What is CEFR Level? Common European Framework of Reference

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 04, 2025 11:16 AM IST

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a globally recognised standard to measure the proficiency of languages. Simply, CEFR level descriptors serve as a benchmark to evaluate students’ capabilities to understand and communicate using the language for academic or professional purposes. Now, wondering what is CEFR level in India? To answer that question, CEFR level descriptors at different levels evaluate a candidate’s English proficiency through listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

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What is CEFR?
CEFR Level Descriptors: Highlights
What are CEFR Level Descriptors?
CEFR Levels And Their Equivalent Scores in Different Tests

What is CEFR Level? Common European Framework of Reference

The degree of proficiency required varies depending on the preferred course and the university. Hereby, CEFR helps in this case where a standard is provided, and students can look for the equivalent levels of English proficiency exams. There is still vague confusion about what are different what is CEFR level in India, especially for study abroad.

No worries! We have mentioned in detail what is CEFR level in English in this article. We have also included brief insights on CEFR level descriptors and how it is related to language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Candidates looking to study abroad can give it a further read to understand the six CEFR level in English, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

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Also Read: CEFR and MELAB Exam

What is CEFR?

As discussed above, CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Especially for study abroad aspirants, CEFR is a universal framework developed and maintained by the Council of Europe. It offers a clear, consistent, and widely accepted framework for assessing language proficiency.

Many popular English proficiency tests, such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, DSH, DELF, etc, align as per the CEFR level in India. On that note, students also must know that CEFR level descriptors are also valid for any foreign language including French, German, and Spanish. Here are the key aspects of what is CEFR level in English language:

CEFR Level Descriptors: Highlights

Particulars	Details
CEFR Full form	Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Developed and Maintained by	Council of Europe
Developed Under Project	Language Learning for European Citizenship
CEFR Meaning	A widely used international standard that measures language proficiency on a 6-grade scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient) for teachers, learners, students, and more.
CEFR Levels in English	A1 - Beginner A2 - Elementary B1 - Intermediate B2 - Upper Intermediate C1 - Advanced C2 - Proficient
Language Skills	Listening: Understanding spoken language. Reading: Comprehending written texts. Speaking: Communicating effectively in spoken language. Writing: Expressing thoughts and ideas clearly in written form.

What are CEFR Level Descriptors?

CEFR Levels Explained: The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages works on a 6-grade scale. There are three levels of CEFR major descriptors named Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced. These are further subdivided into 6 scales.

Simply, CEFR levels help organisations and educational institutions to compare and evaluate the qualification with other popular exams in the world. Here is the brief detailed information on each of the CEFR level test descriptors for prospects:

CEFR Level A: Basic User

Level	Description
A1 - Beginner	Candidates with a basic understanding of the language are often rewarded with this level. This level of CEFR means that the person can understand and communicate using common phrases, introduce, and tell about him/her. Candidates with CEFR A-Level cannot usually speak well and may not be able to construct sentences except when communicated slowly with assistance.
A2 - Elementary	Candidates who demonstrate slightly better performance over A1 are granted this CEFR level test descriptor. He/she usually can communicate about day to day things in that language. They can answer direct and everyday questions by understanding expressions. Simply, it is for learners who can handle simple conversations, understand short texts, and express themselves in familiar situations.

CEFR Level B - Independent User

Level	Description
B1 - Intermediate	Individuals at the B1 level of CEFR are slightly more at ease with the language. They can smoothly deal with situations while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. They can easily form simple sentences in their area of interest or with the area they are familiar with. However, they lack the ability to communicate in certain areas.
B2 - Upper Intermediate	Ones with a better command of the language than at the previous CEFR level test descriptors are awarded this level. The understanding of the language is generally the same as the CEFR Level B1; however, candidates are able to respond with more spontaneity, fluency, and confidence. They can express themselves in an improved manner.

CEFR Level C - Proficient User

Level	Description
C1 - Advanced	Candidates with advanced levels of proficiency in the language who can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without searching for expressions are provided with this CEFR level. They can write and speak with ease. They can produce clear, well-formed sentences even with unfamiliar and complex topics. With CEFR Level C, they can easily use the language in academic and professional settings.
C2 - Proficient	This CEFR level test descriptor is the highest level of proficiency in the language. It simply means that they have mastered the language. They possess the ability to communicate very fluently and precisely without any restrictions/ concerns. Also, they can smoothly present their opinion through reconstructing arguments, finer nuances, and more.

CEFR Levels And Their Equivalent Scores in Different Tests

Now that we already know what is CEFR levels are. We should be aware of the equivalent scores in popular language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TESDAF. Candidates must demonstrate language proficiency for study abroad.

However, the degree of proficiency varies depending on the chosen course of study, university, and the country. We have hereby given the CEFR levels and their equivalent scores in IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and TESTDAF.

CEFR Level to IELTS Score Comparison

Level in CEFR	IELTS Scores
A1	1.0-2.0
A2	3.0
B1	4.0-4.5
B2	5.0-6.0
C1	7.0-8.0
C2	8.5-9.0

CEFR Level to TOEFL iBT Score Comparison

Level in CEFR	TOEFL iBT Scores
A1	N/A
A2	N/A
B1	42-71
B2	72-94
C1	95-113
C2	114-120

CEFR Level to PTE Score Comparison

Level in CEFR	PTE Scores
A1	10-29
A2	30-42
B1	43-58
B2	59-75
C1	76-84
C2	85-90

CEFR Level to TestDaF Score Comparison

Generally, the TestDaF is an advanced-level language exam. It only covers CEFR level descriptors from B2 to C1 on a 6-level scale grade. Here is the TestDaF score comparison with the CEFR levels:

Level in CEFR	TestDaF Scores
B2	TDN 3-TDN 4
C1	TDN 4-TDN 5

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How do I know my CEFR level?

The right CEFR level depends on the language test you have taken. Candidates can explore the CEFR level IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and other language conversion scores for the exact level. You must appear for the CEFR-aligned language test.

2. What are CEFR levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2?

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels are the universal standards starting from A1 to C2. Here these levels of CERF demonstrate the proficiency levels in candidates. A1 is the beginner level, whereas C2 is the highest proficiency level, showing that the candidate is a master of the language.

3. How do I get a CEFR certificate?

Candidates can get a CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) certificate when they have already appeared for one of the CEFR-aligned tests, such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, etc. They can apply for the certificate with the recognized test provider to get one.

4. What does CEFR level mean?

CERF level means the level of proficiency of candidates in the given language. It ranges from A1 to C2, where A1 is the first and beginner level of language command, and C2 is the highest and expert of the language.

5. What is the CEFR exam in India?

The CERF exam in India stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which is used as a standard for measuring language proficiency. The degree of proficiency is between A1 to C2, which is a 6 scale.