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English Listening Test

CEFR English Level Test

What is an English listening test?

An English listening test shows how much spoken English you can follow. You hear 6 recordings, such as announcements, interviews and talks in several accents, and answer questions about each one. The test adapts to your answers and places your listening on the CEFR scale from A1 to C2.

Start the test

Listening test · certificate: £9.99

Find your listening level

Listening levels describe how much spoken English you follow, and how fast and how clearly it has to be said:

CEFR levelWhat it looks like
A1Familiar words and very basic phrases, when people speak slowly and clearly.
A2The main point of short, clear messages and announcements about everyday needs.
B1The main points of clear standard speech about work, study and leisure topics.
B2Extended talks, discussions and most broadcast news on familiar subjects.
C1Extended speech that is not clearly structured, where meaning is often implied.
C2Any kind of spoken English, including fast natural speech and a range of accents.

How your listening is scored

You see the questions before each recording starts, and you can play each recording twice. The recordings use several English accents, including British, American and Australian, and the words are not shown on screen.

The test adapts as you go: after each recording, the next one is chosen to stay close to your level. Questions cover the main idea, specific information, implied meaning, words in context and the speaker's purpose and attitude. Your final ability estimate becomes your CEFR listening level.

Your personalised report

Your listening report shows how you did in each listening area, not just your overall level.

  • Your CEFR listening level
  • Your correct-answer share for main idea, details, implied meaning, words in context and speaker's purpose
  • Clear strengths and focus areas wherever an area was tested with three or more questions
  • Suggestions on what to practise next
SampleSample skill proficiency report for Jane Sample, with a bar for each subskill
SampleSample English Listening certificate issued to Jane Sample, CEFR B2

Get your CEFR listening certificate

The listening certificate shows your CEFR listening level with your name, a unique certificate ID and a QR code that links to an online check. It comes with your listening report for £9.99. International English Test is an ALTE Associate Member.

Start the test

Listening test · certificate: £9.99

English listening test FAQ

How is my level assessed?

After every recording, your answers move an ability estimate up or down, and the next recording is picked to match it. Where the estimate settles decides your CEFR listening level, from A1 to C2.

What does the report include?

Your CEFR listening level at the top, then a result for main idea, details, implied meaning, words in context and speaker's purpose, with practice suggestions for the weakest.

How long does it take?

Around 13 minutes, replays included.

What do I get for £9.99?

Your listening certificate, which anyone can verify by scanning its code, and a breakdown of your listening by area. Nothing is charged before the last recording, and unlocking is your choice.

How many times can I play a recording?

Twice. Reloading the page does not reset the count, so use headphones and a quiet room if you can.

Related skill tests

Understanding spoken English supports both reading comprehension and real conversation.

Need more than one skill?

Eng4Skills covers reading, listening, writing and speaking in one test and one certificate. See Eng4Skills

The Speaking & Writing Test gives you a certificate for each productive skill. See the Speaking & Writing Test