The Art of Speaking
CEFR English Levels Explained
Understand what each English level from A1 to C2 means, what learners can do,
and how CEFR levels compare with Cambridge, IELTS and Trinity qualifications.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is an internationally
recognised system for describing language ability.
Official CEFR information is available from the
Council of Europe.
A shared international framework
What is the CEFR?
The CEFR organises language ability into six levels, from A1 for basic users
to C2 for highly proficient users. Each level describes what a learner can
understand, say, read and write in real situations.
It is widely used by schools, universities, employers, examination boards
and training organisations to describe progress and set learning objectives.
Basic user
A1 – Beginner English
A1 is the first level of the CEFR. Learners can understand and use very
simple expressions, introduce themselves, ask basic questions and interact
when the other person speaks slowly and clearly.
What can an A1 learner typically do?
- Use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases.
- Introduce themselves and ask simple personal questions.
- Understand basic signs, instructions and short written forms.
- Interact when the other person is prepared to help.
Typical uses of A1 English
A1 learners can follow simple classroom instructions, complete basic
forms, understand common signs and manage essential communication when
travelling.
| Framework | Approximate A1 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | Pre-A1 Starters / A1 Movers |
| IELTS | Below approximately Band 3.0 |
| Trinity College London | GESE Grades 1–2 |
Basic user
A2 – Elementary English
A2 learners can understand frequently used expressions connected with
everyday life and communicate in simple, routine situations involving
familiar information.
What can an A2 learner typically do?
- Understand phrases about family, shopping, work and local places.
- Exchange simple information on familiar topics.
- Describe their background, immediate environment and basic needs.
- Read short messages, signs, menus and simple notices.
Typical uses of A2 English
A2 learners can take part in short everyday conversations, complete
straightforward forms, understand simple travel information and write
short personal messages.
| Framework | Approximate A2 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | A2 Key |
| IELTS | Approximately Band 3.0–3.5 |
| Trinity College London | GESE Grades 3–4 |
Independent user
B1 – Intermediate English
B1 marks the transition from basic survival English to more independent
communication. Learners can understand the main points of clear language
and manage many everyday situations.
What can a B1 learner typically do?
- Understand the main ideas of clear information on familiar topics.
- Deal with most situations while travelling.
- Produce connected text on familiar subjects.
- Describe experiences, plans, hopes and ambitions.
Typical uses of B1 English
B1 users can participate in everyday workplace conversations, explain
personal opinions, write connected messages and manage routine travel
and social situations.
| Framework | Approximate B1 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | B1 Preliminary |
| IELTS | Approximately Band 4.0–5.0 |
| Trinity College London | ISE I |
Independent user
B2 – Upper-Intermediate English
B2 learners can communicate with fluency and spontaneity, understand complex
texts and participate actively in discussions on both concrete and abstract
topics.
What can a B2 learner typically do?
- Understand complex texts and technical discussions in familiar fields.
- Interact with a good degree of fluency and spontaneity.
- Produce clear, detailed writing on a wide range of subjects.
- Explain and defend a viewpoint on topical issues.
Typical uses of B2 English
B2 users can contribute confidently to meetings, give presentations,
write reports, follow lectures and communicate effectively in many
professional and academic settings.
| Framework | Approximate B2 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | B2 First |
| IELTS | Approximately Band 5.5–6.5 |
| Trinity College London | ISE II |
Proficient user
C1 – Advanced English
C1 represents a high level of proficiency. Learners can express ideas
fluently and spontaneously and use English flexibly and effectively for
social, academic and professional purposes.
What can a C1 learner typically do?
- Understand demanding texts and recognise implicit meaning.
- Express ideas fluently without obvious searching for language.
- Use English flexibly across professional and academic contexts.
- Produce clear, structured and detailed texts on complex subjects.
Typical uses of C1 English
C1 users can work effectively in English-speaking environments, follow
advanced academic courses, write detailed reports and participate
confidently in formal meetings and presentations.
| Framework | Approximate C1 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | C1 Advanced |
| IELTS | Approximately Band 7.0–8.0 |
| Trinity College London | ISE III |
Proficient user
C2 – Mastery
C2 is the highest CEFR level. Learners can understand virtually everything
they hear or read and express themselves fluently, accurately and with
considerable nuance.
What can a C2 learner typically do?
- Understand almost any spoken or written language with ease.
- Summarise information from several spoken and written sources.
- Express ideas spontaneously, precisely and persuasively.
- Use language creatively in professional, academic and literary contexts.
Typical uses of C2 English
C2 users can write sophisticated academic or professional texts,
negotiate complex issues, teach or translate at a high level and
participate in nuanced discussions with ease.
| Framework | Approximate C2 equivalent |
|---|---|
| Cambridge English | C2 Proficiency |
| IELTS | Approximately Band 8.5–9.0 |
| Trinity College London | ISE IV |
Qualification comparison
Compare CEFR levels with major English examinations
These comparisons provide a general indication of how CEFR levels may align
with Cambridge English, IELTS and Trinity College London qualifications.
| CEFR level | Cambridge English | IELTS band | Trinity College London |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Pre-A1 Starters / A1 Movers | Below approximately 3.0 | GESE Grades 1–2 |
| A2 | A2 Key | Approximately 3.0–3.5 | GESE Grades 3–4 |
| B1 | B1 Preliminary | Approximately 4.0–5.0 | ISE I |
| B2 | B2 First | Approximately 5.5–6.5 | ISE II |
| C1 | C1 Advanced | Approximately 7.0–8.0 | ISE III |
| C2 | C2 Proficiency | Approximately 8.5–9.0 | ISE IV |
Your next step
Not sure which CEFR level describes your English?
Take the free online placement test and receive an immediate indication of
your current level from A1 to C2.
