Understanding CEFR English Levels: From A1 to C2

When you study for English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL, you'll usually come across the terms A1, B2, or C1. No, they are not random codes generated for no reason. They are a part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ie.CEFR, a universally accepted system that tells you how well you can actually use English in your everyday life. 

If you are applying for a university, a job overseas, or a visa, knowing your CEFR level is equally as important as your IELTS or TOEFL score. 

Let's explain it in a straightforward way.

Understanding CEFR 

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a worldwide standard developed by the Council of Europe to measure and describe language ability. 

Before CEFR, there was no unified means to describe what lay behind ‘beginner,’ ‘intermediate, ’ or ‘advanced’ in a language. Language qualifications varied widely from one country or institution to another, making it difficult to evaluate and compare a learner’s skills internationally. The CEFR is not exclusive to English; it is, in fact, applicable to all European languages, but is most commonly used as a reference tool in English language assessment and education. 

The CEFR provides a basis to measure language proficiency consistently so that learners can be assessed and compared across countries, languages, and different educational systems.

The CEFR defines six levels of proficiency, which can be grouped into three broad categories:

Let's look closely at six proficiency levels of CEFR grouped into three broad categories.

Basic User (A1–A2)

At this level, learners are able to understand and use basic language for everyday needs. They can cope with familiar situations, such as introducing themselves, asking basic questions or making simple requests. Communication is limited to short, clear interactions on a limited range of routine topics.

A1: Beginner 

• Understands and uses basic expressions to satisfy simple needs. 

• Can introduce him or herself and ask/ answer questions on personal particulars (ex., name, address, belongings) 

• Can engage in simple interaction when the interlocutor speaks slowly and clearly.

A2: Elementary 

• Understands basic expressions on many topics, including shopping, work and local geography. 

• Can complete basic routines and have simple interactions where there is some exchange of information. 

• Can describe aspects of their background and characteristics of their immediate environment.

Independent User (B1–B2)

Independent users can engage in a degree of complexity and connectedness in their communication. They can engage in conversations on familiar subjects, write connected texts, and they can deal with most situations likely to arise when living, working, or travelling in an English-speaking environment.

B1: Intermediate 

• Can manage to handle problems when travelling or in daily life in English-speaking environments. 

• Can write and speak about familiar topics such as hobbies, family or work.

• Can explain opinions, plans, and experiences through connected speech. 

B2: Upper Intermediate 

• Can understand the main idea of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics. 

• Can regularly converse with native speakers with minimum strain in understanding. 

• Can write short essays on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can provide clear, detailed text producing logical arguments to support or challenge different points of view.

Proficient User (C1–C2)

Proficient users have a high level of fluency and accuracy. They can understand nuanced language, articulate their ideas in an appropriate way across their oral and written communication, and perform competently in academic, social, and professional environments, including at times abstract or complex discourse.

 C1: Advanced

• Understand longer texts and implied meanings with ease.

• Can speak with a fluent, flexible, and effective use of language in different contexts.

• Can produce well-structured, detailed writing about complex subjects.

C2: Mastery

• Understand virtually everything heard or read with a high degree of ease.

• Can summarise and synthesise information from several different sources.

• Can express themselves with a high degree of precision in a natural way, even in complex situations.

Why You Should Know Your CEFR Level?

Your CEFR level is more than a label. It is a measure directly impacting opportunities for study abroad, hiring eligibility, and different visa requirements. The CEFR focuses not just on grammar or vocabulary, but on real-world communication skills, such as participating in conversations, writing emails, reading articles, and understanding spoken language in various settings.

Your CEFR level can assist you in the following ways: 

• Developing an IELTS or TOEFL preparation plan by determining whether you should concentrate on basic skills (A1–B1) or advanced skills (C1–C2). 

• Many universities, companies, and immigration departments use CEFR levels to set English language requirements for admission, employment, and visas.

• Tracking your learning effectively, from beginner to proficient, in systematic steps.

• Though originally developed in Europe, the CEFR is used worldwide. It's the framework behind many of the most well-known English proficiency tests, including:

1.  IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

3. Cambridge English Qualifications

4. PTE (Pearson Test of English)

5. Duolingo English Test
   
   

CEFR vs IELTS vs TOEFL: Score Comparison

Now that we understand that the CEFR is a standardised structure for assessing English ability, let's find out how CEFR levels can be mapped with both IELTS and TOEFL scores. Mapping provides students, universities, and employers with an understanding of how the results of tests match up against international language benchmarks.

Here is a quick reference that can show how your IELTS or TOEFL score matches with CEFR proficiency levels, and help you monitor your progress toward fulfilling international academic or immigration expectations.

Preparation Tips to Master C1-C2 Level English

Achieving C1 level on the CEFR scale means you can understand complex ideas, communicate fluently in all aspects, whether academic or professional, and modify your approach depending on the context. But moving along the scale from upper-intermediate (B2) to advanced (C1) level requires more than just practising casually. It requires consistency, strategy, and immersion.

Here are some proven strategies to help you achieve and master C1 level English:

1. Establish a Long-Term Study Plan

C1 proficiency doesn’t happen in a click. Plan for a minimum of 10–12 weeks of intensive study that addresses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Put additional hours into your areas of weakness, but don’t abandon your strengths—regular maintenance ensures equilibrium across the proficiencies. 

2. Read Academic & Professional Materials

At C1, you should feel comfortable with abstracts, as well as technical material. Get into the habit of reading research articles, opinion pieces, and advanced literature, and for listening, develop a routine of listening to podcasts, university lectures, or debates. Summarising key points and reflecting on them critically after this time is also helpful. 

3. Learn the Format of Advanced Communication

Appropriate grammar and vocabulary are things you´ll need if you want to attain C1 proficiency. But clarity and coherence are equally important when demonstrating your proficiency. Develop writing opportunities while you are studying, whether that be an essay, a short argument, or a presentation. Learn how to transition from one idea to the next without sounding redundant or blurry when communicating.

4. Use Vocabulary in Context

A C1 learner should intuitively be able to articulate a broad range of vocabulary. Rather than memorising lists of vocabulary to use for elaboration, phrases, connectors, or idioms, concentrate on the academic voice of the language as it is demonstrated in a variety of academic contexts. Use paraphrasing to move away from repetition, if you want to become comfortable with synonyms, and when you articulate connectives.

5. Surround Yourself with English Every Day

We want you to try and make English your natural habitat. You want to think in English, write your notes in English, and read a mixture of both academic and informal content (articles, books, documentaries, blogs, films). Getting immersed is useful as it will help you adjust your tone, for example, when you are writing an essay as opposed to chatting casually.

6. Undertake Advanced Speaking & Writing Tasks

To reach the C1 level, you'll need to be able to talk fluently about complex ideas. You must:

• Writing an essay on an abstract topic, such as ethics, technology, and globalisation.

• Participate in a debate/discussion either online or in the company of friends.

• Record yourself speaking about complex issues, and then go back to analyse your fluency, vocabulary usage and ability to maintain coherence.

7. Use Self-Assessment & Mock Task

Get used to being aware of your own mistakes when you reach C1. You can do practice tests, even record your presentations or use peers/teachers to give you feedback. You want to focus on the flaws you can work on, such as using basic vocabulary over and over, wrong collocations, arguments that lack clarity, etc.

From the Desk of Yocket

Making English for study abroad is not solely a concern of grammar, but about establishing real-world communication skills. One way of tracking progress in English is through the CEFR framework. CEFR allows your progress to be tracked from A1 (beginning levels) to C2 (mastery) in a clear way and works along with tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. This helps us understand the framing of our language and where we stand to better set goals and place our prep in the right focus.

Need additional help? Yocket Prep offers dedicated coaching, personalised mock tests and performance based on your CEFR level. We want you to start your journey feeling confident. Prep smarter with Yocket.