English Language Levels
English language levels (CEFR)
English EFL uses for evaluation the popular CEFR standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The six reference English levels are widely accepted as the global standard for grading an individual’s language proficiency.
CEFR English levels are used by all modern English language books and English language schools. It is recommended to use CEFR levels in job resumes (curriculum vitae, CV, Europass CV) and other English levels references. We list here the CEFR descriptors for language proficiency level with the approximate equivalent to other global English evaluation schemes- Cambridge ESOL, Canadian Language Benchmarks / Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CLB/CELPIP), Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), BULATS, IELTS and TOEFL.
English language levels description:
- English Basic User (A1, A2)
- A1 (Beginner)
- A2 (Elementary English)
- English Independent User (B1, B2)
- B1 (Intermediate English)
- B2 (Upper-Intermediate English)
- Proficient English User (C1, C2)
- C1 (Advanced English)
- C2 (Proficiency English)
A levels- English Basic User
English test A1 (Beginner)
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Similar to Cambridge BULATS score 10-19, Young Learners English (YLE) Movers.
English test A2 (Elementary English)
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Similar to Cambridge KEY (KET) certificate, BULATS score 20-39, CLB/CELPIP 4, YLE Flyers.
B levels- English Independent User
English test B1 (Intermediate English)
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Similar to Cambridge Preliminary (PET), BEC Preliminary, BULATS score 40-59, CLB/CELPIP 5, CAEL 50, IELTS level 4, English TOEFL score 57-86.
English test B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Similar to Cambridge First Certificate- English FCE certificate, BEC Vantage, BULATS score 60-74, CLB/CELPIP 6-7, CAEL 60, IELTS levels 5-6, TOEFL 87-109.
C levels- Proficient English User
English test C1 (Advanced English)
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing a controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Similar to Cambridge Advanced (CAE), BEC Higher, BULATS score 75-89, CLB/CELPIP 8-9, CAEL 70, IELTS level 7, TOEFL 110-120, TOEIC score 880.
English test C2 (Proficiency)
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Similar to Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), BULATS score 90-100, CLB/CELPIP 10-12, CAEL 80-90, IELTS exam 8-9.
