Basic language user: A0, A1, A2

CEFR A0
You are at Absolute beginner level if you have…

• No knowledge of the language to be studied at all

CEFR A1
You are at ‘Breakthrough’ Beginner level if you can…

• Understand and use familiar expressions and very basic phrases aimed at meeting your
everyday needs
• 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
• Interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR A1 *

English

• TOEFL: 8-12 (speaking)

• TOEIC: 60-105 (listening); 60-110 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Preliminary
• Cambridge Exam: KET 45-59

CEFR A2
You are at ‘Waystage’ Elementary level if you can…

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate
relevance (for example, very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography,
employment)
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information
on familiar and routine matters
• Describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in
areas of immediate need

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Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR A2 *

English

• TOEFL: 13-18 (speaking), 11-16 (writing)

• TOEIC: 110-270 (listening), 115-270 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Access
• Cambridge Exam: PET (45 to 59) / KET Pass with Merit, Pass
• British general qualifications: Higher Tier GCSE

Independent language user: B1, B2

CEFR B1
You are at ‘Threshold’ Intermediate level if you have…

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

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR B1 *

English

• IELTS: 4-5 (5 is borderline between B1 and B2)

• TOEFL: 57 to 86
• TOEIC: 275 - 395 (listening), 275 - 380 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Achiever
• Cambridge Exam: FCE (45 to 59) / PET Pass with Merit, Pass / KET Pass with Distinction
• British general qualifications: GCE AS level / lower grade A-level

CEFR B2
You are at ‘Vantage’ Upper intermediate level if you can…

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

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR B2 *

English

• IELTS: 5-6.5 (5 is borderline between B1 and B2)

• TOEFL: 87 to 109
• TOEIC: 400-485 (listening), 385-450 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Communicator
• Cambridge Exam: CAE (45 to 59) / FCE grade B or C / PET Pass with Distinction
• British general qualifications: GCE A-Level (known as A2)

Proficient language user: C1, C2

CEFR C1
You are at ‘Effective operational proficiency’ Advanced level if you have…

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

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR C1 *

English

• IELTS: 7-8 (8 is borderline between C1 and C2)

• TOEFL: 110 to 120
• TOEIC: 490-495 (listening), 455-495 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Expert
• Cambridge Exam: CPE (45 to 59) / CAE grade B or C / FCE grade A

CEFR C2
You are at ‘Mastery’ Proficiency level if you can…

• Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read

• Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and
accounts in a coherent presentation
• Express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of
meaning, even in the most complex situations

Other standards approximately equivalent to CEFR C2 *

English

• IELTS: 8-9 (8 is borderline between C1 and C2)

• TOEFL: 29-30 (reading)
• City and Guilds: Mastery
• Cambridge Exam: CPE grade A, B or C / CAE grade A