Language Levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 Explained, with a Self-Assessment Table

Level	Name	What you can do, in one line
A1	Beginner	Introduce yourself and answer simple questions
A2	Elementary	Get by in shops, taxis and everyday situations
B1	Intermediate	Talk about familiar topics and travel without trouble
B2	Upper intermediate	Take part in work meetings and follow most films without subtitles
C1	Advanced	Speak and write fluently and precisely on complex topics
C2	Proficient	Understand virtually everything you hear or read

What is the CEFR and why does everyone use it?

The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is an international standard developed by the Council of Europe. Its core idea is simple: your level is measured not by how many rules you know but by what you can actually do with the language — in listening, reading, speaking and writing.

The scale is the same for every language, so B1 in English and B1 in Russian describe the same level of skill. That is why universities, employers and exam boards (IELTS, Cambridge, TORFL) map their results to CEFR levels.

The six levels in detail: A1 to C2

A1 — Beginner

You can introduce yourself and your family, understand numbers, dates and prices, and ask and answer very simple questions — as long as the other person speaks slowly and clearly. If you have never studied the language, this is where you start.

A2 — Elementary

You get by in everyday situations: shops, cafés, asking the way, a short chat about work or study. You can write a short note or message. Most people who studied a language at school and have forgotten much of it are at this level.

B1 — Intermediate

You can handle most situations while travelling and explain your view on a familiar topic — work, hobbies, plans — even if with mistakes. This is the start of the independent-user stage: the language begins to work for you.

B2 — Upper intermediate

You can talk with native speakers without strain on either side, take part in work meetings and follow the main ideas of complex text. B2 is the level most often required by international employers and universities abroad.

C1 — Advanced

You express yourself fluently, precisely and without searching for words, and use the language effectively in professional and academic settings — presentations, negotiations, academic writing. You pick up implied meaning and tone.

C2 — Proficient

You understand virtually everything you hear or read and convey fine shades of meaning even in complex situations. This is close to the level of an educated native speaker.

Check your own level: self-assessment table

Work up the table from the bottom. The highest row you can answer with a confident yes is your approximate level. If understanding and speaking differ within a row, take the lower one — it is the one that will hold you back in a group.

Level	Listening and reading	Speaking and writing
A1	I understand familiar words, numbers, short signs and notices	I can say my name, age and where I am from, and fill in a simple form
A2	I understand a menu, a timetable, a short personal message	I can ask for what I need in a shop, café or taxi and write a short message
B1	I follow the main point of clear speech and simple articles on familiar topics	I can describe experiences and plans, give reasons and write a simple letter
B2	I understand the news, most films and articles in my field	I can defend my position in a work meeting and write a text weighing up views
C1	I understand long, complex texts and meaning that is only implied	I speak fluently without searching for words and write structured formal texts
C2	I understand fast speech and text in any style with no effort	I convey fine shades of meaning precisely and write in any genre

This check is a first orientation. People usually rate themselves one step higher because they know the grammar, while speaking lags behind. That is why at Inlingua Baku your level is confirmed with a short check before you join a group, and it includes a speaking part.

How long does one level take?

The CEFR itself sets no timeline, but Cambridge English publishes a guide to the approximate number of guided learning hours needed to reach each level from zero:

Level	Total hours from zero (approx.)
A2	180–200 hours
B1	350–400 hours
B2	500–600 hours
C1	700–800 hours
C2	1,000–1,200 hours

Each level takes longer than the one before: moving from A1 to A2 is much quicker than moving from B2 to C1. Your real pace depends on how often you have lessons and on regular work at home — one lesson a week does not outrun the speed of forgetting. On home practice: learning English at home and learning Russian at home.

CEFR levels and exams: IELTS, Cambridge, TORFL

CEFR	IELTS (band)	Cambridge English	Russian (TORFL / ТРКИ)
A1	—	—	TEU (ТЭУ)
A2	—	A2 Key (KET)	TBU (ТБУ)
B1	4.0–5.0	B1 Preliminary (PET)	TORFL-1
B2	5.5–6.5	B2 First (FCE)	TORFL-2
C1	7.0–8.0	C1 Advanced (CAE)	TORFL-3
C2	8.5–9.0	C2 Proficiency (CPE)	TORFL-4

Master's programmes abroad usually ask for IELTS 6.5 — the top of B2. How to get there: IELTS Speaking 6.5 guide and IELTS in Baku: registration and preparation.

Which level should I start at Inlingua Baku?

There is no need to guess. If you have never studied the language, you start at A1. If you studied it years ago and have forgotten most of it, you are most likely in the A1–A2 range. Otherwise your level is set with a short check — a written part and a brief conversation — because your "studied" level is often higher than your real speaking level.

English and Russian programmes at Inlingua Baku are built on the CEFR A1–C2 scale, and lessons run in the target language from the first minute (the Inlingua method). Courses: General English, exam preparation (IELTS), General Russian. Choosing a course: 7 questions to ask a language school in Baku.

Programmes, lesson formats and the level check are on one page: English courses in Baku and Russian courses in Baku.

FAQ

What do A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean?

They are the six levels of the CEFR scale: A1–A2 basic, B1–B2 independent and C1–C2 proficient user. A1 is the lowest and C2 the highest, and the scale is the same for every language.

What does B1 level mean?

B1 is intermediate: you handle most travel situations, talk about familiar topics and write a simple letter. In IELTS terms it is roughly band 4.0–5.0.

What level do I need for work or study abroad?

Most international employers and universities ask for at least B2; master's programmes usually require IELTS 6.5, and some ask for C1 (IELTS 7.0+).

How long does it take to move up one level?

Cambridge English estimates roughly 350–400 guided hours from zero to B1 and 500–600 to B2. Higher levels take longer, and the pace depends on lesson frequency and practice at home.

What is the difference between B2 and C1?

At B2 you communicate comfortably; at C1 the language no longer limits you on any topic — you speak precisely, without searching for words and in the right register. In IELTS terms it is roughly the gap between 6.5 and 7.0+.

How can I find out my exact level?

The self-assessment table above gives a first orientation. Your exact level is set by a check that includes speaking — at Inlingua Baku this is done before you join a group.