760-800

C2

Proficient Expert user

Test takers at this level understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They are able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent written or spoken presentation. They express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

680-750

C1

Proficient Advanced user

Test takers at this level understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use language flexibly and effectively for academic purposes. They produce clear, well-structured, detailed spoken and written text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

640-670

B2+

Independent Strong B2

Test takers at this level understand standard language on both familiar and unfamiliar topics encountered in personal, social, academic or vocational life. They can follow the essentials of lectures, talks and reports and other forms of academic/professional presentation which are propositionally and linguistically complex. They are able to give clear, systematically developed descriptions and presentations, with appropriate highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail. They can produce an essay which develops an argument with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

520-630

B2

Independent Upper intermediate user

Test takers at this level understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They express themselves with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that should make regular interaction with other speakers possible without imposing strain on either party. They produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

480-510

B1+

Independent Strong B1

Test takers at this level understand straightforward factual information identifying both general messages and specific details with reasonable precision. They can produce texts using simple language to list advantages and disadvantages, and give and justify their opinion as well as write short, simple essays. They can summarize, report and give their opinion about accumulated factual information, describe a complex process in some detail, give simple reasons to justify a viewpoint as well as develop an argument well enough to be followed without difficulty most of the time.

360-470

B1

Independent Intermediate user

Test takers at this level understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They are able to deal with most situations likely to arise in settings where English is the main language. They can produce simple connected text on concrete topics and are able to describe experiences as well as give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

320-350

A2+

Basic user Strong A2

Test takers at this level understand enough to manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort. They interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations. They are able to understand and produce short, simple texts on familiar matters of a concrete type which consist of high frequency language. They are able to follow the general outline of a demonstration or presentation on a familiar or predictable topic, where the message is expressed slowly and clearly in simple language and there is visual support. This level is typically considered too low to succeed in an academic setting, but may be set for Foundation Year courses.