CEFR English Levels Explained: How to Quickly Identify Your English Proficiency and Choose the Right Course

December 18, 2025 Learn English

When learning English, many learners face the same question:

“What is my real English level?”

If you are unsure about your actual proficiency, you may experience common problems such as:

The course feels too easy, and progress is slow
The course is too difficult, making it hard to keep up
You study for a long time but are unsure whether you are truly improving

This is exactly why the CEFR English level system plays such an important role in English learning worldwide.

CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the most widely recognized international standard for assessing language proficiency. It is commonly used in English courses, international exams, study-abroad applications, and workplace language evaluations.

Unlike systems that focus only on grammar rules or vocabulary size, CEFR emphasizes one key question:

What can you actually do with English in real-life and professional situations?

This article will help you:

Quickly understand CEFR English levels (A1–C1)
Identify your current English proficiency
Clarify what you should learn next
Learn how to improve your English efficiently through the right course pathway

What Is CEFR and Why Is It More Accurate Than Self-Assessment?

CEFR divides English proficiency into six main levels:

A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 (and C2)

Each level clearly describes a learner’s real abilities in:

Listening comprehension
Speaking skills
Reading comprehension
Writing ability
Performance in real communication situations

Compared to relying only on test scores or personal feelings, CEFR focuses on practical communication skills, which is why it is widely adopted by language schools and international institutions worldwide.

A1 Level | Beginner

If your English level is A1, you can usually:

Introduce yourself simply
Use basic greetings and common phrases
Ask and answer very basic questions
Understand slow, clear spoken English
Use basic vocabulary related to daily life

Typical expressions include:

“My name is …”
“I live in Jakarta.”
“I like coffee.”

Learning Focus at A1:

Basic sentence structures
Common everyday vocabulary
Present simple tense
Basic listening practice
Building confidence to speak English

👉 A1 is the foundation stage. Proper guidance at this level strongly influences future progress.

A2 Level | Elementary

At A2 level, you can:

Describe daily routines and simple experiences
Understand short conversations and messages
Read simple notices, messages, or short texts
Write short paragraphs

Examples include:

“I work in an office.”
“Yesterday I went to the mall.”
“I usually wake up at 6 a.m.”

Learning Focus at A2:

Expanding basic vocabulary
Learning past and future tenses
Improving sentence length and clarity
Adapting to more natural speaking speed
Improving pronunciation and intonation

👉 A2 learners begin to express themselves independently but still need structured training for clarity and accuracy.

B1 Level | Intermediate

B1 is a major turning point in English learning.

At B1 level, you can:

Express opinions and preferences
Describe experiences and future plans
Participate in daily and some workplace conversations
Understand the main points of meetings or presentations
Write emails or short texts in English

Examples include:

“In my opinion, this solution is better.”
“Last year, I worked on a project with my team.”

Learning Focus at B1:

More complex grammar structures
Sentence organization and logical expression
Workplace and professional vocabulary
Discussion and presentation skills
Improving spontaneous speaking ability

👉 From B1 onward, the goal is no longer just “speaking,” but speaking clearly and effectively.

B2 Level | Upper-Intermediate

If you reach B2 level, you can:

Communicate confidently in professional environments
Understand in-depth discussions
Actively participate in meetings
Give presentations in English
Write well-structured reports or articles

Common expressions include:

“From a business perspective, this strategy is effective.”
“Although there are challenges, the results are promising.”

Learning Focus at B2:

Advanced vocabulary and natural expressions
Persuasive language
Nuances in tone and meaning
Grammatical accuracy
Fluency and professional confidence

👉 B2 is a key requirement for workplace English and international communication.

C1 Level | Advanced

At C1 level, you are able to:

Express complex ideas fluently and precisely
Understand advanced texts and discussions
Communicate comfortably in professional or academic settings
Adjust language style according to context
Produce well-structured and logically developed writing

Learning Focus at C1:

Precise word choice
Idiomatic and natural expressions
Critical thinking skills
Advanced writing and presentation techniques

👉 C1 focuses on natural, accurate, and professional English usage.

Why Understanding CEFR Levels Is Essential When Choosing a Course

Knowing your CEFR level helps you:

Choose the most suitable English course
Avoid learning content that is too easy or too difficult
Set clear learning goals
Measure real progress accurately
Achieve visible improvement faster

Many learners struggle not because they lack effort, but because they start at the wrong level.

How Can You Accurately Determine Your English Level?

Self-assessment can be a reference, but it is not enough.

The most reliable method is a professional English placement test, which evaluates:

Speaking
Listening
Reading
Writing
Grammar and vocabulary usage

Accurate placement ensures effective and targeted learning.

Find Your CEFR English Level Accurately in North Jakarta

At iWorld Learning, students can:

Take a free English placement test
Clearly identify their CEFR English level
Receive personalized learning advice and course recommendations
Book an English trial class to experience real classroom learning

If you are looking for an English course in North Jakarta and want to improve your English in a structured and effective way, understanding your CEFR level is the most important first step.