English Levels

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English Levels

As of early 2023, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide communicate in English. According to Internet World Stats, nearly 1.2 billion users use English to consume content online. This indicates the high position of English in the world and all major industries. Statistics also concerns the sphere of IT, representatives of which, though they have different levels of English, constantly improve and study it, wishing to reach the Upper Intermediate and above gradation.

 

If you have worked in the development industry or talked to its representatives, you know that the entire workflow is tied to English. This applies first and foremost to:
internal terminology;

• corporate communication;
• communication with customers;
• technical documentation;
• external support materials;
• thematic blogs, etc.

Poor knowledge of English imposes limitations in which a person will not be able to perform their tasks to the fullest or will significantly slow down the work process. This applies to the IT industry and other industries related to international communications or technical features.

 

Everyone who wants to work in the high-tech segment, international relations, marketing, etc., needs a sufficient level of English. As a rule, it is Upper Intermediate, Advanced, or even Proficiency.

 

Learning a language is a complex process that takes a lot of time. But if you are not looking for easy ways to achieve your goals, this is the best way to develop. This way you will improve your level of English and increase your vocabulary. Employers will appreciate this as an advantage in a highly competitive job market.

 

Together with the leading experts in the field of linguistics, we have prepared material on "What are the levels of English." It will help you better understand what English levels you need to succeed in employment.

CEFR European Evaluation System

CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference, or a system that classifies English proficiency levels according to an approved standard.

 

There are six key gradations:

• А1. Elementary level of English with an understanding of basic words, concepts, etc.
• A2. Transitional level with knowledge of common phrases, statements, etc.
• B1. Comprehension of structured texts and basic knowledge of typical phrases.
• B2. Intermediate level of English, knowledge of the language sufficient for reading and comprehension of texts of high difficulty.
• C1. Almost fluent knowledge of the language. The gradation includes all levels of English and allows fluent communication in English.
• С2. The language level is as close as possible to a native speaker. Ensures understanding of complex texts, their essence, etc.

To move between levels, a person must make an effort and spend a certain amount of time. It is believed that at least 1,500 hours of training and practice are required to achieve perfect mastery of the language. Of course, it is better to improve your skills by communicating with a native speaker. However, if it is not possible, you can study English on your own or in specialized courses.

Cambridge EFL International Rating System

The Cambridge EFL is one of the world's most advanced tests for establishing the actual level of English. With its help, it determines not only the basic skills and knowledge of the language but also demonstrates their depth and perfection. This test more objectively shows how well a person speaks English and how they apply the knowledge in practice.

 

This system differs from the European one in that it has fewer gradations and consists of five levels:

• Elementary. Corresponds to levels A1/A2 and denotes a person as a beginner in learning English.
• Lower Intermediate level. Analog to B1, indicating a basic knowledge of English.
• Upper-Intermediate. A similar level to B2, indicating advanced skills in English.
• Lower Advanced. The professional grading indicates fluency and depth of knowledge of the language.
• Upper advanced. The level of native English speakers. Allows fluent communication in any subject, discussion, etc.

As with the CEFR, it takes considerable effort to get the maximum degree of English proficiency. With each subsequent level, the requirements increase exponentially, as well as the time required to master new words, etc. 

 

By the way, the vocabulary for C2 (Upper advanced) should be more than 5,000 words, but even at the minimum level A1/A2 (Elementary), it is about 2,000 words.

What Are the Levels of English Proficiency

There are six typical gradations, each of which indicates the English knowledge level according to international classification systems. In addition, some examinations allow you to measure your language skills and understanding more accurately. They extend the gradations to all levels of English, depth of knowledge, sentence structuring, etc.

 

International exams to accurately measure English language proficiency levels:

• Cambridge ESOL (English For Speakers of Other Languages);
• KET (Key English Test);
• PET (Preliminary English Test);
• FCE (First Certificate in English);
• CAE (Certificate in Advanced English);
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English);
• BEC (Business English Certificate);
• BEC Preliminary (BEC P);
• BEC Vantage (BEC V);
• BEC Higher (BEC H);
• IELTS;
• Trinity (ESOL);
• Pitman (ESOL);
• ILEC (International Legal English Certificate);
• ICFE (International Certificate in Financial English);
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language);
• CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults);
• DELTA (Diploma of English Language Teaching to Adults);
• GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test).

Each of them is used in specialized industries and accurately measures the language level of the candidate applying for a job. Also, with the help of these examinations, everyone can check their knowledge on their own and, based on the results, make up an individual training program.

Beginner, Elementary

Level A1, or Beginner in English, means that a person is at the very beginning of their path to learning the language. You understand basic words or phrases, can write simple sentences, fill out questionnaires, etc.

 

Usually, this level is enough for employment, for example, in the USA as a handyman, driver, etc. That is, for all types of work where there is a minimum of communication with native speakers.

 

You get this introductory level of English while studying at school or in high educational institutions. Where the language is taught as a subject, there is a chance to get more in-depth knowledge, such as A2-B1.

 

With the knowledge you have, you can:

• describe yourself;
• understand commonplace phrases and expressions;
• understand simple texts;
• ask passersby for information.

Level A2, or Elementary, allows you to communicate almost fluently with other English speakers. Yes, the level of comprehension is still basic, and rapid pronunciation is difficult to understand. However, this gradation opens up the possibility to work in various foreign companies without discomfort.

 

This level is sufficient for the following:

• basic communication with passersby;
• navigation questions, etc.;
• reading simple texts;
• ordering services, etc.

Pre-Intermediate 

The B1 level is the initial gradation of the intermediate levels of English. With its help, a person can express thoughts orally and on paper and communicate with native speakers. And yet complex sentences or fast speaking cause certain difficulties. Also, B2 allows you to assimilate text materials in English, work in English-language interfaces without problems, etc.

 

Usually, this level is enough to work comfortably in an English-speaking environment, i.e., in IT companies, etc. Some problems, such as pronunciation speed, are still present but less pronounced.

 

With this level, you can:

• understand the interlocutor;
• understand texts and speech;
• describe events and everyday life;
• speak and write in English at a basic level.
• Intermediate

A generalized concept denoting the intermediate level of English. It includes B1 and B2 grades and signals that a person is ready to communicate on general topics. Intermediate skills allow you to read, write and speak in English and understand the essence of texts. Accordingly, with this level, there are no problems with employment in international companies, travel, etc.

 

Upper-Intermediate 

The B2 level refers to the more advanced communication skills in English. A person with this grade can speak, write, and comprehend all kinds of information fluently. This applies to viewing digital content online and job topics, which opens up new employment opportunities.

 

This gradation allows you to:

• understand complex material;
• communicate freely on general topics;
• build dialogue constructively;
• understand and produce specific texts, etc.

Advanced

With the C1 level, a person can enjoy all the advantages of knowing English. Beginning with the free choice of a place of employment and ending with the ease of communication on any topic. This skill facilitates closer integration into the English-speaking environment in everyday life and the professional sphere.

 

Growing to the C1 level can take years, but it's definitely worth it. As you deepen your knowledge of English, you open yourself up to many career and living opportunities. Among them:

• full understanding of native speakers;
• absolute comprehension of profile information;
• easy digestion of all types of content;
• speed of pronunciation;
• no accent;
• integration into the English-speaking environment.

Even C1 is enough for a comfortable stay, for example, in the USA, Europe, or Great Britain.

 

With this level, you will be able to:

• speak fluently on any topic;
• understand the language with dialect or implication;
• understand and reproduce complex text and video materials;
• easily perceive all shades of English.

Proficiency

The C2 level is most often equated with native speakers. This means that a person has learned all levels of English, having overcome a thorny path to perfection. These gradations are generally sufficient for all needs in everyday life and professional activities. That is, with this level, you can already:

• communicate fluently in English on any topic;
• understand the complex or hidden meanings;
• catch shades of irony and sarcasm;
• express your thoughts easily, with professional arguments;
• work with profile materials, slang, and terms;
• feel free in an English-speaking environment.

Not a bad perspective that prevails over the difficulties of learning English, is it?

Table of English Levels

Want to understand how the levels differ in practice? Check out our gradation evolution table:
 

Skill level	Speaking	Reading	Writing	Grammar	Vocabulary	Listening
A1	Basic speech with greetings, goodbyes, short phrases, etc.	Short texts with literal content.	Basic reproduction of simple information: name, place of registration, etc.	Basic understanding of English tenses and simple sentence structures.	A basic set of up to 1,500 words to express basic needs or a simple description of something.	Only simple phrases with slow pronunciation.
A2	Simple conversation on general topics.	Perception of simple texts, using vocabulary when reading.	Verbalizing one's thoughts with the help of simple constructions.	Initial level of assimilation of tenses, the first stages of work with complex constructions.	Vocabulary of up to 2,000 words related to social and everyday topics.	Basic constructions and slow pronunciation of the interlocutor (speaker).
B1	Argumentative constructive dialogue, understanding of everyday topics.	Comprehension of texts on any topic, understanding the essence of what is described.	Writing texts of medium complexity on familiar topics.	Mastery of all English tenses and their basic nuances.	A vocabulary of up to 3,000 words on familiar topics.	Comprehension of texts, their motives, and their essence. Understanding of pronunciation, slang, etc.
B2	Simple dialogue on standard topics with clear arguments, examples, etc.	Comprehension of all types of texts without the use of a dictionary.	Simple descriptions of opinions, thematic material, subject terms, etc.	The tenses do not cause difficulties in communication and writing.	Vocabulary of about 3,500 words, including social, household, and professional terms.	Speech perception does not cause discomfort.
C1	Fluent dialogue on any topic other than the subject matter.	Perception of all text materials.	Writing of any materials.	Knowledge of all aspects of tenses and word formation.	Vocabulary of about 4,000 words.	Perception of any form of speech.
C2	Communication without limitation.	Text perception without limitation.	Writing texts without limits.	Perfect knowledge of all the nuances of the language.	Vocabulary of at least 5,000 words.	Language comprehension without limitations.

 

The higher the level, the less restrictive the communication and comprehension of English. However, it only looks perfect on paper. In practice, the path to C2 is quite complicated and long. Although the benefits are considerable, if you start learning the language, master it to the end.

How to Assess Your English Proficiency

People tend to exaggerate their skills and abilities. This applies to language skills as well. It may seem that you know English at a high level; you read English texts or watch videos (with or without subtitles), but there are problems reproducing the material. To objectively assess your own level and determine the direction of your progress, you should take one of the exams created to test your knowledge.

 

Among the best-known resources for assessing English proficiency:

• EnglishDom
• British Council
• Cambridge Assessment English
• Exam English
• ILS English

Combine exams to get valid results and identify strong and weak aspects of your English skills.

How Long Does It Take To Switch to Another Level of English?

Learning is a long and troublesome process. But if you're focused on results and want to get the full benefit of English, you'll go all the way.

 

Because each person absorbs knowledge at a different rate, it is impossible to unambiguously calculate the time required to learn a language. We have established a direct correlation between the required minimum of knowledge for each gradation and the time spent. Here is a table summarizing the level/vocabulary/learning hours ratio: