Language levels: assess your skills

In an increasingly globalised professional world, foreign language skills have become a real performance driver. Whether it is to communicate with international partners, work abroad or strengthen the cohesion of multicultural teams, it is essential to accurately assess one's language level.

It was with this in mind that the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a globally recognised standard.

The 6 levels of the CEFR: a structured progression

The CEFR distinguishes between six levels of proficiency, grouped into three main categories:

BASIC USER

• A1: Beginner
  The learner can understand and use colloquial and everyday expressions. He knows how to introduce himself, ask simple questions about himself or his surroundings, and interact to a limited extent if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

• A2: Elementary
  The learner understands isolated phrases and common expressions related to specific areas (work, family, leisure). He can exchange during simple and routine situations, ask for or give information on familiar topics.

Independent user

• B1: Intermediate
  The learner can understand the main points of clear and standard messages on familiar topics. They can handle common situations when travelling or at work, express their opinions, and describe an experience or a project in simple terms.

• B2: Advanced Intermediate
  The learner understands the main content of complex texts, even on technical subjects in his area of expertise. He can interact with a degree of spontaneity and fluency with native speakers, and express themselves clearly and in detail.

EXPERIENCED USER

• C1: Advanced
  The learner has mastered the language with fluidity and spontaneity, includes long and complex texts, as well as implicit nuances. He can express himself in a structured and efficient in demanding professional contexts, write detailed documents and argue accurately.

• C2: Proficiency
  The learner understands practically everything he reads or hears, can reformulate information from different sources in a coherent manner and express themselves with near-natural accuracy. This is the highest level, close to that of a native speaker.

Why is the CEFR essential in language training?

The CEFR is an essential tool for training organisations and the companies.
It enables you to:

• Assess objectively the level of an employee or candidate according to internationally recognised criteria.

• Customise training courses, by setting clear and measurable objectives (e.g. progressing from A2 to B1).

• Promoting language skills in a CV or professional portfolio.

• Align certifications (TOEIC, IELTS, DELF, Goethe, etc.) on a common reference framework.

At OSAM Training, we use the CEFR to build customised language programmes, tailored to the real needs of professionals: improving communication in meetings, writing emails, commercial negotiation, oral presentations, etc.

The CEFR is not just an assessment framework: it is a progress tool. It provides a clear vision of the path to follow in order to achieve a solid and operational level of linguistic proficiency.
Thanks to this structured approach, language training courses are becoming more effective, consistent and recognised, all of which are essential assets for companies wishing to strengthen their international skills.

Test your level now

To accurately assess your language level and identify areas for improvement, try it for free.