Your English level in short
The CEFR describes English in six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (expert). Many schools, universities and employers use these levels to say how much English they need. You can find your level for free with our 13 minute level test, which estimates your IELTS band in all four skills. The table below then shows which CEFR level that band matches.
- A1 and A2: basic user. You can handle simple, everyday situations.
- B1 and B2: independent user. B2 matches IELTS 5.5 to 6.5, the level many university courses ask for.
- C1 and C2: proficient user. C1 matches IELTS 7.0 to 8.0.
- Our test covers roughly IELTS 3.0 to 7.0, which is A2 to the start of C1. If you score at the top, a full mock test shows whether you are higher.
- Our test gives an estimate to help you plan. It is not an official CEFR certificate or IELTS result.
Find your level now: free, 13 minutes
Listening, reading, writing and an optional speaking part. You get an estimated band for each skill straight away, with no sign up needed.
What is the CEFR?
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It was written by the Council of Europe to describe language ability in the same way for any language. It is not a test. It is a scale that tests, courses and organisations use to say what level someone is at.
- There are six levels in three groups: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), C1 and C2 (proficient user).
- Each level is described by what you can do in the language, for example understand the main points of a familiar topic, or follow long and demanding texts.
- Tests such as IELTS have their own score scales. Their makers publish how their scores line up with the CEFR levels, so you can compare them.
The six CEFR levels and the matching IELTS band
Short descriptions based on the Council of Europe's global scale. IELTS bands are overall scores.
- Group
- Proficient user
- What you can do
- Understand almost everything you hear or read, and express yourself very precisely.
- IELTS band
- 8.5 to 9.0
- Group
- Proficient user
- What you can do
- Understand long, demanding texts and implied meaning, and use English flexibly for study and work.
- IELTS band
- 7.0 to 8.0
- Group
- Independent user
- What you can do
- Understand the main ideas of complex texts and talk with native speakers without strain on either side.
- IELTS band
- 5.5 to 6.5
- Group
- Independent user
- What you can do
- Understand the main points on familiar topics, handle most situations while travelling and give short reasons for opinions.
- IELTS band
- 4.0 to 5.0
- Group
- Basic user
- What you can do
- Understand common sentences about everyday needs, such as shopping, family and work, and get by in simple, routine exchanges.
- IELTS band
- About 3.0 to 3.5
- Group
- Basic user
- What you can do
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases, and introduce yourself.
- IELTS band
- About 2.0 to 2.5
IELTS says there is no exact match between its bands and the CEFR, and that the comparison is for overall scores, not single skills. Some bands sit on a border: band 5.0 is borderline between B1 and B2, band 6.5 is close to the start of C1, and band 8.0 is borderline C2. IELTS does not publish ranges for A1 and A2; the figures shown are IDP's rough guide.
How to read the comparison
The ranges are a guide, not an exact conversion. Use them to see roughly where you are and how far your next level is.
- Compare your overall band, not one skill. A 7.0 in Reading does not make you C1 if your overall band is 6.0.
- If a requirement sits on a border, aim one half band higher. IELTS itself suggests asking for 7.0 rather than 6.5 when C1 really matters.
- The IELTS band scores guide shows what every band means, and how IELTS compares with TOEIC.
How to find your English level in 13 minutes
You only need a quiet place, about 13 minutes and, for the speaking part, a microphone. Speaking is marked free on your first test, then up to 3 times a week with a free account.
- 1Step 1
Take the free level test
Answer short listening, reading and writing tasks, then three speaking questions out loud. Speaking is optional: if you skip it, you still get bands for the other three skills.
GoalAn estimated band for each skill.
- 2Step 2
Read your bands and the likely range
A short test cannot place you to the exact half band, so each band comes with a likely range, for example 6.0 (likely 5.5 to 6.5). The estimate is rounded down, so it errs on the low side.
GoalKnow your strongest and weakest skill.
- 3Step 3
Find your CEFR level in the table
Look up your overall band in the table above. If you are on a border, such as 5.0, count yourself as the lower level until a full mock test shows otherwise. The level test covers roughly IELTS 3.0 to 7.0 (A2 to the start of C1), so if a skill comes out at the top of its range, take a full mock test to see whether you are higher.
GoalYour approximate CEFR level.
- 4Step 4
Compare it with the level you need
Check the exact requirement of your course, job or visa. Many ask for an IELTS band rather than a CEFR level, so compare like with like.
GoalThe gap between where you are and where you need to be.
- 5Step 5
Turn the gap into a plan
Your test bands go straight into the study planner, which builds a plan around your weakest skill. The how long to prepare guide shows how much study each half band usually takes.
GoalA study plan with a date.
If you need an official CEFR result
Some universities, schools and employers ask for proof of a CEFR level, for example B2 to graduate or to apply for a job. Our level test cannot be used for that: it is a free practice estimate, not an official certificate or IELTS result.
- Ask the organisation which tests it accepts, and what score or level it needs. Each one sets its own list.
- If it accepts IELTS, the table above shows which band matches the level it asks for.
- Use our test first to see how close you are, so you only book and pay for an official test when you are ready.
Note
Free online tests that claim to give a CEFR certificate are not the same as an official result. Check that the organisation accepts it before you rely on it.
How to move up a level
Moving from B1 to B2, or from B2 to C1, usually takes six months or more of regular study, depending on your level and how much time you have each week. Each band guide explains what changes between levels and what to study first.
- From B1 to B2: start with the IELTS band 5 guide, then band 6.
- Within B2: the band 6.5 guide shows how to reach the top of B2.
- From B2 to C1: the band 7 guide explains what C1 level writing and speaking look like.
- New to IELTS? Start with what IELTS is.
Plan your way to the next level
Enter your scores, the level you need and when you need it. You get a plan with the exact lessons, drills and mock tests to do each day, starting with your weakest skill.
About 1 minute · No sign up needed.
Don't know your level? Take the free 13-minute testStep 1 of 6
What band do you need?
Your overall IELTS target.
English level and CEFR: frequently asked questions
Where can I test my English level for free?
Our free level test takes about 13 minutes and gives an estimated IELTS band for listening, reading, writing and speaking, with no sign up. Use the table on this page to see which CEFR level your overall band matches.
What is the CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is a scale from the Council of Europe that describes language ability in six levels, from A1 to C2. It is not a test itself.
How many CEFR levels are there?
Six: A1 and A2 (basic user), B1 and B2 (independent user), and C1 and C2 (proficient user).
What IELTS band is CEFR B2?
IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 overall. Band 5.0 is borderline between B1 and B2.
What IELTS band is CEFR B1?
IELTS 4.0 to 5.0 overall.
What IELTS band is CEFR C1?
IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 overall. IELTS says the start of C1 falls between 6.5 and 7.0, so where C1 really matters, aim for 7.0.
Is the result an official CEFR certificate?
No. It is a free practice estimate from ClayLingua, not an official certificate or IELTS result. If an organisation needs proof of your level, ask which tests it accepts.
Where can I take an official CEFR test, and how much does it cost?
It depends on who asks for it. Each university, school or employer accepts its own list of tests, with their own fees and dates, so check with them first. If they accept IELTS, the IELTS cost guide explains the fee in Thailand.
How does CEFR compare with TOEIC?
ETS, the maker of TOEIC, publishes the minimum TOEIC scores for each CEFR level. For B2, that is 400 in Listening and 385 in Reading. The IELTS, CU-TEP and TOEIC comparison puts the three tests side by side.
Do I need a microphone for the level test?
Only for the optional speaking part. You can skip it and still get bands for listening, reading and writing.
Know your level, then plan the next one
Take the free 13 minute level test, then turn your bands into a study plan for the level you need.
Sources
- IELTS: IELTS and the CEFR. How IELTS bands relate to CEFR levels, the borderline bands and the caveats
- IDP IELTS: IELTS and CEFR levels. Band ranges for each CEFR level, including A1 and A2
- ETS: Mapping the TOEIC tests on the CEFR. Minimum TOEIC Listening and Reading scores for each CEFR level
- Council of Europe: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The six levels, the three groups and the global scale descriptions
