What levels in English are there currently?
In the field of learning foreign languages, it is important to know the level of English that you have. This knowledge is necessary to know which classes or courses one should attend to improve their level of English. This information is also very useful for companies or institutions, since with it they can find out what level of English a person is at when applying for a job, study or scholarship.
Thus, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, also known as CEFR, establishes a classification into six different levels of English. These are A1 (elementary), A2 (basic), B1 (intermediate), B2 (upper intermediate), C1 (advanced) and C2 (higher).
In order to locate the level of English that is mastered, there are several forms of evaluation. Among them are official exams such as TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge English, as well as level tests carried out by educational institutions.
On the other hand, it is necessary to take into account that the level of English is not always obtained in the same way. Some people may need an intense and prolonged period of study to improve their level, while others can achieve it in a shorter time.
In this way, it is essential to know what level of English you have. This will allow the person to choose the course or class that best suits their needs, as well as make the most of the time invested in the study.
In the field of foreign language acquisition, it is essential to be aware of your level of English. This information is useful to find the right course or class to improve the level of English, or to demonstrate the same to companies or institutions. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages establishes a classification into six different levels, which can be evaluated with official exams, level tests in English or self-assessments. It is important to bear in mind that the level of English that is reached can vary according to the person, and that it is necessary to know what it is to make the most of the time invested in the study.
EQUIVALENCES BETWEEN ENGLISH LEVELS AND OFFICIAL TITLES
We all know what each of the English level nomenclatures means. On the one hand, there is the letter (A, B or C) that refers to the different learning blocks that exist. On the other hand, there is the number (1 or 2) that refers to the level reached within each block.
Let's take a closer look at each of these levels:
THE LETTER "A:
It refers to a basic user, who can communicate in English in everyday situations using common expressions and basic vocabulary. Within this level, there are two sublevels, the A1 that refers to the beginner level, here the user needs his interlocutor to speak slowly and clearly in order to understand him. The A2 is the elementary sublevel in which the user is able to relate some extra aspect during the conversation, such as places, purchases, offering details of their past or environment.
How to obtain a certificate that accredits the A1 and A2 level of English?
To obtain an A1 certificate, you can take Cambridge exams such as Pre A1 Starters, Movers, Bulats (from 0 to 20 points), Trinity Exams (from 1 to 2 points) or the Aptis Test, from the British Council.
To obtain an A2 certificate, you can take Cambridge exams such as Flyers, Key (KET), Bulats (21 to 39 points), IELTS (3.5 points), Trinity Exams (3 to 4 points) or the TOEFL (iBT) from 0 to 56 points. You can also take the Aptis Test, from the British Council.
THE LETTER B:
Level B is the English proficiency level of a user who is already independent. He is able to interact with native speakers without much effort and with good fluency. He also has a good command of the language in the written form.
Level B1 of English: Threshold. Intermediate level How advanced is B1 and B2 level of English? Level B1 is equivalent to intermediate and B2 in English is equivalent to Upper (First Certificate of Cambridge). The user who has a B1 level will be able to understand texts looking for the main ideas. In the same way, he is a user who easily manages in everyday situations that can occur during a trip abroad in which he practices English . In addition, you can write correct texts about topics of interest to you. Also describe personal experiences, opinions, events, wishes and, in general, talk about yourself in a non-superficial way.
How to get the certificate accrediting the B1 level of English:
Cambridge exams: Preliminary (PET), Business Preliminary (BEC), BULATS (40 to 59 points), IELTS (4 to 5 points). Trinity exams: (5 to 6 points). TOEFL (iBT): from 57 to 86 points. TOIEC: from 550 to 780 points. APTIS test, from the British Council.
Level B2 in English: Advanced. It is the upper-intermediate level. How to get a passing grade on a B2 English exam? The skills included in a B2 level refer to the user's ability to understand more complex texts, on both concrete and abstract topics. Even of a technical nature, as it is his area of expertise. From these texts you can also extract the main ideas. Regarding the spoken language, the user with a B2 level is able to converse with native speakers with sufficient fluency and naturalness. Communication between the two is effortless. On the other hand, regarding his written skills, he can write detailed texts on various topics. And present a point of view on general issues indicating the different alternatives and their advantages and disadvantages.
How to obtain a certificate that accredits the B2 level in English: Cambridge exams: First (FCE), Business Vantage (BEC), Legal (ILEC), BULATS (60 to 74 points), IELTS (from 5.5 to 6.5) Trinity exams: ( 7 to 8 points). TOEFL (iBT): from 87 to 109 points. TOIEC: from 785 to 940 points. APTIS test, from the British Council.
THE LETTER C:
​​The levels included in block C refer to a competent user, who can perform complex tasks in the field of English. Level C1 is an advanced level, in which the user can understand a wide range of writings and speeches. This person is capable of generating language fluently both orally and in writing.
To obtain the C1 English certificate, you can take exams such as Advance (CAE), Business Higher (BEC), Legal (ILEC), BULATS (75 to 89 points), IELTS (7-8), Trinity (9 to 10 points), TOEFL (iBT) from 110 to 120 points and the APTIS Test of the British Council.
The C2 level user already masters English masterfully, being able to understand it perfectly in any field. In addition, he has the ability to create arguments without any effort and to speak about himself spontaneously.
To obtain a certificate that proves the C2 level of English, you can take exams such as English Proficiency (CPE), Higher (BEC), BULATS (90 to 94+ points), IELTS (8.5-9), Trinity (11 to 12 points), TOEFL (iBT) from 110 to 120 points and the APTIS Test of the British Council.