What Is CEFR? A1 to C2 Language Levels Explained
Bottom line first: CEFR (the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the global standard for measuring language proficiency. It runs from A1 (basic) to C2 (near-native), and most English tests—IELTS, TOEFL, and the Cambridge suite—report results against it. If you have ever wondered "what level am I," CEFR is the answer format you want.
Want to know your level right now? A 32-question adaptive English test gives your CEFR level plus an IELTS/TOEFL mapping in about 10 minutes.
Take the free test →What CEFR is and who uses it
CEFR was developed by the Council of Europe to give a common, transportable description of language ability. Instead of every exam inventing its own scale, CEFR provides six reference levels so a score from one provider can be understood by another. Employers, universities, and immigration systems across the world reference CEFR.
The six levels at a glance
| Level | Label | What you can roughly do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Understand and use familiar everyday expressions; introduce yourself. |
| A2 | Elementary | Handle routine tasks requiring simple information exchange. |
| B1 | Intermediate | Deal with most travel and work situations; describe experiences. |
| B2 | Upper-intermediate | Understand complex texts; interact with fluency on familiar topics. |
| C1 | Advanced | Use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. |
| C2 | Mastery | Understand virtually everything; express precisely in any situation. |
How major tests map to CEFR
Because CEFR is the common reference, you can translate between exams:
- Cambridge English: KET = A2, PET = B1, FCE = B2, CAE = C1, CPE = C2.
- IELTS: roughly A2 ≈ 3.0–3.5, B1 ≈ 4.0–5.0, B2 ≈ 5.5–6.5, C1 ≈ 7.0–8.0, C2 ≈ 8.5–9.0.
- TOEFL iBT: roughly B1 ≈ 42–71, B2 ≈ 72–94, C1 ≈ 95–120.
Which level do you need?
- Study abroad (undergrad): usually B2–C1.
- Work in an English environment: B2 is the typical floor.
- Everyday travel and conversation: B1 gets you through most situations.
How to find your level
The fastest way is a free adaptive CEFR test. Rather than asking 100 fixed questions, it adjusts difficulty as you answer, so it can place you in about 10 minutes. You get a level from A1 to C2 and often a mapping to IELTS/TOEFL so you can see where you stand for study or work.
Common questions
Is CEFR the same as IELTS?
No. IELTS is a specific test with a 0–9 band score; CEFR is the level framework both IELTS and many others report against. Think of CEFR as the language and IELTS as one dialect that speaks it.
Can I skip levels?
Levels describe ability, not a course you must pass in order. If your real ability is B1, you can aim directly at a B1 exam—no need to "complete" A2 first.