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What is A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2?

What is A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2?

International English Test Editorial Team·8 Aug 2022·4 min read

The popular CEFR standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is used by the International English Language Test to evaluate candidates. The six reference English levels are widely recognized as the benchmark for evaluating a person’s language competency on a global scale.

In 2024, the designations A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 represent the six levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a system widely used to gauge language proficiency. These levels provide a structured way to describe a learner’s abilities in a foreign language.

English CEFR levels: A1 A2 B1 B2 C1 C2

All contemporary English language books and schools use the CEFR English levels. In curriculum vitae, CVs, Europass CVs, and other English level references, it is advised to use CEFR levels. Here, we provide a list of the CEFR descriptors for language proficiency levels along with their approximations for other English language evaluation systems used internationally, including Cambridge ESOL, Canadian Language Benchmarks/Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CLB/CELPIP), Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL), BULATS, IELTS, and TOEFL.

English language levels description:

  • English Basic User (A1, A2)
    • A1 (Beginner)
    • A2 (Elementary English)
  • English Independent User (B1, B2)
    • B1 (Intermediate English)
    • B2 (Upper-Intermediate English)
  • Proficient English User (C1, C2)
    • C1 (Advanced English)
    • C2 (Proficiency English)

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A1 (Beginner)

A1 level test for English possess the ability to comprehend and employ simple sentences and words that are intended to satiate concrete demands. can ask and respond to inquiries concerning personal information such as where someone lives, the people they know, and the goods they own. can communicate easily and simply with others as long as they are willing to assist and speak slowly.

A2 (Elementary)

A2 can comprehend phrases and expressions relating to topics of urgent importance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). capable of communicating in simple and ordinary tasks requiring a straightforward exchange of information on everyday, common topics. may clearly and simply communicate components of their background, immediate environment, and needs-based issues.

B1 (Intermediate)

B1 able to comprehend the key ideas of plain standard input on well-known topics frequently met at work, in school, at leisure, etc. can handle the majority of problems that can occur while traveling in a region where the language is spoken. can write straightforward, coherent text about familiar or interesting topics. can succinctly explain reasons and explanations for beliefs and plans, as well as experiences, events, dreams, hopes, and objectives. 

B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

B2 can comprehend both the tangible and abstract key ideas of complicated texts, including technical debates in their area of expertise. can communicate with a level of spontaneity and fluency that enables routine communication with speakers of the target language possible without putting undue burden on either party. can write content that is both clear and informative on a variety of topics and convey a point of view on a current issue by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of several options. 

C1 (Advanced)

C1 can recognize latent meaning in a variety of challenging, longer texts. possess the ability to speak clearly and without having to fumble about for the right words. possess the ability to effectively and flexibly employ language in social, academic, and professional contexts. can write writing that is understandable, well-organized, and thorough on complicated subjects while displaying careful control over the usage of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices.

C2 (Proficient)

C2 able to comprehend nearly all forms of writings. possess the ability to summarize data from several oral and written sources, reassembling arguments and accounts into a cogent presentation. can communicate flexibly, fluidly, and precisely, distinguishing subtler shades of meaning even in difficult contexts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

They are the six proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. A1 and A2 describe a Basic User, covering beginner and elementary ability. B1 and B2 describe an Independent User at intermediate and upper-intermediate ability. C1 and C2 describe a Proficient User at advanced and proficiency ability, where you understand demanding texts and express subtle shades of meaning.
The Proficient User band covers C1 and C2. At C1 you recognise latent meaning in long, challenging texts and use language flexibly in social, academic and professional contexts. At C2 you understand almost everything you read, summarise information from several spoken and written sources, and communicate fluidly and precisely while distinguishing fine shades of meaning even in difficult situations.
B1 is intermediate: you grasp the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics, cope with most situations while travelling, and write simple connected text about familiar subjects. B2 is upper-intermediate: you understand the main ideas of complex texts including technical discussion in your field, interact with enough spontaneity that conversation with native speakers feels natural, and weigh advantages and drawbacks on current issues.
The CEFR levels are used as a common reference point against several international assessment systems. The post lists Cambridge ESOL, the Canadian Language Benchmarks and CELPIP, the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment, BULATS, IELTS and TOEFL. This lets you compare a result from one of those exams to an equivalent A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2 band.
CEFR levels are the recognised benchmark for describing language competency on a global scale, and every contemporary English book and school uses them. Stating a level such as B2 or C1 on a CV, Europass CV or other reference gives employers a clear, standardised measure of your ability rather than vague terms like good or fluent, which can be interpreted very differently.
At A1, a beginner can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at meeting concrete needs. They can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things they own. They can interact in a basic way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is willing to help.
International English Test

International English Test Editorial Team

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

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