What’s my level of English?

Learning a new language can be an exciting journey full of adventure, but it can also be challenging and leave you with many questions.

Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we’re asked about our English skills, whether at work, school or even during a holiday. It can be tricky to know how to respond, especially when assessing our own language abilities. Do we simply say, “I understand a bit, but speaking is tough for me”? But what does this really tell about our overall English proficiency? And should we even mention it on our resume? It’s a bit of a conundrum, isn’t it?

Knowing your proficiency level is important to set achievable goals, monitor your progress and tailor your learning experience. In this blog post, we’ll look at the different levels of English proficiency and give you some helpful tips for assessing your own level.

Understanding English Proficiency Levels

English proficiency is measured in six levels, from beginner to advanced, known as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels. This is a helpful way to track progress and determine how far one has come in one’s language journey.

Here’s why knowing your level of English matters:

1. You’ll know where you stand – When asked, you’ll be able to answer. You can assess yourself in comparison with others and also have a sense of your skill and what it can be used for. You’ll know which one suits you even if you wish to make it official with a formal exam.
2. It aids your learning process – If improving your English is one of your goals, knowing your current level is the starting point. Based on that, you can select learning material and topics that are within your reach. Follow our English listening, reading, and speaking skills guides to learn how your level influences these areas.
3. Elevates your career prospects – Having your official level of English on a CV or job application gives you credibility, and they can better understand what you can and cannot do in English.
4. Courses are divided by level and have a minimum entry requirement – If you ever wish to attend an English course or any other professional course, there’s normally a minimum level of English required to enrol, or else they have courses offered at different levels.

The following guide will explain how English levels are assessed in Europe (using the CERF), how to determine your English level, and how to obtain official certification.

What are the standard levels of English?

Most learning institutions use the CERF Standard (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) to determine levels of English. CERF Levels are recommended for resumes, job applications and university applications. The same framework usually applies when studying at English for second language speakers schools, universities, or anywhere else in Europe.

We’ve combined a list of CERF Levels, relevant exams (IELTS & Cambridge) and Descriptions:

Level A1 – Beginner / Elementary

You comprehend and can use simple words and expressions about yourself and your environment. When individuals talk slowly, they can communicate in simple ways. You can introduce yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details.

Level A2 – Pre-Intermediate

You can participate in simple conversations about familiar topics (family information, shopping, local geography, occupation, etc). You have the ability to comprehend and communicate basic information. You can read simple articles in the present and past tenses, and also have discussions in the same tenses. You can have brief conversations on subjects of interest in everyday settings. You can make and respond to suggestions.

• Exam: Cambridge A2 Key (KET)

Level B1 – Intermediate

You can communicate in most everyday situations and use simple words to express thoughts, views, plans, and experiences. You can debate current events and simply share your thoughts, goals, hopes, and ambitions.

• IELTS Band: 4 – 5.5
• Exam: IELTS, Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET)

Level B2 – Upper-Intermediate

You can effortlessly and spontaneously interact with native English speakers without difficulty for either side. You can comprehend and articulate certain complex concepts and themes, both concrete and abstract. You can write clear, informative text on various topics and express your points of view.

• IELTS Band: 5.5 – 6.5
• Exam: IELTS, Cambridge B2 First (FCE)

Level C1 – Advanced

You can understand and use a wide range of languages. You can use English for social and academic purposes flexibly and effectively. You can identify implicit meaning in addition to understanding a wide range of challenging and extended texts. Your command of the English language is beneficial for social, academic, and professional purposes. Your writing is clear, well-structured, and thorough, carefully using organizational patterns, links, and coherent devices.

• IELTS Band – 6.5 – 8
• Exam – Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

Level C2 – Proficient

You can readily grasp almost everything you hear or read. In challenging situations, you can speak clearly and eloquently. You can summarise information from several oral and written sources and rebuild arguments and narratives into a logical presentation.

• IELTS Band – 8+
• Exam: Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)

How can I assess my level of English?

Certified training centres can help you to determine your level of English. At BELS, we have a free online English test that you can use. Answering multiple-choice questions and completing a written section takes around 45 minutes. While our test offers quite an accurate indication of your level, the test does not assess speaking. With that in mind, we usually ensure that the speaking skills are up to par with the test result on the first day of classes.

Get your level of English Certified with BELS

There are two main ways to get your English-level certified

1. Taking an English course at our ESL Schools – The first option is to enroll in an English course at an accredited institution, which will issue a certificate of completion at the end. Your course dates and level will be included on the certificate. Choose a highly certified and formally licensed school to ensure the certificate is valuable. This is a certificate of attendance and not an actual qualification. Look at our English courses in Malta and Gozo or online.
2. Taking a Formal Examination – This will lead to a qualification in English. The best options are the IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge exams. Each exam has its own set of rules and is suited for specific purposes. For example, some are valid forever, while others are expired licenses that must be renewed. Some exams are only available for higher levels, while others vary depending on the level. And most importantly – some exams are preferred in certain parts of the world. Read our guide about IELTS exams, our guide about Cambridge exams, and our guide about TOEFL to learn which exam is best for you.

If you’re looking for documentation to show your level of English, we can guide you through the whole process here at BELS. Reach out to one of our consultants at [email protected] for personalised advice.