Common European Framework of Reference

CEFR-aligned English proficiency levels.

EAPE uses CEFR reference levels to help candidates, institutions and organizations interpret English proficiency results in a clear, internationally understandable way.

What CEFR alignment means for EAPE results.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is widely used to describe language ability across six proficiency levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2.

Through this framework, English performance can be interpreted in practical terms: what a candidate can understand, produce, communicate and accomplish in academic or professional contexts.

EAPE uses this structure to make results easier to understand for institutions, academic programs, employers and candidates who need a meaningful description of English proficiency.

A1
BeginnerBasic expressions, simple interaction and familiar topics.
A2
ElementarySimple communication in routine and predictable situations.
B1
IntermediateIndependent communication in familiar academic and daily contexts.
B2
Upper IntermediateClear interaction and understanding of more complex texts and topics.
C1
AdvancedEffective academic and professional communication with fluency.
C2
ProficientHighly accurate, flexible and sophisticated language use.
Level Descriptors

Understanding the six CEFR levels.

Each level represents a different stage of communicative ability, from basic survival communication to advanced academic and professional proficiency.

A1

Basic User

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce personal information and interact in a simple way when communication is slow and clear.

A2

Basic User

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information on familiar topics and immediate needs.

B1

Independent User

Can understand the main points of clear input on familiar matters and produce connected text about personal, academic or work-related topics.

B2

Independent User

Can understand complex texts, interact with fluency and produce clear, detailed communication on a wide range of subjects.

C1

Proficient User

Can understand demanding texts, express ideas fluently and use language effectively for academic, professional and social purposes.

C2

Proficient User

Can understand virtually everything heard or read and express meaning precisely, fluently and naturally in complex situations.

Institutional Use

Why CEFR levels matter.

CEFR-aligned results support decision-making in education, placement, admissions, international programs and professional certification.

Academic placement

Institutions can use proficiency levels to place students in appropriate programs or courses.

Certification

Results provide structured evidence of English proficiency for academic or professional documentation.

International programs

CEFR levels help communicate language ability across countries and educational systems.

Progress tracking

Programs can measure development and identify readiness for higher-level English tasks.