The English levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are the scale used by schools, universities and employers to measure how much English you know. They run from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery), and each one describes what you can actually do in practice. In this guide we explain what each level means, with real examples and its Cambridge exam equivalent.
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Index
- English levels table (CEFR)
- English levels and the four skills
- What each of the English levels means
- What English level is required in practice
- How to know which of the English levels is yours
- Common mistakes when interpreting English levels
- Official exams to certify your level
- English levels and other exams
- How long does it take to move up a level?
- What changes at each step up
- Next step: choose a course for your level
- FAQ
English levels table (CEFR)
| Level | Name | Cambridge equivalent | In one sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Pre A1 Starters / A1 Movers (children) | Very basic everyday phrases |
| A2 | Elementary | A2 Key | Simple, routine situations |
| B1 | Intermediate | B1 Preliminary | You get by when travelling and on familiar topics |
| B2 | Upper intermediate | B2 First | Fluency and understanding of complex texts |
| C1 | Advanced | C1 Advanced | Flexible use at work and in study |
| C2 | Mastery | C2 Proficiency | Near-native command, with nuance |
The levels fall into three bands: basic user (A1–A2), independent user (B1–B2) and proficient user (C1–C2).
English levels and the four skills
Each CEFR level is defined by four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking. It’s not unusual for a person to be at different levels in each: for example, B2 in reading and B1 in speaking, because reading is easier to practise than conversation.
That is why official exams assess all four skills, and why a good level assessment is not limited to a grammar test. When someone says “I’m B1”, they usually mean their overall level, that is, the average of all their skills.
What each of the English levels means
Level A1: beginner
You understand and use very common expressions: introducing yourself, saying your age, asking for something basic. You speak slowly and need the other person to help. Example: “My name is Ana. I live in Madrid.”
Level A2: elementary
You can talk about your routine, family, shopping and nearby places in simple sentences. You understand short, clear messages. Example: “Yesterday I went to the supermarket with my sister.”
Level B1: intermediate
You handle most situations when travelling, describe experiences and give simple opinions. You understand the main points of clear texts and conversations. This is the level where many people feel they “can speak English”.
Level B2: upper intermediate
You communicate fluently and naturally, understand complex texts and defend your point of view with arguments. It is often the minimum level required by many companies and universities, so it is a common goal.
Level C1: advanced
You use English flexibly in professional and academic settings, understand long, demanding texts and rarely search for words when speaking.
Level C2: mastery
You understand practically everything you hear or read and express yourself precisely, even in complex situations and with shades of meaning.
What English level is required in practice
Requirements depend on each company, university or programme, so always confirm them with the official source. As a general guide:
- A1–A2: enough to travel, handle basic situations and start communicating in an international setting.
- B1: useful for travelling independently and for roles with little contact in English.
- B2: one of the most requested levels in job ads, exchange programmes and university studies.
- C1–C2: common in international communication roles, teaching, translation and higher education taught in English.
If your goal has a specific requirement, note the exact level and the deadline before choosing a course.
How to know which of the English levels is yours
The fastest way is to take a free English level test of about 10–15 minutes. If you prefer a step-by-step guide, read what’s my English level and how to find out in 10 minutes. For an accurate diagnosis, especially of speaking, the best option is to talk to a teacher.
Want to confirm your level with a teacher? A BeBest School teacher will assess it, including speaking, in a free 30-minute trial class. Book your free trial class
Common mistakes when interpreting English levels
- Thinking B2 means speaking like a native. B2 means communicating fluently and naturally, but you will still make mistakes and miss some expressions.
- Confusing level with certificate. You can have a real B2 without having certified it, and you can hold an old certificate that no longer reflects your current level.
- Jumping levels without consolidating. Starting a C1 course on a B1 base leads to frustration; it’s better to move forward on solid ground.
- Believing every level is passed at the same pace. The early levels move faster; the later ones demand much more practice for each visible improvement.
- Ignoring weak skills. A high overall level doesn’t make up for weak speaking if your goal is to work in English.
To avoid these mistakes, always set a concrete goal and check your level regularly.
Official exams to certify your level
Cambridge English exams (A2 Key, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency) certify your level with international recognition. Fees, exam dates and requirements change every year and depend on the exam centre, so we don’t list them here: always check up-to-date information on the official Cambridge English website.
English levels and other exams
Besides Cambridge, other exams and tests (such as IELTS, TOEFL, Linguaskill or Aptis) are also related to the CEFR scale. However, the exact equivalences between scores vary by exam and by the institution asking for it, so always consult each body’s official tables before preparing for a specific test.
How long does it take to move up a level?
It depends on your starting point, how often you study and how much you practise speaking. In general, lower levels are completed faster than higher ones: going from B2 to C1 takes considerably longer than going from A1 to A2. We explain it in our article on how long it takes to move up an English level.
What changes at each step up
- From A1 to A2: you go from memorised phrases to building your own simple sentences on everyday topics.
- From A2 to B1: you start using the past and future with some ease and holding short conversations without help.
- From B1 to B2: you gain fluency, understand longer texts and audio and can defend your opinion with arguments. For many learners it is the hardest step.
- From B2 to C1: you refine vocabulary, register and nuance; progress is less visible but very valuable in professional settings.
- From C1 to C2: what improves is precision, lexical range and naturalness in any context.
Knowing where you stand lets you choose the right practice: more vocabulary and structures at the lower levels, and more conversation, writing and authentic reading and listening from B1 onwards.
Next step: choose a course for your level
Once you know your level, the key is to practise with classes adapted to it. At BeBest School we offer online English classes with teachers who correct your pronunciation and help you move up a level. You can also browse our courses and pick the one that fits your goal.
FAQ
How many English levels are there?
Six according to the CEFR: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.
Which level is “intermediate” English?
Usually B1; B2 is called upper intermediate.
What English level do I need for work?
It depends on the role, but B2 is usually the minimum in international professional settings.
Is the CEFR the same as Cambridge?
No: the CEFR is the scale of levels; Cambridge is an organisation that offers exams aligned with that scale.
Which English level means speaking fluently?
It is usually associated with B2, although real fluency also depends on speaking practice.
Can you skip from one level to another?
You can progress faster with intensive practice, but each level builds on the previous one, so it’s best to consolidate it before moving on.
How long does each level last?
It depends on your effort and starting point; the lower levels are usually completed sooner than the higher ones.
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