| Level | Name | In real life, you can… |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Introduce yourself, ask simple questions, understand very slow, clear speech |
| A2 | Elementary | Handle shopping, directions and simple work tasks; write short messages |
| B1 | Intermediate | Deal with most travel situations, describe experiences, follow clear everyday speech |
| B2 | Upper intermediate | Discuss many topics with some fluency, understand most TV and work conversations, write clear detailed texts |
| C1 | Advanced | Use English flexibly at work and university, understand long and complex texts, express ideas precisely |
| C2 | Proficient | Understand almost everything you hear or read, and express yourself very precisely, even on complex topics |
How long does it take to move up a level?
It depends on your starting point, how much you practise and how much English you use every day. Moving from one level to the next often takes hundreds of hours of learning and practice. Higher levels take longer. Living and working in English speeds things up a lot.
CEFR and English tests
Most major tests are linked to the CEFR. The new TOEFL iBT score scale (1–6) is aligned to it, Cambridge exams are designed around it, and Pearson and IELTS publish how their scores relate to it. For Australian visas, though, Home Affairs uses each test's own score table, not CEFR levels. See English tests for Australia.
Find your level
Try our free English level test. It takes about 10 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the CEFR levels?
Six levels used around the world to describe language ability: A1 and A2 (basic), B1 and B2 (independent) and C1 and C2 (proficient).
What CEFR level is IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58?
Roughly B2. Each test has its own score table, so check the official tables for exact equivalents.
How long does it take to go up a CEFR level?
It varies a lot, but many adults need a few hundred hours of study and practice to move up one level.