees pass their certification tests, it is advisable to set up a preparation program tailored to their specific needs. This includes intensive training sessions, online preparation tools and regular mock exams. In addition, a practical approach to learning, such as exchanges with native speakers or conversation exercises, helps reinforce skills in real-life situations. It can also be a good idea to offer regular assessment of progress via mock tests, and to provide personalized feedback to target areas for improvement. This type of targeted support maximizes the chances of success and aligns with the company's professional objectives.

Our training >

Yes, all CPF training courses include a compulsory certification at the end of the course.