TOEIC® B2 레벨: 몇 점이 필요할까?

What Is the B2 Level?

The B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) corresponds to an upper-intermediate independent user. It is the pivotal level between intermediate and advanced proficiency. For a full overview of how TOEIC® scores map to CEFR levels, see our dedicated guide.

In practical terms, a B2-level speaker can:

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible without strain for either party
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue
• Participate in professional meetings, understand presentations, and write structured reports

In the context of the TOEIC®, B2 means you have sufficient English proficiency to work in an international professional environment. It is the most commonly required level by schools and companies in France and many other countries. For a complete overview of all levels, see our complete TOEIC® level guide.

What TOEIC® Score Do You Need for B2?

According to the official scale from ETS (Educational Testing Service), the creator of the TOEIC®, the B2 level corresponds to a minimum score of 785 points out of 990. This threshold is internationally recognized and used as a benchmark by schools and employers.

To reach this total score, you need to maintain a good balance between the two test sections. Here are the recommended minimum scores per section:

Listening is generally considered slightly more accessible than Reading for non-native speakers, which is why the recommended Listening score is slightly higher. For a detailed view of the conversion grid, see our TOEIC® score grid.

Who Requires B2 Level on the TOEIC®?

A score of 785 on the TOEIC® is one of the most commonly required thresholds, whether for obtaining a degree, admission to a top school, or corporate recruitment. Here is an overview of the main requirements:

Some schools, such as HEC or ESSEC, may require a score above 850 to stand out. It is therefore recommended to aim beyond the strict minimum of 785 to maximize your chances.

Which Schools Require B2?

The B2 level, demonstrated by a TOEIC® score of at least 785 points, is a key prerequisite for admission to France's top schools. Each institution sets its own threshold, often above the official minimum. HEC Paris, consistently ranked as Europe's top business school, recommends a score of at least 850 points for candidates to the Grande École program, a level that demonstrates strong professional fluency in English. ESSEC Business School and ESCP Business School both require a minimum of 785 points, the exact B2 threshold, though admitted candidates typically average scores close to 850.

On the engineering school side, École Polytechnique requires a TOEIC® score of 785 points for degree validation, while Centrale Paris (now CentraleSupélec) sets the bar at 800 points, slightly above the B2 threshold, to ensure graduates are fully operational in an international context. Sciences Po Paris also requires a minimum of 785 points on the TOEIC®, reflecting the importance of English in public affairs and international relations careers.

In practice, it is strongly advisable to aim for 50 to 100 points above the threshold required by your target school. This gives you a safety margin on test day and significantly strengthens your application against other candidates. For those aiming even higher, our C1 level TOEIC® guide details what it takes to reach 945 points and above.

Strategies to Reach 785 Points

Here are five proven strategies to cross the B2 threshold on the TOEIC®. For a comprehensive preparation approach, also see our TOEIC® preparation guide:

1. Identify and target your weakest section. Analyze your practice test results to determine whether Listening or Reading is your weak point. Spend 60% of your preparation time on that section to balance your scores.
2. Master Part 5 grammar. Part 5 (Incomplete Sentences) is where the fastest gains are possible. Review verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, and logical connectors. Every point gained in Part 5 is a guaranteed point on test day. Check out our Part 5 strategies guide for targeted tips.
3. Practice Parts 3 and 4 daily. These two parts account for 69 out of 100 Listening questions. Listen to professional dialogues and monologues every day, focusing on anticipating answers before the audio ends.
4. Build your business vocabulary. The TOEIC® tests vocabulary specific to the workplace: meetings, business travel, human resources, finance, and logistics. Learn 10 to 15 new words per day in these domains.
5. Do timed full-length practice tests. Complete at least one full TOEIC® practice test per week (2 hours with no breaks). This will help you build endurance and time management skills, both critical factors on test day.

3-Month Study Plan

Here is a structured 12-week preparation plan, ideal for candidates starting from a B1 level (550-780 points):

Weeks 1 to 4: Building the Foundation

• Take a full diagnostic test to identify your weak points
• Review fundamental grammar (verb tenses, passive voice, conditionals)
• Start a daily vocabulary program (15 words per day)
• Listen to 20 to 30 minutes of professional English per day (podcasts, TOEIC® dialogues)
• Complete 2 to 3 Part 5 and Part 6 practice sessions per week

Weeks 5 to 8: Deepening Skills

• Intensify Listening practice with Parts 3 and 4
• Work on fast comprehension in Part 7 (long texts, double and triple passages)
• Complete one full timed practice test each week
• Systematically analyze every mistake and note areas for review
• Expand advanced vocabulary (idiomatic expressions, common phrasal verbs)

Weeks 9 to 12: Intensive Training

• Take 2 full practice tests per week under exam conditions
• Focus exclusively on question types that still cause difficulty
• Review all vocabulary and grammar notes accumulated
• Work on time management: 6 seconds per question in Part 5, 1 minute per question in Part 7
• Last 3 days before the test: light review and rest

Looking for free TOEIC® exercises to complement your study plan? Our platform offers targeted practice drills by section.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates fail to reach B2 not because of a lack of skills, but because of avoidable preparation mistakes:

• Neglecting Reading in favor of Listening. Many candidates find Listening more "natural" and neglect Reading. However, Part 7 alone has 54 questions and is often the deciding factor in reaching 785.
• Not managing time during the test. The Reading section lasts 75 minutes for 100 questions. Without a time management strategy, candidates spend too long on the first questions and end up guessing on the last ones.
• Practicing without analyzing mistakes. Doing exercises without understanding why an answer is wrong does not lead to progress. Take the time to analyze each mistake and understand the logic behind the correct answer.
• Learning vocabulary out of context. Isolated word lists are ineffective. Prioritize learning in context with complete sentences and real professional situations.
• Postponing the first practice test. Take a free TOEIC® practice test from the very start of your preparation. Knowing your baseline score is essential for measuring progress and adjusting your study plan.

B2 on the TOEIC®: Student Tips and Experiences

Reaching the 785-point score is a realistic goal with the right method. Here are insights from candidates who successfully crossed the B2 threshold:

• "I reached 820 in 3 months by practicing 30 minutes a day on 990prep." — Marine, business school student. "The key for me was consistency. Instead of long weekend sessions, I practiced every day for 30 minutes using 990prep's mini-tests. Seeing my score improve week after week kept me highly motivated."
• "I went from 680 to 810 by focusing on Part 5." — Thomas, engineer in career transition. "Reading was my weak point. By working on Part 5 grammar and vocabulary for 6 weeks, I gained over 80 points in that section alone. The free exercises allowed me to practice without investing in expensive textbooks."
• "The practice test was a turning point." — Léa, Sciences Po student. "I took a free practice test on day one of my preparation and scored 720. It helped me pinpoint exactly where my Listening weaknesses were. Three months later, I scored 805 on the real test."

Track Your B2 Progress with 990prep's Mini-Test

The best way to know if you are ready for the 785-point score is to assess yourself regularly. The 990prep free mini-test is designed exactly for this purpose: in just a few minutes, you get a reliable estimate of your current TOEIC® score based on questions calibrated to the official format. Take a mini-test every week to track your progress and identify skills that need reinforcement. When your estimated score consistently exceeds 785, you will know you are ready for test day. Tracking your TOEIC® scores and levels over time is the best way to stay motivated and adjust your study plan.