{"id":2460,"date":"2020-02-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/local.events.com\/english-proficiency-levels-a-guide-to-determining-your-level\/"},"modified":"2021-04-13T09:47:22","modified_gmt":"2021-04-13T16:47:22","slug":"english-proficiency-levels-a-guide-to-determining-your-level","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/english-speaking\/english-proficiency-levels-a-guide-to-determining-your-level\/","title":{"rendered":"English Proficiency Levels: A Guide to Determining Your Level"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Language proficiency is difficult to measure, as everyone has different strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. You may be able to tell the difference between a person who only speaks a few words in English and a native English speaker, but what about everyone in between? <\/span>How can you determine your English level? And how many English proficiency levels are there?<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Understanding English Levels with CEFR<\/h2>\n

The Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for language ability and comprehension. This standard includes 6 distinct English levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Some institutions also recognize the pre-A1 level, though it is not as common. What do these designations actually mean about your English abilities?<\/p>\n

All CEFR language levels were originally created by the Council of Europe in order to standardize language ability. These standards are used to determine language ability for speakers all over the world. Let\u2019s take a closer look at each English level to see what they mean:<\/p>\n

A1 – Beginner (Basic)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach A1<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1-3 months<\/span><\/td>\nSimple questions and answers, information about oneself, very common and familiar topics<\/span><\/td>\n60 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nVery basic knowledge with frequent errors<\/span><\/td>\nSituation-specific<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The A1 level refers to speakers who have a basic grasp of the English language. If you are at the A1 level, you can understand some common phrases and words in English. You can ask and answer simple questions (i.e. How old are you? Where do you live? What\u2019s your favorite color?).<\/p>\n

Your interactions will be relatively basic, and you may need other people to speak slowly with you in order to understand.<\/p>\n

This level is common among those who have only been studying English for a short time (less than 6 months) or those who have not studied English for many years and do not practice regularly.<\/p>\n

A2 – Beginner (Basic)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach A2<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6-12 months<\/span><\/td>\nThe same topics as Level A1 plus expanded social interactions like varied greetings, hobbies, future arrangements, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n80 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nBasic knowledge with frequent errors<\/span><\/td>\nSituation-specific<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

At the A2 level, you can speak in full sentences and phrases on simple topics. Your vocabulary covers a broader array of subjects than it did at the A1 level, but your interactions are still limited to direct exchanges of information.<\/p>\n

You can likely have a full conversation about yourself and various parts of your life. While your listening comprehension has improved, you might still need others to speak slowly or repeat themselves from time to time.<\/p>\n

This level is common among adults in their first year of study or those who have not studied English for many years.<\/p>\n

B1 – Intermediate (Independent)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach B1<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1-2 years<\/span><\/td>\nThe same topics as Level A2 plus maintained speech in a wider range of contexts, including personal opinions and other informal discussions<\/span><\/td>\n100 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nFrequent errors with new or complex words<\/span><\/td>\nAdapted to a broad range of circumstances<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Once you reach B1 level English, your English abilities are at the \u201cintermediate\u201d level. This means that you can speak and understand English for matters related to your daily routine. You can also be much more descriptive about your life and experiences. Finally, you can talk (using relatively simple terms) about more abstract or subjective topics, like aspirations, dreams, or opinions.<\/p>\n

This level is common among adults who have been continuously studying English for more than one year or those who have the opportunity to practice English on a semi-regular basis.<\/p>\n

B2 – Intermediate (Independent)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach B2<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2-4 years<\/span><\/td>\nThe same topics as Level B1 plus the ability to express more complex viewpoints, arguments, and hypothetical situations<\/span><\/td>\n120 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nOccasional errors with new or complex words<\/span><\/td>\nExtensive knowledge of conversational English plus some basic technical vocabulary related to work or personal hobbies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

The B2 level is often referred to as the \u201cupper intermediate level.\u201d As a B2 English speaker, you can take part in conversations on a variety of concrete and abstract topics. You may not know a lot of technical vocabulary, but you can still convey complex thoughts, explanations, experiences, or concepts with moderate accuracy.<\/p>\n

This English proficiency level is common among adults who have been studying English for several years and practice regularly.<\/p>\n

C1 – Advanced (Proficient)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach C1<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4-6 years<\/span><\/td>\nThe same topics as Level B2 plus the ability to speak on completely new topics spontaneously<\/span><\/td>\n140 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nInfrequent errors with new or complex words<\/span><\/td>\nExtensive knowledge of conversational English and technical vocabulary<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Once you have reached the C2 level, you are considered an advanced student of the English language.<\/p>\n

You now have a firmer grasp of more complex grammar structures, implicit meaning in both text and speech, as well as the ability to speak English fluently in almost any environment. Though you will naturally make some errors from time to time, they are likely small and infrequent.<\/p>\n

In order to reach the C1 level, you will likely need to study English formally for several years and practice speaking or reading English on a regular basis. This level of English proficiency is common among those who have lived in an English-speaking country for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n

C2 – Advanced (Proficient)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Average Time to Reach C2<\/b><\/td>\nTopics<\/b><\/td>\nRate of Speech (Words Per Minute)<\/b><\/td>\nPronunciation and Grammar<\/b><\/td>\nVocabulary<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6-8 years<\/span><\/td>\nAll or nearly all of the same topics as a native English speaker<\/span><\/td>\n160 WPM or less<\/span><\/td>\nVery infrequent errors<\/span><\/td>\nExtensive knowledge of conversational English and technical vocabulary<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

C2 is the highest assessment of all 6 CEFR levels.<\/p>\n

At this level, you can understand the vast majority of English, spoken or written, that you encounter. Though you may make rare errors, your proficiency is near or equal to that of a native English speaker. You can understand the finer nuances of tone, pacing, and word choice, even in complex texts or situations.<\/p>\n

C2 level speakers<\/a> have likely been studying English for many years, practicing the language regularly or even on a daily basis with native speakers.<\/p>\n

How to Determine your English Proficiency Level<\/h2>\n

Great! Now you know the 6 different English proficiency levels. But how can you determine your own English level? While the summaries above may give you a rough idea of where you are on a scale from A1 to C2, you\u2019ll want to test your abilities in order to know for sure. You can easily check your English level with our free English speaking test<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Additionally, there are a number of free online resources and English proficiency tests to help you assess your English abilities:<\/p>\n