Learning a foreign language
English level
What is my level of English?
English levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
What do these different levels mean for assessing my knowledge of English?
There are 6 main levels of English to measure where I am in my knowledge of the language. It’s a tool developed by the CEFR for all foreign languages. It’s also used for other languages like Dutch, French when it’s not my mother tongue, etc.
What is the English language level?
A1, A2, B1, B2, C2, C2 are the levels of a classification that assesses my level of knowledge and command of English.
This classification was developed by the CEFR (European Framework of Reference for Languages). It’s an essential tool that contributes greatly to the design of English teaching programs that will enable you to learn English whatever your level.
The strength of this assessment system is based on your skills and what you can do in English. It’s a very practical approach.
Levels are defined progressively from A1 to C2, from the most elementary knowledge to a fine mastery of English (what we call being bilingual).
The 3 general levels of English knowledge
Elementary, independent and experienced levels
The 6 levels of knowledge are grouped into 3 general levels or tiers of autonomy. They mark an important step in the progression of foreign language skills.
- Elementary user: A1 and A2
- Independent user : B1 and B2
- Experienced user: C1 and C2
What are the 6 levels of English?
The 6-level foreign language scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
My level of English can be measured using these 6 levels.
There are 6 levels of English, to which we can add a 7th: level A0 or pre-A1, which corresponds to having absolutely no knowledge of a foreign language. This frame of reference makes it easy to measure skill levels. This is the first step in determining the level of English courses you need to take to progress.
English level A1:
Basic user.
English level A2:
Basic user or false beginner.
English level B1:
Independent user.
English level B2:
Fluent English – independent user.
English level C1:
Advanced level of English – experienced user.
English level C2:
Experienced user – bilingual.
How can I test my knowledge of English?
It’s easy to determine your level of English and find out if you’re A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 or C2.
There are 2 methods:
- Method 1 – Self-assessment: The proficiency criteria are very simple to understand, and a simple reading of the criteria will enable you to determine your level.
- Method 2 – The English level test: In 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll go through a few dozen questions that will allow us to measure your level.
CLL offers an online English level test, which is very quick to complete and enables you to determine which course level you need to start with to progress in the foreign language of your choice.
The different levels of English
What is the A0 language level?
English level A0 or pre-A1 is the most basic level. It corresponds to having absolutely no knowledge of English.
What is A1 English level?
English level A1 corresponds to an elementary user at the introductory or discovery level.
The skills in English level A1 are :
- I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
- I can introduce myself and others in English.
- I can ask and answer questions about myself and others.
- I can communicate in English in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is cooperative.
When I am at A1 level, this means that I can :
- introduce myself and use basic greetings in English ;
- speak English to people I know
- describe my home and the country where I live in simple terms;
- understand and complete a short, simple online form.
How do I know if my level is A1 in English?
Nothing could be simpler. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our A1 courses.
What is A2 English level?
English level A2 corresponds to an elementary user at intermediate or common level.
The skills of English level A2 are :
- I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, work, etc.).
- I can communicate in English in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
- I can describe in simple terms in English my educational background, my immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
When I reach A2 level, this means that I can :
- talk about my everyday activities in English ;
- order in a restaurant or make an appointment
- ask for and understand simple directions from one place to another;
- understand a tourist brochure in English;
- describe the weather and suggest activities;
- ask for services, such as telephone or computer repairs;
- talk about my last holiday;
- compare different objects.
How do I know if I have an A2 level of English?
It’s very simple. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our A2 courses.
What is B1 English level?
English level B1 corresponds to an independent user at threshold level.
The skills of English level B1 are :
- I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the target language is spoken.
- I can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
- I can describe events, experiences and dreams, express hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for plans and ideas.
When I reach B1 level, this means that I can :
- interact in English with my friends on social networks ;
- follow and take part in a meeting in English
- understand book or film reviews;
- organise private and professional social events;
- get by in most situations when travelling (hotel, restaurant, museum etc.);
- understand the main ideas of a newspaper or magazine article in English;
- organise my journey, e.g. flights, timetables and appointments when I’m late;
- discussing my plans for the future, for example where I want to live and what I’ll be doing in the next few years.
How do I know if my English is B1?
It’s very simple. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses adapted to B1 level.
What is B2 English level?
English level B2 corresponds to an independent user at an advanced or independent level. This is also known as being able to speak English fluently.
English level B2
I speak English fluently!
The skills in English B2 are :
- I can understand the main ideas of complex text in English on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field.
- I can communicate spontaneously and fluently with a native speaker.
- I can express myself clearly and in detail on a wide range of subjects and can give an opinion on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
When I reach level B2, this means that I can :
- understand conversations in a noisy environment;
- exchange information on social and environmental issues, such as retirement or pollution;
- identify references to the past, present and future in live broadcasts;
- write a detailed newspaper or magazine article about an event, project or research initiative;
- defend my point of view in a debate on contemporary issues;
- understand acronyms and abbreviations used in social networking forums;
- understand podcasts on cultural, social and political topics;
- summarising a report describing political changes.
How do I know if I have a B2 level in English?
It’s very simple. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses adapted to B2 level.
What is C1 English level?
English level C1 corresponds to an experienced user at autonomous level.
The skills of level C1 are :
- I understand the English of long, demanding texts. I understand implicit meanings.
- I can express myself spontaneously and fluently in English without much searching for words.
- I can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
- I can express myself on complex subjects in a clear, well-structured way and control the linguistic tools of organisation, articulation and cohesion of discourse.
When I reach level C1, this means that I can :
- express myself without difficulty in social and professional situations, giving my opinion on a variety of complex subjects ;
- understand television programmes, films and podcasts, and idiomatic and colloquial expressions used in them;
- understand long, complex reports, articles and literary texts and identify fine points of detail, attitudes and opinions;
- write essays, reports and letters on complex subjects and express myself in a clear, detailed and structured way.
How do I know if my English is C1?
It’s very simple. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses adapted to C1 level.
What is C2 English level?
Level C2 corresponds to an experienced user at mastery level.
English level C2
I am bilingual
The skills of level C2 are :
- I can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
- I can reconstruct facts and arguments from a variety of spoken and written sources, summarising them in a coherent presentation.
- I can express myself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
How do I know if my English is C2?
It’s very simple. Take our online English test and find out your level in just a few minutes.
You can also find out about all our courses adapted to level C2.
Want to learn or improve your English?
CLL is Belgium’s largest language school. Tens of thousands of adults, children and teenagers have learned English using CLL’s unique methods.
The CLL teaching team offers tailor-made support for each student, enabling them to dare to speak English and develop their proficiency.