Reference guide
CEFR levels explained
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) describes what a learner can actually do in a language, from A1 to C2. It is not a test score: it is a shared scale used by schools, employers and exam boards across the world. Most adult learners are not one single level — you might read at B2 while speaking at B1 — which is why a useful placement measures each skill separately.
The ladder
A0
A1
A2
B1
B1+
B2
B2+
C1
C2
A0
Absolute beginner
You are starting from zero: no reliable English vocabulary or sentence patterns yet, beyond a few isolated words.
What you can do
- Recognise the alphabet and read simple words aloud
- Give your name, nationality and a few numbers
- Understand single words in very slow, supported speech
Typical language The verb to be, personal pronouns, this/that, basic word order.
A1
Beginner / Breakthrough
You can handle very simple, predictable exchanges about yourself and your immediate surroundings.
What you can do
- Introduce yourself and ask simple personal questions
- Order food, buy a ticket, ask where something is
- Write a short note or fill in a basic form
Typical language Present simple, articles, plurals, there is/are, can for ability.
A2
Elementary / Waystage
You cope with routine tasks and can describe your background, daily life and immediate needs in simple terms.
What you can do
- Talk about past events in simple sentences
- Handle short phone calls and simple workplace requests
- Write short personal emails and messages
Typical language Past simple, going to, comparatives, countable/uncountable, adverbs of frequency.
B1
Intermediate / Threshold
You are independent: you can deal with most situations while travelling, working or studying in English, though not always precisely.
What you can do
- Explain opinions and give reasons
- Follow the main points of clear standard speech
- Write connected text about familiar topics
Typical language Present perfect, first and second conditionals, relative clauses, reported speech basics.
B2
Upper intermediate / Vantage
You can interact fluently and spontaneously, argue a position, and understand complex texts on concrete and abstract topics.
What you can do
- Take an active part in meetings and discussions
- Understand most TV, news and podcasts at natural speed
- Write clear reports, essays and detailed emails
Typical language Passives, third conditional, modals of speculation, wide range of linkers.
C1
Advanced / Effective proficiency
You use English flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes, with few obvious errors.
What you can do
- Express yourself with little searching for words
- Understand implicit meaning, humour and register shifts
- Write well-structured, nuanced texts on complex subjects
Typical language Inversion, cleft sentences, advanced hypotheticals, collocation and idiom control.
C2
Proficiency / Mastery
You understand virtually everything you hear or read and can summarise, argue and shift style with precision.
What you can do
- Debate specialised topics with subtle distinctions
- Read dense academic or literary texts comfortably
- Write with precise style and near-native accuracy
Typical language Full range used naturally; focus shifts to nuance, tone and idiomatic accuracy.
How long does each level take?
As a rough planning guide, exam boards estimate roughly 150–200 guided learning hours to move from one level to the next at A2–B1, and more at B2 and above. Progress depends far more on regular retrieval practice and speaking time than on hours spent reading rules.
Find your level by skill
Our placement assessment covers reading, listening, grammar, vocabulary, writing and speaking, then gives you a CEFR level for each one — plus a learning path that adapts to what you actually get wrong.
Take the placement test