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International Standard

CEFR Proficiency Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages - Your roadmap to English fluency

What is CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It is used around the world to describe learners' language skills.

CEFR describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing to see the level of different qualifications.

The Four Language Skills

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

CEFR Proficiency Levels

A1
Beginner
80h
500 words

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.

Introduce yourself and others
Ask and answer simple questions
Interact in a simple way
A2
Elementary
180h
1,000 words

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance.

Communicate in simple routine tasks
Describe aspects of background
Handle short social exchanges
B1
Intermediate
350h
2,000 words

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters.

Deal with most travel situations
Produce simple connected text
Describe experiences and events
B2
Upper Intermediate
500h
4,000 words

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics.

Interact with native speakers fluently
Produce clear, detailed text
Explain viewpoints on issues
C1
Advanced
700h
8,000 words

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.

Express ideas fluently
Use language flexibly
Produce well-structured text
C2
Mastery
1000h
16,000 words

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.

Summarise from different sources
Express yourself spontaneously
Differentiate finer shades of meaning

Find Your Level

Take our free placement test to discover your current CEFR level and start your personalized learning journey.