English Levels according to European Framework of Reference for Languages
Our language courses are based on the six proficiency levels of the Common European Framework of Reference. These descriptions of the levels will help you find out which linguistic level you would like to reach.
Level A1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. I can introduce myself and others, and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where I live and people I know.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type, provided they are spoken clearly. I am also able to understand familiar words and simple sentences on signs, posters and menus.
Certificates
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Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
70 – 90 full hours
Level A2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. I can also describe in simple terms aspects of my background, work life and immediate environment. I am able to write brief notes and short personal letters or emails.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). I can also understand the main points of short texts, such as adverts, brochures, faxes, emails etc.
Certificates
KET «Key English Test»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
180 – 200 full hours
Level B1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I am able to deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken, and can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. I can describe experiences, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for my opinions and plans.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters broadcast on the radio or TV. I can also understand language regularly encountered in everyday life, at work or at school.
Certificates
PET «Preliminary English Test»
BEC Preliminary «Business English Certificate»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
340 – 420 full hours
Level B2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. I can also produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, in various genres.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I am able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, and can read reports and articles from trade journals on familiar topics in my field of specialisation.
Certificates
FCE «First Certificate in English»
BEC Vantage «Business English Certificate»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
500 – 600 full hours
Level C1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, and use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. I can also produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex subjects.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand the details of a wide range of demanding, longer texts, even if I am not familiar with the topic. I can even recognise implicit meaning in most of what I read and hear, both in my everyday life and in the workplace.
Certificates
CAE «Certificate in Advanced English»
BEC Higher «Business English Certificate»
ICFE «International English Certificate in Financial English»
ILEC «International English Certificate in Legal English»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
700 – 800 full hours
Level C2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I am able to summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. I express myself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I understand virtually everything I read with ease, from manuals and other non-fiction, to works of literature. I do not have any difficulty listening to or taking part in discussions or understanding the media.
Certificates
CPE «Certificate of Proficiency in English»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
1000 – 1200 full hours
Level C2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I am able to summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. I express myself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I understand virtually everything I read with ease, from manuals and other non-fiction, to works of literature. I do not have any difficulty listening to or taking part in discussions or understanding the media.
Certificates
CPE «Certificate of Proficiency in English»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
1000 – 1200 full hours
Level C1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I express myself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions, and use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. I can also produce clear, well-structured, and detailed text on complex subjects.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand the details of a wide range of demanding, longer texts, even if I am not familiar with the topic. I can even recognise implicit meaning in most of what I read and hear, both in my everyday life and in the workplace.
Certificates
CAE «Certificate in Advanced English»
ICFE «International English Certificate in Financial English»
ILEC «International English Certificate in Legal English»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
700 – 800 full hours
Level B2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. I can also produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, in various genres.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I am able to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, and can read reports and articles from trade journals on familiar topics in my field of specialisation.
Certificates
FCE «First Certificate in English»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
500 – 600 full hours
Level B1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I am able to deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken, and can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar. I can describe experiences, hopes and ambitions, and briefly give reasons and explanations for my opinions and plans.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters broadcast on the radio or TV. I can also understand language regularly encountered in everyday life, at work or at school.
Certificates
PET «Preliminary English Test»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
340 – 420 full hours
Level A2
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. I can also describe in simple terms aspects of my background, work life and immediate environment. I am able to write brief notes and short personal letters or emails.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). I can also understand the main points of short texts, such as adverts, brochures, faxes, emails etc.
Certificates
KET «Key English Test»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
180 – 200 full hours
Level A1
Productive skills: speaking and writing
I can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. I can introduce myself and others, and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where I live and people I know.
Receptive skills: reading and listening
I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type, provided they are spoken clearly. I am also able to understand familiar words and simple sentences on signs, posters and menus.
Certificates
TELC A1 «The European Language Certificates»
Number of hours required to reach the level (starting from beginner level)
70 – 90 full hours
Source: Cambridge University