NewLanguage Training follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to assess and guide language learners. Created by The Council of Europe, the CEFR provides a structured, universally recognised way to define language proficiency across seven levels—from A0 (Starter) to C2 (Mastery).
Generally, advancing by one level requires 40 to 60 hours of study, especially at the beginner levels. Below is an outline of each level to help you understand your current skills and set achievable goals.
| Level |
|
|
| Starter |
A0 |
Starter |
| Basic User |
A1 |
Breakthrough or Beginner |
| |
A2 |
Waystage or Elementary |
| Independent User |
B1 |
Threshold or Intermediate |
| |
B2 |
Vantage or Upper Intermediate |
| Proficient User |
C1 |
Effective Operational Efficiency or Advanced |
| |
C2 |
Master or Proficiency |
Basic User A1
Breakthrough or Beginner | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Basic User A2
Waystage or Elementary | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent User B1
Threshold or Intermediate | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Independent User B2
Vantage or Upper Intermediate | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Proficient user C1
Effective Operational Proficiency or Advanced | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
Proficient user C2
Mastery or Profiency | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Source: The Council of Europe
