English level test
A short self-assessment to help you choose a starting point. Your official online placement test still happens before your course.
Before you start
12 short questions covering grammar and vocabulary, from beginner to advanced. It takes about five minutes and gives you an informal CEFR* estimate (A1–C1).
* What CEFR means
CEFR stands for the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages — the international standard developed by the Council of Europe for describing language ability. It is the system behind the level labels on this site, and behind those used by most language schools, exam boards and universities in Europe.
| Level | Band | What it means in practice |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic user | Beginner — simple phrases, introductions, basic everyday needs |
| A2 | Basic user | Elementary — routine everyday exchanges |
| B1 | Independent user | Intermediate — handles most situations while travelling, describes experiences |
| B2 | Independent user | Upper-intermediate — fluent enough for work and study, understands complex texts |
| C1 | Proficient user | Advanced — fluent and spontaneous, uses the language flexibly in professional contexts |
| C2 | Proficient user | Mastery — near-native precision and nuance |
CEFR is the common currency between courses, exams and employers. Cambridge exams map onto it directly (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency), and IELTS and TOEFL publish indicative equivalents; universities and employers state their entry requirements in CEFR terms; and EU institutions use it as the standard on CVs and Europass documents. It is also what makes progress meaningful — “you moved from B1 to B2” is a statement with an external reference point behind it.
The test above estimates A1 to C1. C2 is part of the framework but sits beyond the range an informal self-assessment can judge.