Description
Council of Europe
Levels
A1
A basic ability to communicate and exchange information in a simple way.
Example: CAN ask simple questions about a menu and understand simple answers.
Breakthrough
A2
An ability to deal with simple, straightforward information and begin to express oneself
in familiar contexts.
Example: CAN take part in a routine conversation on simple predictable topics.
Waystage
B1
The ability to express oneself in a limited way in familiar situations and to deal in a
general way with nonroutine information.
Example: CAN ask to open an account at a bank, provided that the procedure is
Threshold
straightforward
B2
The capacity to achieve most goals and express oneself on a range of topics.
Example: CAN show visitors around and give a detailed description of a place.
Vantage
C1
The ability to communicate with the emphasis on how well it is done, in terms of
appropriacy, sensitivity and the capacity to deal with unfamiliar topics.
Effective Operational Example: CAN deal with hostile questioning confidently. CAN get and hold onto his/her
turn to speak.
Proficiency
C2
The capacity to deal with material which is academic or cognitively demanding, and to
use language to good effect at a level of performance which may in certain respects be
Mastery
more advanced than that of an average native speaker.
Example: CAN scan texts for relevant information, and grasp main topic of text, reading
almost as quickly as a native speaker.
CEF
Level
General
Courses
A1
Beginner
A2
Elementary
B1
PreIntermediate A
Pre Int. B
Business
Courses
Cambridge
Exams
KET
Pre Int.
Business
Intermediate
C1
Upper
Intermediate
TOEIC
Courses
1
2
3
TOEFL IBT*
(Approximat
e)
0 – 18
19 - 29
30 – 40
4
4.5 – 5.0
41 - 52
53 – 58
225
PET
Intermediate
Business
B2
IELTS*
(Approximate)
Upper
Intermediate
Business
550
5.0 – 5.5
5.5 – 6.0
785
6.0 – 6.5
6.5 – 7.0
Advanced
Business
59 - 64
65 – 78
BEC
Vantage
FCE
Pre Advanced
Advanced A
79 - 85
86 – 95
BEC Higher
935
CAE
Advanced B
125
7.0 – 7.5
96 - 105