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How to Write Your English Level on a CV

How to Write Your English Level on a CV

International English Test Editorial Team·2 Jul 2025·5 min read

When applying for jobs, a well-crafted CV (curriculum vitae) is essential for showcasing your skills and qualifications. One of the most important skills that many employers look for is English proficiency, especially for roles that involve communication, customer service, or working in international teams. Including your English level on your CV can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in the workplace.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of adding your English level to your CV and explain how taking the International English Test (IET) can help you verify and present your language skills confidently.

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Why You Should Include Your English Level on Your CV

English proficiency is a crucial skill for many job positions, especially in global companies or roles that require frequent communication. By indicating your English level on your CV, you can:

1. Meet Job Requirements

Many job postings, especially for international companies, require applicants to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency. Including your English level on your CV shows that you meet the necessary language requirements.

2. Stand Out from Other Candidates

A verified English proficiency level can set you apart from other applicants. Employers are more likely to consider you if you can clearly show your ability to communicate in English.

3. Demonstrate Your Commitment to Professional Development

Including a recognized English certification on your CV shows that you are serious about your professional growth and capable of working in diverse environments.


How to Write Your English Level on a CV

There are several ways to effectively include your English level on your CV. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use the CEFR Levels

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the most widely recognized system for evaluating language proficiency. The CEFR provides a scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). You can list your English level according to the CEFR scale on your CV.

Example:

  • English: C1 (Advanced)
  • English: B2 (Upper Intermediate)

If you’ve taken a formal test, such as the International English Test (IET), you can refer to the CEFR level provided in the results.

2. List Specific English Skills

In addition to indicating your overall English proficiency level, you can also list specific skills such as writing, speaking, reading, and listening.

Example:

  • English Proficiency: C1 (Advanced) – Strong writing, speaking, and listening skills.

This approach is especially useful if your role requires particular language skills. For instance, if you’re applying for a content writing position, highlighting your writing skills will make you a stronger candidate.

3. Add a Certificate or Test Score

If you’ve taken an official English test, such as the International English Test (IET), including the certification on your CV adds credibility to your claim.

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Example:

  • International English Test (IET) – C1 Level Certification

This shows employers that your English level is verified and backed by a reputable assessment.


How the International English Test (IET) Can Help

The International English Test (IET) is an excellent option for anyone looking to verify their English proficiency for their CV. The IET is an affordable, flexible online test that evaluates your skills in four key areas: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing. The test is aligned with CEFR levels, so you will receive a certificate indicating your proficiency level, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

Here are some reasons why the IET is an ideal choice:

1. Quick and Convenient

The IET can be taken entirely online, making it a convenient option for busy professionals. You can take the test at any time and from anywhere.

2. Affordable

The IET offers competitive pricing, making it an affordable choice for anyone who needs a recognized English proficiency certificate for their CV.

3. Recognized Certification

The IET is recognized by a growing number of institutions and employers, providing a credible way to showcase your English proficiency on your CV.

4. Customizable Validity

The IET offers customizable certification validity periods. You can choose from a 1-year, 2-year, or lifetime certification, allowing you to select the most appropriate option for your career goals.


Conclusion

Adding your English level to your CV is a smart and essential way to showcase your skills to potential employers. Whether you’re applying for a job in an international company or a role that requires communication, demonstrating your English proficiency is a significant advantage.

The International English Test (IET) is a great tool to verify your English skills and receive a recognized certification. By including this certification on your CV, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job you want.

Start preparing for your IET today and boost your CV with verified English proficiency!

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Keywords: English level on CV, CV English proficiency, International English Test, IET certification, CEFR levels, language proficiency, English test for CV, verified English skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

List the level that matches your proficiency on the CEFR scale, which runs from A1 for beginners up to C2 for proficient speakers. A common way to write it is English: C1 (Advanced) or English: B2 (Upper Intermediate). If you have taken a formal test such as the International English Test, use the exact CEFR level shown in your results so the entry is accurate and verifiable.
Write the language followed by the CEFR level and a short descriptor, for example English: C1 (Advanced) or English: B2 (Upper Intermediate). You can also add the specific skills you are strong in, such as English Proficiency: C1 (Advanced) with strong writing, speaking, and listening skills. This format is clear for recruiters and immediately signals where you sit on a recognised scale.
Listing individual skills such as writing, speaking, reading, and listening is worth doing when a role depends on one of them. A content writing job benefits from highlighting strong writing skills, while a customer-facing role gains from emphasising speaking and listening. Pairing an overall level like C1 with named skills gives employers a fuller picture of how you would actually use English at work.
The International English Test evaluates four key areas: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and writing. It is taken entirely online and aligned with the CEFR, so the resulting certificate states a proficiency level somewhere between A1 and C2. You can then add an entry such as International English Test (IET) – C1 Level Certification to your CV to back up your stated English level with verified evidence.
Validity depends on the option you choose. The International English Test offers customisable certification periods of one year, two years, or lifetime, so you can match the duration to your career plans. A longer or lifetime certificate suits someone who wants a permanent record, while a shorter period can work if you expect your level to keep improving and plan to retest.
Many job postings, especially at international companies, require a certain level of English proficiency, so stating yours shows you meet the requirement. A verified level also helps you stand out from other candidates and signals commitment to professional development. Backing the claim with a recognised certificate, rather than self-assessment alone, gives employers confidence that you can communicate effectively in the workplace.
International English Test

International English Test Editorial Team

ALTE Associate Member · UK English assessment provider · Est. 2023

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