CEFR English test to accurately measure a candidate's English ability

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 candidate struggle to understand.

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 behind their usage, and be able to use them correctly according to the social setting.