CEFR Language Levels Explained

Curious to know what your CEFR level actually means? In CEFR language levels explained you will learn what each level means, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It categories language ability into three broad categories; Basic Users, Independent Users and Proficient Users. These broad categories are broken down further to a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

In this article you will learn:

1. How Klik2learn courses align to the CEFR levels, IELTS score bands and other qualifications
2. What each level; A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 actually mean.

Why is it useful to understand your CEFR level? The CEFR level you get in a English test or exam is an indicator of your language ability and you may need a CEFR certificate for employment, University admission, school admission or as a mandatory part of your college course.

The table below, represents the alignment of Klik2learn English language courses to CEFR levels.

Alignment of Klik2learn courses to the CEFR

All Klik2learn’s digital courses are aligned to the CEFR levels. The subject matter specialists, course content creators and instructional designers adhere to the highest standards based on their expertise, knowledge and understanding of the CEFR.

What each CEFR level means

Read on to understand exactly what your CEFR level means. The broad levels are broken down into two sublevels;

• Basic Users (A1, A2)
• Independent Users (B1, B2)
• Proficient Users (C1, C2)

A0

Pre-beginner

There is no A0 CEFR level, at Klik2learn we use A0 to describe a learner who:

1. Has no prior knowledge of English

Pre-beginners can take the Journey 2 Basic Skills course to enable them to function at an elementary level-A1 on the CEFR framework.

► Journey 2 Basic Skills

A1

Beginner

At the A1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand and use familiar expressions and very basic phrases aimed at meeting your everyday needs.
2. Introduce yourself to others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have. you can interact in a simple way.

A2

Elementary English

At the A2 CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance.
2. Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
3. Describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1

Intermediate English

At the B1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure.
2. Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
3. Produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
4. Describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2

Upper Intermediate English

At the B2 CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation.
2. Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
3. 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.

► Journey 2 English (Intermediate to Upper Intermediate English)

C1

Advanced English

At the C1 CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
2. Express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
3. Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C1+

Proficiency

At the C1+ CEFR level, a language learner can:

1. Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
2. Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
3. Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning, even in the most complex situations.

If you take the English Skills Test on the Hub you will receive an instant result as soon as you finish the Reading and Listening sections.  Your test score will be recorded in your report and you can re-take the test every so often to check your progress.

Remember the English Skills Test comes in two versions. You can take the full version testing all four English language skills including Writing and Speaking on Journey 2 English. In Journey 2 English the Writing and Speaking sections are tutor-marked.

► Take the English Skills Test