CEFR levels explained: A1 to C2
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the international standard for describing language ability. English schools, exam boards and employers use it, so knowing your level helps you choose the right course and set a realistic goal. There are six levels in three bands: A (basic user), B (independent user) and C (proficient user).
The six levels
Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. Introduce yourself, ask and answer simple questions about personal details.
Communicate in simple, routine tasks on familiar topics. Describe your background, immediate surroundings and everyday needs in simple terms.
Deal with most situations while travelling, and produce simple connected text on familiar topics. Describe experiences, events, hopes and plans, and give brief reasons.
Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity. Understand the main ideas of complex text, and produce clear, detailed writing on a range of subjects.
Express ideas fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching. Use English flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
Understand with ease virtually everything you hear or read. Express yourself very fluently and precisely, even in complex situations.
How CEFR maps to English courses
Schools give you a placement test and put you in a class at your level, then move you up as you progress. General English runs across all levels. Exam courses target a specific level: Cambridge B2 First is aimed at B2, and C1 Advanced at C1. Most Irish universities ask for an upper-intermediate to advanced level (B2 to C1) for entry.
CEFR and IELTS (approximate)
IELTS reports a band score rather than a CEFR level, but the two are often compared. Treat this as a rough guide, since exam boards publish their own mappings.
Not sure of your level?
- Take a free online level test for an indicative CEFR level in a few minutes.
- Your school gives a placement test before classes start, which decides your actual class.
- An online test is a guide, not an official certification, and does not assess speaking or writing.
The level descriptions above are summaries of the public CEFR "can do" statements. The IELTS comparison is approximate; always check the exam board's own guidance and your chosen school's entry requirements.