When choosing a language course, it’s important to know your current level. A course that is too easy may be boring and frustrating and you probably won’t improve very much. However, a course that is too challenging, may knock your confidence and be demotivating and stressful. In both instances, you are unlikely to achieve the results you’re hoping for.
Joining the right level will help you confidently progress at steady pace whilst building on a solid foundation.
So, How Can I Check My Level?
There are various online tools to check your level, however my favourites are the Cambridge Level Tests. They are quick, easy to use, and give instant results.
Understanding Your Level Test Results
The CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
The CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is an international standard that describes and evaluates language proficiency. It provides a common basis for language teaching, learning, and assessment across different languages and countries.
The CEFR uses a six-level scale:
BASIC USER: A1 & A2
In many language academies, levels A1 & A2 may be called “elementary or beginner”. A2 may also sometimes be referred to as “pre-intermediate” level.
INDEPENDENT USER: B1 & B2
Levels B1 & B2 are generally known as “intermediate” & “upper-intermediate”.
PROFICIENT USER: C1 & C2
Levels C1 & C2 are also referred to as “advanced” & “proficiency”.
Cambridge English Exams
The Cambridge English Exams recognised globally, below you can see how some of their most popular exams relate to the CEFR scale.
Cambridge Exams on the CEFR Scale:
B1 = PET (Preliminary)
B2 = FCE (First Certificate)
C1 = CAE (Cambridge Advanced Exam)
C2 = CPE (Cambridge Proficiency Exam)
IELTS & TOEFL Level Tests
As well as the Cambridge English Exams, the IELTS & TOEFL exams are also very popular and recognised around the world. IELTS and TOEFL are both English language proficiency tests widely accepted for academic and immigration purposes. One of the advantages of these tests is that you receive a grade based on your level rather than a result that is a pass or fail.
IELTS: International English Language Testing System
This exam is generally more popular in countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand for immigration purposes and university admissions. For more information, visit the official IELTS website.
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
This exam is generally more popular in the USA. For more information, visit the official TOEFL website.
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