English.me

CEFR levels

English levels explained: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2

By the English.me team · 10 November 2026

The short answer

English levels are usually described with the CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which the Council of Europe published in 2001. It has six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for highly skilled users, in three groups: basic (A1 and A2), independent (B1 and B2) and proficient (C1 and C2). Each level describes what you can do with the language, which is why schools, employers, exams and governments around the world use it.

The six levels

Basic user A1 and A2

You can handle simple, everyday situations, as long as people speak slowly and help you.

  1. A1 StarterSimple phrases about yourself and everyday needs, when people speak slowly and clearly.
  2. A2 EverydayEveryday tasks like shopping, travel and making plans, in short, simple sentences.

Independent user B1 and B2

You can use English on your own, for travel, work, study and conversation.

  1. B1 ConversationalGetting by on your own: travel, familiar topics, experiences and opinions.
  2. B2 ConfidentWork, study and natural conversation on a wide range of topics.

Proficient user C1 and C2

You can use English with ease and precision for almost anything.

  1. C1 FluentFluent, flexible English, including implied meaning and the right tone.
  2. C2 EffortlessUnderstanding virtually everything, and saying exactly what you mean.

How the levels compare

Study time and the matching scores on the best-known English exams:

LevelHoursCambridgeIELTSTOEFL iBT
A190–100A2 Key: 100–119–1–1.5
A2180–200A2 Key: 120–139–2–2.5
B1350–400B1 Preliminary: 140–1594.0–5.03–3.5
B2500–600B2 First: 160–1795.5–6.54–4.5
C1700–800C1 Advanced: 180–1997.0–8.05–5.5
C21,000–1,200C2 Proficiency: 200–2308.5–9.06

Hours are Cambridge English’s estimates of guided learning hours, starting from zero. TOEFL iBT bands are on the 1–6 scale used since January 2026, and IELTS isn’t designed for A1 or A2. Each exam measures English in its own way, so treat these as rough matches, not exact equivalents. English.me isn’t connected to any of these organisations.

Which level do you need?

  • Travel and simple everyday EnglishA2–B1
  • Most jobs that use EnglishB1–B2
  • A degree taught in EnglishB2–C1
  • Professional or academic work in EnglishC1
  • Translation, editing or teaching EnglishC1–C2

Visa rules vary by country and change often, so always check the government’s official website. In the UK, for example, a family visa starts at A1, while a new Skilled Worker visa needs B2.

Questions people ask

What does CEFR stand for?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The Council of Europe published it in 2001 to describe language ability in the same way across countries and languages. It isn’t only for English, and it isn’t only used in Europe.

Is there a level below A1?

Some courses and exams use “Pre-A1” for complete beginners who know only a few words. The CEFR Companion Volume, which the Council of Europe published in 2020, describes Pre-A1 too, but the six main levels start at A1.

What do B1+ and B2+ mean?

A plus level is a strong performance within a level, closer to the next one than to its start. The CEFR describes A2+, B1+ and B2+, and some courses split levels further, into steps like B1.1 and B1.2.

How long does it take to go up a level?

The higher levels take longer. Cambridge English estimates about 90–100 guided learning hours to reach A1, 500–600 to reach B2 and 1,000–1,200 to reach C2, all starting from zero. Using English outside lessons makes a big difference at every stage.

How do I find out my level?

Take a level test. The English.me test takes about 8 minutes, adapts to your answers and places you on the scale from A1 to C2. It’s free, with no signup.

Помітили помилку в статті? Повідомте нам