English Reading Test
CEFR English Level Test
What is an English reading test?
An English reading test checks how well you understand written English. You read 6 texts, from short notices to longer articles, and answer questions about main ideas, details, implied meaning and the writer's purpose. The test adapts to your answers and ends with a CEFR reading level between A1 and C2.
Reading test · certificate: £9.99
Find your reading level
Each CEFR level describes the kind of text a reader can handle. A quick guide to reading:
| CEFR level | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| A1 | Very short, simple texts: signs, notices, names and familiar words. |
| A2 | Predictable everyday material such as menus, timetables, adverts and short personal messages. |
| B1 | The main points of clear texts on familiar topics, such as letters, emails and short articles. |
| B2 | Articles and reports on current issues, following the writer's argument and point of view. |
| C1 | Long, demanding texts, including the implied meaning, tone and attitude behind them. |
| C2 | Almost any written English, including abstract, complex and highly idiomatic texts. |
How your reading is scored
The reading test is adaptive. Each answer updates an estimate of your reading ability, and that estimate chooses the next text, so you spend your time on texts near your level. The text stays on screen while you answer its questions.
Questions cover six reading areas: main idea, specific information, implied meaning, words in context, reference words such as it and they, and the writer's purpose and attitude. When the sixth text is done, the estimate is translated into a CEFR level.
Your personalised report
The reading report breaks your result down by the six reading areas, so you can see which kind of question costs you marks.
- Your CEFR reading level
- The share of questions you answered correctly in each reading area
- Areas checked with at least three questions marked as a strength (70% or more), developing, or a focus area (below 50%)
- A practical tip for each area you most need to work on
Get your CEFR reading certificate
Your reading certificate states your name and CEFR reading level and carries a unique ID and QR code for online checks. Unlock it together with your reading report for £9.99 once you have finished the test. International English Test is an ALTE Associate Member.
Reading test · certificate: £9.99
English reading test FAQ
How is my level assessed?
Your answers about one text shape which text you get next: harder after strong answers, easier after weak ones. Where that process ends is converted to a CEFR level from A1 to C2.
What does the report include?
Six bars, one per reading area, showing how many questions you got right, plus your CEFR reading level, the areas that stand out as strong or weak, and targeted tips.
How long does it take?
Plan on about 23 minutes; longer texts at higher levels take more reading time.
What do I get for £9.99?
A downloadable reading certificate with a scannable verification code, and a report covering all six reading areas. Unlocking happens after the test, only if you want it.
Can I look back at the text while I answer?
Yes. Each text stays on the screen while you answer its questions. Once you move on to the next text, you cannot return to the previous one.
Related skill tests
Reading and listening are both about understanding, and a wider vocabulary makes every text easier.
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