Levels and Descriptors - CEF and International House World Summary

A1 Break-through : Level 1 Beginner

You can communicate at a minimal level. You would have serious difficulties in an English-speaking environment

A2 Waystage KET : Level 2 Elementary

You can communicate at a basic level and can deal with some situations necessary to survive in an English- speaking environment. Your comprehension of English is limited but a foundation has been laid for further learning.

A2 / B1 : Level 3 Pre-Intermediate

You are able to communicate adequately in simple everyday situations. Your range of vocabulary and ability to manipulate grammatical structure is developing as is your ability to comprehend oral and written English.

B1 Threshold : PET : Level 4 Intermediate

Although your vocabulary and grammar are limited in range, you are able to communicate in most basic everyday situations. You are beginning to deal confidently with authentic reading and listening material.

B2 Vantage : FCE : Level 5 Upper Intermediate / Pre-Advanced

You are of approximately Cambridge First Certificate standard with a range of vocabulary and a command of all basic grammatical structures. You can use English in a variety of contexts and are beginning to appreciate many of the complexities of the language.

C1 Effective Operational Proficiency : CAE : Level 7 Lower Advanced

You are able to use a wide range of language effectively in a variety of contexts and can easily comprehend natural spoken and written English.

C2 Mastery : CPE : Level 8 Upper Advanced

You are developing an understanding of and an ability to produce subtleties and complexities of the language, although they may still require some work on accuracy. At the end of this level, you should be close to native English speaker competence.