CEFR and English Levels | British Council

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the system that defines and explains the different levels of oral and written expression and comprehension for languages such as English.

This standard is used mainly in Europe, though there are other countries that also take it as a reference. It is of great use to teachers, as it enables them to assess their students' language skills.

In the case of students or people who need to prove their level of English to study, work or apply for a grant abroad, the CEFRL allows them to compare the marks or level obtained in examinations like Cambridge, IELTS or Aptis ESOL with those demanded by educational institutions or international companies.

The CEFR consists of 6 common levels of reference for all languages: three blocks (A or basic user, B or independent user and C or proficient user), which are in turn divided into two sublevels, 1 and 2.

Level	IELTS	Aptis ESOL
A1		G/T
A2	3,5	G/T
B1	4-5	G/T Adv
B2	5,5-6,5	G/T Adv
C1	7-8	G/T Adv*
C2		Adv

* Aptis ESOL General and Aptis ESOL for Teachers certify up to C level (the candidate is competent in their use of English), but they do not distinguish whether the candidate is above C1 (with effective operational command of English) or C2 (mastery). Aptis ESOL Advanced does, however, accurately distinguish between C1 and C2.

A1 English level

Learners who achieve A1 level can communicate using familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. They can introduce themselves and others and ask and answer simple questions.

A2 English level

Learners who achieve A2 level can communicate using frequently used expressions in everyday situations. They interact in simple and direct exchanges of information and can describe things.

B1 English level

Learners who achieve B1 level can understand information about familiar topics. They can communicate in most situations whilst travelling in an English-speaking area.

B2 English level

Learners who achieve B2 level can understand the main ideas of complex texts. They can interact with some fluency and communicate easily. They can write clear, detailed texts.

C1 English level

Learners who achieve C1 level can understand a wide range of long, complex texts. They can interact and express themselves fluently and spontaneously.

C2 English level

Learners who achieve C2 level can easily understand almost everything they hear or read. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously with precision in complex situations.