Language Learning
What Is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 Level in English? (CEFR Explained)
By Dr. James Morrison, Cambridge English Assessment Specialist on March 26, 2026
Dr. James Morrison
Cambridge English Assessment Specialist & CEFR Framework Consultant with 18+ years in language proficiency testing. Former Senior Examiner for Cambridge Assessment English and advisor to the Council of Europe CEFR division. Has trained 500+ language assessment professionals worldwide.
If you are learning English, you have probably seen levels like A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. These levels are used worldwide to measure a person's English ability.
They come from the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), an international standard created by the Council of Europe to describe language proficiency.
In this guide, you will learn what each English level means and what skills learners typically have at each stage.
Quick Answer: What Are A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 English Levels?
The levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are part of the CEFR scale used to measure English proficiency. A1 and A2 represent beginner levels, B1 and B2 represent intermediate levels, and C1 and C2 represent advanced English proficiency.
What Is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international system used to measure language ability, developed by the Council of Europe.
It is widely used by:
- Language schools
- Universities
- International exams such as IELTS and TOEFL
- Employers evaluating language skills
The CEFR divides language ability into six levels.
?? Complete CEFR Level Comparison: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge & Study Hours
Based on official Council of Europe, ETS, and Cambridge guidelines.
| CEFR | Description | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL 2026 | Cambridge | Study Hours* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | - | 0-12 | 1.0-1.5 | - | 90-100 |
| A2 | Elementary | 3.0-3.5 | 13-31 | 2.0-2.5 | KET | 180-200 |
| B1 | Intermediate | 4.0-5.0 | 32-71 | 3.0-3.5 | PET | 350-400 |
| B2 | Upper-Intermediate | 5.5-6.5 | 72-94 | 4.0-4.5 | FCE (First) | 500-600 |
| C1 | Advanced | 7.0-8.0 | 95-113 | 5.0-5.5 | CAE (Advanced) | 700-800 |
| C2 | Proficient | 8.5-9.0 | 114-120 | 6.0 | CPE (Proficiency) | 1000-1200 |
*Cumulative guided learning hours from zero. Moving between adjacent levels requires approximately 150-200 hours of study.
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner |
| A2 | Elementary |
| B1 | Intermediate |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate |
| C1 | Advanced |
| C2 | Proficient (Near Native) |
A1 Level (Beginner)
A1 is the lowest level of English proficiency. Learners at this stage can understand and use very basic English expressions. Reaching A1 typically requires 90-100 hours of guided study.
What A1 Learners Can Do
- Introduce themselves
- Ask simple questions
- Understand basic words and phrases
- Use simple sentences
Example sentences:
- My name is Maria.
- I am from Brazil.
- I like coffee.
At this level, communication is still very limited.
A2 Level (Elementary)
A2 learners can communicate in simple everyday situations. Reaching A2 typically requires 180-200 total hours of guided study (approximately 100 hours from A1).
What A2 Learners Can Do
- Talk about daily routines
- Describe family and personal information
- Ask and answer simple questions
- Understand common phrases
Example sentences:
- I work in an office.
- I usually wake up at 7 a.m.
- I like watching movies.
B1 Level (Intermediate)
B1 learners can communicate in most everyday situations. Reaching B1 typically requires 350-400 total hours of guided study (approximately 150-200 hours from A2). B1 corresponds to IELTS 4.0-5.0, TOEFL 32-71, and Cambridge PET.
What B1 Learners Can Do
- Have basic conversations with native speakers
- Talk about experiences and plans
- Understand the main idea of conversations
- Write simple paragraphs
Example sentences:
- I started learning English two years ago.
- I want to travel to Canada next year.
- I enjoy meeting new people.
B1 is often considered the minimum level needed to communicate independently.
B2 Level (Upper Intermediate)
B2 learners can communicate clearly and confidently in many situations. Reaching B2 typically requires 500-600 total hours of guided study (approximately 150-200 hours from B1). B2 corresponds to IELTS 5.5-6.5, TOEFL 72-94, and Cambridge FCE (First Certificate).
What B2 Learners Can Do
- Participate in detailed discussions
- Understand most TV shows and articles
- Express opinions clearly
- Explain advantages and disadvantages
Example sentences:
- I believe technology has changed the way people communicate.
- Working remotely has both advantages and disadvantages.
B2 is often required for studying at universities in English-speaking countries. Many IELTS test takers aim for B2 level or higher.
C1 Level (Advanced)
C1 learners can use English effectively in academic and professional situations. Reaching C1 typically requires 700-800 total hours of guided study (approximately 150-200 hours from B2). C1 corresponds to IELTS 7.0-8.0, TOEFL 95-113, and Cambridge CAE (Advanced).
What C1 Learners Can Do
- Understand complex texts
- Express ideas fluently
- Use advanced vocabulary
- Participate in professional discussions
At this level, learners rarely struggle to communicate in English. C1 corresponds to an IELTS Band 7-8.
C2 Level (Proficient)
C2 is the highest level in the CEFR system. Learners at this level can understand almost everything they read or hear. Reaching C2 typically requires 1000-1200 total hours of guided study (approximately 200-400 hours from C1). C2 corresponds to IELTS 8.5-9.0, TOEFL 114-120, and Cambridge CPE (Proficiency).
What C2 Learners Can Do
- Understand complex academic texts
- Speak fluently and naturally
- Use subtle language nuances
- Communicate like an educated native speaker
C2 represents near-native proficiency.
CEFR Levels Summary
| Level | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Basic words and phrases |
| A2 | Elementary | Simple conversations |
| B1 | Intermediate | Independent communication |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate | Confident conversations |
| C1 | Advanced | Academic and professional English |
| C2 | Proficient | Near-native fluency |
Why English Levels Are Important
Knowing your English level helps you:
- Choose the right learning materials
- Prepare for exams such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Track your language progress
- Set realistic learning goals
Many universities and employers also use CEFR levels to evaluate English proficiency.
How to Improve Your English Level
Improving your English requires regular practice in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
You can also use online tools like a free grammar checker to improve your writing and learn from your mistakes. Additionally, studying commonly confused words can help you avoid common errors.
Consistent practice and exposure to English content will gradually help you move from one level to the next. Learning English idioms can also help you sound more natural as you progress to higher levels.
Final Thoughts
The levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2 are part of the CEFR system used worldwide to measure English proficiency.
Understanding these levels can help you track your progress and set clear learning goals.
If you want to improve your English skills, continue practicing daily and explore more English learning resources on Typogrammar.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What CEFR level is required for university admission?
Most universities in English-speaking countries require a minimum of B2 level for undergraduate programs and C1 level for postgraduate programs. This typically corresponds to an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5 for B2 and 7.0-7.5 for C1.
How long does it take to move from one CEFR level to the next?
On average, it takes approximately 150-200 hours of guided learning to move from one level to the next (e.g., from A2 to B1). However, this varies based on your native language, learning intensity, and exposure to English outside of classes.
What is the difference between B2 and C1 English level?
B2 learners can communicate confidently in most situations but may still make occasional errors and struggle with complex academic texts. C1 learners can use English flexibly and effectively for academic and professional purposes, understanding implicit meanings and expressing ideas spontaneously without searching for words.
How do IELTS scores correspond to CEFR levels?
IELTS Band 4.0-5.0 corresponds to B1, Band 5.5-6.5 corresponds to B2, Band 7.0-8.0 corresponds to C1, and Band 8.5-9.0 corresponds to C2. These are approximate equivalents as IELTS measures skills differently than CEFR descriptors.
Can I have different CEFR levels for different skills?
Yes, it's very common to have different levels across the four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). For example, you might be B2 in reading but B1 in speaking. Most language tests provide separate scores for each skill, and your overall level is typically based on your weakest area or an average of all skills.
Continue Learning
For more grammar guides and English learning resources, explore these helpful pages:
- Free Grammar Checker - Check your writing for grammar and spelling errors
- Commonly Confused Words - Master tricky word pairs in English
- English Idioms - Learn natural expressions used by native speakers
- IELTS Writing Task 2 Guide - Prepare for your IELTS exam
Quick Check Before You Go
A 3-question recap on “What Is A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 Level in English? (CEFR Ex…”
What is the most effective way to retain what you just read?