CEFR services

How we can help

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is an international standard for defining and describing language proficiency. We can draw on our experience in the development of the CEFR to provide guidance on its effective use, ensuring alignment of curricula and assessments or supporting the adaptation and validation of the CEFR for a local context of use. Curricula and assessments that are aligned to the CEFR are a sign of quality, indicating that language provision meets international standards.

Key benefits for you

We work with you to develop capacity by transferring our expert knowledge and skills and adapting to your context
As part of the University of Cambridge, we provide the advantage of a reputable, objective evaluation as well as effective and standardised use of the CEFR in language learning, teaching and assessment
Quality assurance and official endorsement from Cambridge English

What we offer

Alignment

We can provide a detailed analysis of existing curricula or assessments to review and support alignment with the CEFR.

Training workshops

We can present ways in which the CEFR can be used as a tool to inform learning, teaching and assessment or in the planning and implementation of educational reforms at an institutional or a national level. Workshops are designed to focus on familiarising language professionals with CEFR descriptors and their use.

Adaptation

We can support you in adapting the CEFR for a specific local context of use.

Validation

Further to the adaptation offering, we can validate your adapted CEFR descriptors to ensure alignment.

Case studies

Search for more case studies, including those relating to CEFR services, in our online directory.

Collaboration on the development of the CEFR,
Council of Europe

The CEFR was developed by a Council of Europe international working party with involvement from Cambridge English and its partners in the Association of Language Testers in Europe (ALTE). First published in English and French in 2001, it has since become a globally accepted benchmark for language. We continue to work towards its future development.

Aligning a curriculum, learning materials and national assessments to the CEFR, Malaysia

We started working with the Ministry in 2013 to evaluate the learning, teaching and assessment of English in schools. This study provided the baseline data so that the Ministry had a clear picture of how the Malaysian English language education system was performing. We recommended next steps to reform English language nationwide, which resulted in our 5-year collaboration programme.

Contact us to learn more about our approach to English language consultancy, and to discuss how we can support you in the development of high-quality English language education.