Levels of English

Beginner

Elementary

Pre-Intermediate

Intermediate

Upper

Intermediate

Advanced

Basic

Breakthrough

A1

Independent User

A1 - A2

Independent user

B1 – B2

Proficient User

B2 – C1

Proficient User

C1 – C2

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Advanced

Proficient user

 C2  

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read

Can summarize 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

Upper Intermediate

Proficient user

 C1

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize 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 controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices

Intermediate

Independent user

 B2

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization

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

Pre-Intermediate

Independent user

 B1

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 traveling 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

Breakthrough

 A2

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

Beginner

 A1

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