What is your level?

Here’s some background info – skip to “So what’s my level?” if it’s too boring.

Our level system is based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference).

This framework is a little bit counter-intuitive because the lowest level is A1 and the highest C2.  That’s committees for you! 

There are 3 bands, A, B and C.  Each is divided into 1 and 2.  For regular course-book based courses, we have further divided each sub-band into 6 stages, because it’s not possible to cover even half a band on a standard 6-week course. 

Our system means that in theory it is possible to become fluent in 18 half-terms, or 6 years.  In practice, everyone is different and the speed of learning depends on various factors, such as:

• Aptitude
• Whether you are already bi- or multi-lingual
• Commitment
• Exposure – trips abroad for a language course will speed things up
• Motivation

So what’s my level?

• A1 | A1(1), A1(2) A1(3) etc Beginners You are learning the basics, how to introduce yourself, say hello, goodbye, days of the week, numbers, that sort of thing.

• A2  | A2(1), A2(2) A2(3) etc Post-beginners/”false-beginners” – You know the basic basics and you’re moving on to simple descriptions (for example of people) narrative (what you did yesterday).  You can have successful “formulaic” interactions where you know what to say and how people reply is fairly predictable.  You may be a “false beginner” if you studied the language a while ago and still have some latent knowledge. 

• B1 | B1(1), B1(2) B1(3) etc Intermediate – You’re building confidence, developing a certain vocabulary range (food, places, objects, abstract nouns (such as “peace”, “sadness”) and you are able to use the main tenses to place events in time (I have breakfast in a café every morning, I met my husband on holiday…)

• B2 | B2(1), B2(2) B2(3) etc Upper-intermediate – You are confident now in a range of situations and as long as things don’t get too unpredictable and free-range (someone at a bus stop wants to discuss US politics with you, for example) you manage fine.  You can use “conditionals” (if you touch me again, I’ll call the police / if I won the lottery I would live in Winchester).

• C1  | C1(1), C1(2) C1(3)  etc Advanced – You are not yet at native speaker level, but you can manage in most situations and do not fear losing track of things nor do you get too tired after a long time using the target language.  You are nearly there!

• C2  | C2(1), C2(2) C2(3) etc Super-advanced – You are approaching native-speaker level and are rarely stuck for a word.  You could function in a non-specialist job, attend a social event and feel at ease.  You have reached your destination.

Hopefully, the free information above will help you figure out where you are now but if you want confirmation of your level, we suggest you take our phone test!

Level Test – by phone

Why not try our new oral/aural test conducted over the phone?  One of our teachers will call you to assess your speaking/listening level. The test will be conducted at a time convenient to you and the result will be emailed shortly afterwards.  The tests lasts 15 minutes approximately and costs £18 inc VAT.

Our assessments are as reliable as we can make them, but be aware that level testing is not a science!

We offer tests in Spanish, French, Italian, and German.

Having a clear idea of your level will help you book the right course with us. 

Booking a test does not, however, oblige you to sign up for a course. 

To arrange to book the test, please email: student-support@language-academy.uk

What if I join a course and the level is not right?

If you join a course and feel the level is not right for you, please stick at it for a while.  In any given group, there will be different levels.  Our teachers are skilled at including everyone!  If you give it a go and it’s still not working, we’ll try to find an alternative for you, within our Ts and Cs.