Levels
Check Your English Language Level
We offer a full range of levels at CSL from Beginner to Advanced. Our levels are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and are as follows:
- Beginner (A1) *
- Elementary (A2)
- Pre-Intermediate (A2)
- Intermediate (B1)
- Upper-Intermediate (B2)
- Advanced (C1)
We also offer Proficiency (C2) if there is sufficient demand. If you are interested in a course at Upper Advanced / Proficiency (C2) level, please contact us.
* Please note that if you are a beginner (A1) and require a visa, you can only apply for a Student Visitor Visa. To apply for a Tier 4 General Student Visa, your level must be high enough for you to join a course at A2 level. For more information, please see our Visa pages.
Beginner
You have no previous knowledge of the language.
PLEASE NOTE THIS LEVEL IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR TIER 4 STUDENTS
| CEFR level: |
A1 / Breakthrough |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams: |
Not applicable |
| IELTS: |
Not applicable |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Beginner stage if you...
- Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases covering various topics
- Can introduce yourself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have
- Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help
Elementary - Pre-Intermediate
Basic communication is possible with assistance and you understand simple sentences slowly and clearly.
| CEFR level: |
A2-B1 / Waystage |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams: |
KET Key English Test |
| IELTS: |
3 |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Elementary / Pre-Intermediate stages if you ...
- Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to various subjects (for example, very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment etc.)
- Can communicate in simple and routine tasks and can exchange information on familiar and routine matters
- Can describe in simple terms aspects of your background/life, your environment and needs
Intermediate
You can make effective and independent use of the language in familiar situations, although there are still problems in communication.
| CEFR level: | B1 / Threshold |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams: |
PET Preliminary English Test |
| IELTS: | 4 |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Intermediate stage if you...
- Can understand the main points of familiar matters encountered in work, school, leisure etc.
- Can deal with most situations where you live or where you travel
- Can produce simple text in topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and add explanations, opinions and plans.
Upper-Intermediate
Your use of language is consistent and usually correct, but problems in fluency and accuracy still occur.
| CEFR Level: | B2 / Vantage |
|---|---|
|
Cambridge Exams: |
FCE First Certificate in English |
| IELTS: | 5 |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Upper-Intermediate stage if you ...
- Can understand abstract and concrete language forms, including technical discussions in your chosen academic or work field
- Can interact with a degree of competence and confidence with native speakers
- Can produce well-written text on a wide range of subjects and explain your viewpoint on topical issues
Advanced
You have a good command of the language. It is fluent, accurate and well-organised with only a few uncertainties in complex situations.
| CEFR level: |
C1 / Effective Proficiency |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams: |
CAE Certificate in Advanced English |
| IELTS: |
6 7 |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Advanced stage if you ...
- Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize both explicit and implicit meaning
- Can express yourself fluently and immediately
- Can be confident in social, academic and professional situations
- Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects
Proficiency
You have an excellent command of the language and can tackle the most difficult tasks.
| CEFR level: |
C2 / Mastery |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Exams: |
CPE
|
| IELTS: |
8 |
'Can do' statements
You have completed the Proficiency stage if you ...
- Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read
- Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, and can present arguments
- Can express yourself immediately, very fluently and precisely.
