The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard for describing language proficiency and level. In Europe, CEFR is widely accepted and is increasingly used around the world outside of Europe. The EF SET English test is the only set of questions in the world designed for all CEFR English proficiency levels (six levels from A1 to C2), which can accurately determine which CEFR level the test-taker's English proficiency belongs to. TOEFL and IELTS can generally only determine B2 and above, not all English proficiency levels.
What is the CEFR?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Language, which is the official description of foreign language proficiency at different stages. In addition to CEFR, there are other similar official standards, such as ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language Proficiency Guidelines) in the United States, CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks) in Canada, and ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable scale). CEFR standards can be used for many languages.
CEFR Level
- [A1] Entry level – indicate elementary
- [A2] Primary – pre-intermediate
- [B1] Intermediate – lower-intermediate
- [B2] Advanced Intermediate – Upper intermediate
- [C1] Advanced Advanced
- [C2] Mastery – Proficient
CERF vs. other grading standards
Who uses CEFR?
CEFR is widely used in the European language training industry, both in public education and private language schools like EF. In many countries, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages has replaced their own evaluation systems for foreign language education. Many European education authorities have clearly stipulated the CEFR levels that secondary school students should achieve, such as B2 for the first foreign language level that secondary school students should achieve, and B1 for the second foreign language level. For job applicants, many adults use test scores to represent their English proficiency, such as TOEIC scores.
Countries outside Europe have not yet made much use of the CEFR, although a few Asian and Latin American countries have adopted it in their education systems.
How do I know my CEFR level?
- Language test based on CEFR
- https://www.oxfordonlineenglish.com/english-level-test/vocabulary
- https://www.efset.org/quick-check/take-test/
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