When you create a Student Profile you will be asked to enter the student’s Level of English.
If English is not the student’s first language and they currently study overseas, we recommend that they take a free online English test to find their approximate level. Exam English – Free English Level Test gives a result on the CEFR scale (Common European Framework of Reference).
Use the table below to match the CEFR result to the Level you select in the profile.
Example of the Student Profile section requiring English Level information
Level
CEFR
IELTS
Description
Beginner
A1
–
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
Can introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details.
Can interact in a simple way if the other person talks slowly and clearly.
Elementary
A2
–
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions about everyday topics (family, shopping, local area).
Can communicate in simple, routine tasks needing a direct exchange of information.
Can describe their background and immediate surroundings in simple terms.
Intermediate
B1
4.0 – 5.0
Can understand the main points of clear standard English on familiar matters such as school and leisure.
Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling where English is spoken.
Can write simple connected text and describe experiences, hopes and ambitions, giving brief reasons.
Intermediate
B2
5.5 – 6.5
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics.
Can interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency and spontaneity, without strain for either party.
Can write clear, detailed text and explain a viewpoint, giving advantages and disadvantages.
Advanced
C1
7.0 – 8.0
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognise implicit meaning.
Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously, and use English effectively for social and academic purposes.
Can write clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.
Advanced
C2
8.5 – 9.0
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
Can summarise information from different sources, reconstructing arguments in a coherent way.
Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, even in complex situations.
If English is the student’s first language, please select Fluent as the English Level in the profile.
Schools use this level as a guide only. They will also hear the student’s English in their Personal Video, and most schools ask non-native speakers to sit their own English test as part of the entrance process.
