Beginner
Your first 500–700 words, simple tenses and basic conversational situations. The starting point if you are learning English from scratch
English levels on the CEFR scale
English has six levels on the international CEFR scale: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2. Language schools match them with course names from Beginner to Proficiency. Below is how many hours each level takes (based on University of Cambridge guidance) and what you will be able to do once you complete it.
| Level | Hours from start | Hours from previous level | What you will be able to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner / Elementary A1 | 90–120 | — | Understand and use familiar expressions, introduce yourself and keep a basic conversation going |
| Pre-Intermediate A2 | 180–200 | 90–120 | Understand everyday phrases, read simple texts and describe yourself or your surroundings |
| Intermediate B1 | 350–400 | 170–200 | Express your thoughts, hold a conversation on general topics and write coherent texts |
| Upper-Intermediate B2 | 500–600 | 150–200 | Speak fluently with native speakers, understand complex texts and write essays and reports |
| Advanced C1 | 700–800 | 200–250 | Understand demanding texts and fast speech, and take part in complex discussions |
| Proficiency C2 | 1000+ | 200–300 | Command the language like an educated native speaker and understand academic and literary texts |
A closer look at each level
Pre-Intermediate
Confident communication in everyday situations and your first unadapted texts. The level where practical use of the language begins
Intermediate
The most common requirement from employers: free conversation on familiar topics, work correspondence and arguing your point of view
Upper-Intermediate
Free communication with native speakers, films without subtitles, negotiations and presentations. Enough for work and study abroad
Advanced
Spontaneous, fluent speech, complex texts, subtext and humour. The level expected by top universities and international companies
Proficiency
Command of the language at the level of an educated native speaker. Mostly needed by teachers, translators and researchers
Find out your English level
The time needed to reach each English level depends on your motivation and how regularly you study. The main rule: to master a foreign language as an adult, you have to learn it and practise it!