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CEFR test

Add and invite your candidates


Easily add your candidate or employee details, including bulk upload if you are dealing with a large pool of people Send your tests out to their email address in seconds, including bulk send options.

They complete the test


The candidate will receive the email to complete their CEFR English Test. They are not required to create an account. They will have 48 hours in which to choose a suitable time to complete the 30min test.

Results are in!


As soon as the test is completed, you will receive an email immediately informing you that candidate has completed the test. The candidate will also get the email instantly. From your Testlify dashboard, you can view the result and download the certificate to forward them to 3rd parties or colleagues.

How does the testlify CEFR test work?

This CEFR Test is designed to assess language proficiency according to the same standards as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a widely recognized system developed by the Council of Europe in 2001.

Both the Testlify CEFR Test and the CEFR divide language proficiency into six levels, ranging from A1 to C2, which can be grouped into three broad categories: Basic User, Independent User, and Proficient User.

Unlike some other tests, this does not assign a score to a candidate unless they have reached a certain level of proficiency. This means that it is possible for a candidate to take the Test and not reach even the lowest CEFR level. This approach allows you to accurately assess the language ability of your candidates at all proficiency levels.

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Testlify CEFR test scores

CEFR level A

143-245: CEFR level A1- breakthrough or beginner

At the very basic level, the candidate can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. They can understand some simple notices and signs and can fill out simple forms.

They will be able to introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. They will also be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help However, users rely heavily on gestures, symbols, and other visual stimuli to aid understanding.

246-428: CEFR level A2 – waystage or elementary

At this level, the candidate understands sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping local geography. employment). They will be able to communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. The candidate will also be able to describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. They will understand the most commonly-used English vocabulary and be able to form simple sentences and questions but will struggle to form or understand long or complex sentences.

CEFR level B

429-571: CEFR level B1 – threshold or intermediate

At the lower intermediate level, the candidate can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. They are able to produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest: They will also be able to describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. However, they will struggle to engage in conversations about more abstract topics. They will be able to understand simple texts but will require guidance to understand authentic texts.

572-714: CEFR level B2 – vantage or upper intermediate

At the upper intermediate level, the candidate can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete (practical) and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They will be able to 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. However, their limited vocabulary and exposure to authentic English means they may be unable to catch finer details with regard to tone and implied meaning.

CEFR level C

715-858: CEFR level C1 – effective operational proficiency or advanced

At this advanced level, the candidate can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use language flexibly and effectively for social academic and professional purposes. They will be able to produce clear, well-structured detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. Only when exposed to heavy accents and idiomatic language will the per struggle to understand.

859-1000: CEFR level C2 – mastery or proficiency

At the top level, the candidate can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They will be able to summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They will be able to express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. They will understand a vast number of idiomatic phrases, recognize the implications and one behind their usage and be able to use them correctly according to the social setting.

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