From the 2026-2027 academic year, LIBS students follow the Groupe École de Commerce de Lyon language framework: a CEFR positioning test at the first class, daily business-English practice in e-learning, and a level assessment at the end of each year, against milestones that rise every year of the cycle.
The three mechanisms
1 · Positioning test
At your first class — whichever of the four intakes you join — a CEFR test establishes your real starting level in business English.
2 · Daily practice
Short, daily business-English sessions in e-learning (Monday to Friday), plus a third language of your choice — because a language is built daily, not crammed.
3 · Yearly assessment
In the last week of each academic year, your level is assessed and compared to the year's milestone. Next year starts from your real level.
Milestones that rise each year
The framework sets a minimum level at the end of each year of the 5-year cycle, climbing step by step to B2+ at the end of the Mastère cycle — with C1, fluent professional English, as the target. A B2+ level in business English is required under the study regulations for the school diploma at the end of the Mastère cycle; conditions — including a resit as of right — are specified in the exam regulations and the 2026-2027 student handbook.
What this means if you're an international student
If English is already your strong language, the positioning test simply documents it, and the daily practice sharpens the specifically business register — negotiation, board-level vocabulary, cross-cultural nuance. If English is your second language, the framework gives you a measured, year-by-year path rather than a vague promise. Either way, your level is a verified fact when you graduate — and a third language of your choice plus free French classes ride alongside.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — the European standard scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). B2+ sits between independent and proficient use; C1 is fluent professional use.
When is the positioning test?
At your first class, for each of the four yearly intakes (October, January, April, July) — in English and in the third language you choose.
What if I miss a yearly milestone?
Each year restarts from your real, assessed level. For the end-of-cycle requirement, the study regulations provide for a resit as of right; details are in the exam regulations and student handbook.
Is daily practice heavy?
It is short by design — around half an hour of business English on weekdays, plus a shorter session for your third language.
Related guides
Which level do you need?
CEFR levels explained for business studies.
Free French classes
The second language track, included for everyone.
The Mastère
The 2-year English-taught graduate program.
Talk to a LIBS advisor
Tell us where you are and where you want to study — you'll get answers in writing.