In a groupB1 · B2 · C1
Preparation course
Eight weeks, one evening a week. Each session takes on one paper; the course ends with a full simulation.
- Format
- 8 evenings · max. 10 participants · Basel
- Outcome
- Every paper practised once against the clock
Preparation
It's not the vocabulary. It's the format.
As an exam centre we see every year what candidates actually fall down on. Almost never a lack of English — usually the task, the clock or the speaking format.
Preparation courses
In a group, one to one or with the whole class
We don't sell general language courses. We prepare you for the exam we run ourselves — and we say so honestly if you don't need a course.
One to oneall levels
Individual coaching
We start with a mock exam and then work only on what is costing you marks. Ideal when time is short.
- Format
- from 3 lessons · online or in Basel
- Outcome
- A personal plan up to exam day
For classesA2 to B2
Class preparation
We come to your school, explain the format to the class and run a complete exam simulation.
- Format
- 1 half-day · at your school
- Outcome
- An individual assessment for the teacher
Building blocks
Three of them free, all of them combinable
Free
Free tests from Cambridge
Official online tests for adults, schools, business and children. No sign-up.
Right now · online →FreeMock exam against the clock
A complete exam under real conditions, with feedback for each paper.
By email →FreePreparation plan
After the level check: which papers usually need the most practice.
In two minutes →WorkshopSpeaking training
The part candidates fear most. We practise in pairs, with two examiners in the room.
Half-day · Basel →Single itemWriting feedback
Two texts, marked against the Cambridge criteria, with notes on the assessment.
Feedback within 5 days →For classesExam simulation
A complete simulation at your school, with an assessment for the teacher.
On request →Experience
What we observe year after year
Helps
This earns marks
- ✓Sitting one complete exam against the clock before it counts
- ✓Reading the writing assessment criteria — they are public
- ✓Practising speaking out loud, with another person, not in your head
- ✓Knowing the task types instead of deciphering them on the day
- ✓Planning deliberately for the second play in the listening paper
Hardly helps
This only costs time
- –Memorising vocabulary lists without using them
- –Entering one level higher “to be on the safe side”
- –Grammar drills unconnected to the exam format
- –Putting off registration until you feel “ready”
Timing
How much lead time makes sense
Three months between the decision and exam day is the right frame for most candidates. If you already work at the target level, six weeks will do. If you want to skip a level, plan for about six months.
For the classic exams, registration closes roughly six weeks before the date. Once the deadline has passed, no further registration is possible — even if there are still free seats in the room.
Linguaskill has no such deadline: the date is arranged with you and the report arrives in under 48 hours.
Common questions
01Do I even need a course?
Not necessarily. If you already work at the target level, a mock exam and focused writing feedback are often enough. A course pays off if the format is new to you or if you want to skip a level.
02How long before the exam should I start?
Three months is the right frame for most people. If you are already at the target level, around six weeks is enough. Remember: registration closes about six weeks before exam day.
03Are these language courses?
No. We don't build vocabulary from scratch. We prepare you for the format — task types, time management, assessment criteria. That is where most marks are lost.
04Online or on site?
Individual coaching is available online and in Basel. The group course and the speaking training take place in Basel, because speaking has to be practised in pairs, in the room.
Request a mock exam
Free of charge, with no need to register for an exam.
Tell us which exam you have in mind. You receive a complete mock exam with the answer key and a short note on where candidates at that level usually lose marks.
Request a mock examOr simply call us: +41 61 273 90 43, Monday to Friday, 8 am – 12 noon and 1 – 5 pm.
First find your level, then prepare.
The level check tells you in two minutes which level is realistic — before you put time into the wrong preparation.