UNDERSTANDEnglish Language
Levels

Our English levels chart below helps you easily compare different proficiency levels across various exam systems, such as CEFR, IELTS, and business English qualifications. This guide is designed to clarify how these levels align, allowing you to better understand your current abilities and choose the most suitable course or exam to meet your academic, professional, or personal goals.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a standardised way to describe language proficiency. It helps learners select appropriate learning materials and courses based on their current skill level.

The CEFR categorises language ability into six levels, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for proficient users. Each level outlines what learners can achieve in speaking, reading, listening, and writing in English.

To assist learners, the British Council has developed a helpful table that compares British Council course levels, CEFR levels, and various exams, making it easier to understand progression and select the right path.

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. Vocab level approx. 700 words, use simple phrases for basic needs.

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need. Vocab level approx. 1500 words, use the language for everyday activities.

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. Vocab level approx. 2500 words, have simple conversations about familiar topics.

Can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. Vocab level approx. 4000 words, communicate confidently about many topics.

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. Vocab level approx. 8000 words, express yourself fluently in any situation.

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. Vocab level approx. 16000 words, speak with complete proficiency.