What is A1 English Level? Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)
International English TestΒ·10 Mar 2026Β·6 min read
#A1 english#CEFR#beginner english level
What is A1 English Level?
A1 is the first and most basic level on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale. It is the entry point for English learners β the level at which you can understand and use simple expressions for everyday situations.
At A1, you can introduce yourself, ask and answer basic personal questions (where you live, what you do, your family), and interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
Skills Expected at A1
β Recognise familiar words and very basic phrases.
β Read short, simple notices, posters, or messages.
β Ask and answer simple personal information questions.
β Write short, simple notes β postcards, fill-in forms.
A1 is not about fluency. It is about coping with the most common everyday language needs.
Who Needs an A1 Certificate?
A1 certificates are commonly required for:
β Family-based visa applications in some countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands).
β Spouse settlement and pre-arrival language requirements.
β Entry-level course placement at language schools.
β Personal milestones β proving you've started learning.
How to Get Your A1 Certificate Online
The IET A1 English Test is fully online: 38 questions, ~30 minutes, CEFR-aligned. You receive an instant PDF certificate with a verification QR code at Β£12.99.
If you want to confirm your level before paying, the free English Level Test gives you an indicative CEFR result across A1βC2 in 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
At A1, the entry point of the CEFR scale, you can introduce yourself, ask and answer basic personal questions about where you live, what you do, and your family, and interact simply when the other person speaks slowly and clearly. You can recognise familiar words, read short notices and messages, and write simple notes such as postcards or fill-in forms.
Yes, A1 is the first and most basic of the six CEFR levels, sitting below A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. It is the entry point for English learners and focuses on coping with the most common everyday language needs rather than fluency. The CEFR scale is recognised by the Council of Europe and used across more than 40 countries.
A1 certificates are commonly required for family-based visa applications in countries such as the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands, as well as spouse settlement and pre-arrival language requirements. For UK family-route applications, the Home Office requires a CEFR A1 certificate from an approved provider, so check that your test provider appears on the current SELT list before booking.
The IET A1 English Test is fully online and contains 38 questions, taking roughly 30 minutes to complete. It is CEFR-aligned, and once finished you receive an instant PDF certificate that includes a verification QR code. The cost is Β£12.99, and the certificate serves as valid evidence of your A1 level regardless of the issuing institution.
A free English Level Test lets you confirm your level before paying for a certificate. It takes about 20 minutes and gives an indicative CEFR result spanning A1 through C2, so you can find out whether you sit at A1, A2, or higher. This helps you decide whether the A1 test is the right fit before booking.
What matters most is the CEFR alignment rather than the specific institution. An A1 certificate is valid evidence of your level regardless of which provider issues it, because CEFR levels are recognised by the Council of Europe and used by employers, universities, and immigration authorities. For official routes like UK visas, however, you must still confirm the provider appears on the relevant approved list.
International English Test Editorial Team
ALTE Associate Member Β· UK English assessment provider Β· Est. 2023
