What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard from the Council of Europe for describing ability in any language. It splits ability into six levels and describes each one by what a learner can do with the language, not by how many grammar rules they know. That’s why universities, employers and international exams use it worldwide.
The six levels and what they mean
| Level | Name | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Understand familiar everyday phrases, introduce yourself and ask simple questions. |
| A2 | Elementary | Handle simple routine tasks and talk about your family, work and surroundings. |
| B1 | Intermediate | Follow the main points on familiar topics, cope when travelling and describe experiences and plans. |
| B2 | Upper-intermediate | Understand the main ideas of complex texts, talk fluently with native speakers and write detailed texts. |
| C1 | Advanced | Understand long, demanding texts, express yourself fluently and use English flexibly for study and work. |
| C2 | Proficient | Understand virtually everything you hear or read and express fine shades of meaning precisely. |
CEFR levels and IELTS scores
According to the official alignment published by Cambridge Assessment:
| CEFR | IELTS |
|---|---|
| B1 | 4.0–5.0 |
| B2 | 5.5–6.5 |
| C1 | 7.0–8.0 |
| C2 | 8.5–9.0 |
Requirements vary, but many universities and scholarships ask for IELTS 6.0 to 7.0, which is B2 to C1. Always check the requirements of the place you’re applying to.
How long does each level take?
Cambridge English estimates the guided learning hours needed to reach each level from scratch. The figures are cumulative:
- A2: 180–200 hours
- B1: 350–400 hours
- B2: 500–600 hours
- C1: 700–800 hours
- C2: 1,000–1,200 hours
So moving between the middle levels usually takes around 150–200 guided hours, and more at the top, plus your own practice. It varies with age, first language and how much English you hear and use outside class.
How to find your current level
- A CEFR-based placement test is the most accurate way, because it measures every skill.
- Self-assessment: read the level descriptions above and ask yourself honestly what you can do.
- Expect differences between skills. Many people read at B2 and speak at B1, and that’s normal.
How to move up: a practical plan
- Set a clear goal: a specific level or IELTS score, and a rough date.
- Study every day, even briefly: 30 minutes a day beats 3 hours once a week.
- Train all four skills: reading and listening feed speaking and writing.
- Build vocabulary smartly: learn words in sentences and review them at spaced intervals.
- Write and get corrected: writing without feedback repeats the same mistakes.
- Speak regularly: with a teacher or classmates, and don’t fear mistakes.
- Learn exam technique: if your goal is an international exam, question types and timing are part of the score.
Common questions
What level do foreign universities usually require?
Many universities ask for B2 to C1, usually IELTS 6.0 to 7.0, but the requirement varies by university and subject.
Can my level differ between skills?
Yes, that’s common. You may read at a higher level than you speak, which is why good tests measure each skill separately.
