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English Language Assessment

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  3. International language standards
  4. Exams by CEFR level

Exams by CEFR level

Cambridge English exams by CEFR level

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It is used around the world to describe learners’ language skills. The CEFR has six levels – from A1 for the most basic beginner to C2 for the very highest level of ability. Our English language exams are listed below according to the CEFR level they are aimed at. Watch our short video to find out more about the CEFR.

Not sure which CEFR level you are at? Try our free test.

Below CEFR Level A1

  • Cambridge English: Starters (YLE Starters)

CEFR Level A1

  • Cambridge English: Movers (YLE Movers)
  • ESOL Skills for Life (UK Only)

CEFR Level A2

  • Cambridge English: Key (KET)
  • Cambridge English: Key (KET) for Schools
  • Cambridge English: Flyers (YLE Flyers)
  • ESOL Skills for Life (UK Only)

CEFR Level B1

  • Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET)
  • Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) for Schools
  • Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
  • ESOL Skills for Life (UK Only)

CEFR Level B2

  • Cambridge English: First (FCE)
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools
  • Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
  • ESOL Skills for Life (UK Only)

CEFR Level C1

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
  • Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher)
  • ESOL Skills for Life (UK Only)

CEFR Level C2

  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Multi-level exams

These exams are designed to test English ability across a range of CEFR levels.

  • BULATS (CEFR Levels A1 - C2)
  • IELTS (CEFR Levels B1 - C2)

Find out more

The diagram below shows all of our English exams aligned against the six levels of the CEFR.

CEFR - Explained 675×418 - Image

See a larger version of the CEFR diagram here

These links will take you to more information about the CEFR:

  • More about Cambridge Assessment English and the CEFR
  • Find more information on the CEFR on the Council of Europe website
  • Cambridge Assessment English is helping to develop the CEFR as part of the English Profile project. Find out more

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