What is CEFR?
Also called: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages · CEFR levels · A1 to C2Definition
CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is an international standard published by the Council of Europe for describing language ability. It sets out six levels: A1 and A2 for basic users, B1 and B2 for independent users, and C1 and C2 for proficient users. Each level is defined by "can-do" descriptors, statements of what a learner can do in listening, reading, speaking and writing. CEFR is widely used by employers, universities, language courses and exam providers to describe and compare proficiency.
The framework describes ability in terms of real communication. A B1 user, for instance, can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling and describe experiences, while a C1 user can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. A Companion Volume published in 2020 expanded the descriptors, including mediation and online interaction.
Employers use CEFR levels as shorthand in job descriptions and hiring, and many international English exams report results against CEFR. It provides a shared vocabulary for discussing language requirements across countries and languages.
Limitations matter in workplace use. A CEFR level is a general description, and the framework itself does not test anyone; a level is only as reliable as the assessment used to assign it. Two people at the same level may differ widely in specific job skills, such as writing a clear escalation email or running a client call.
Key points
- Published by the Council of Europe.
- Six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
- Defined by can-do descriptors across skills.
- Used by employers, exams and language courses.
- A level is only as reliable as the test that assigns it.
An example at work
A Bengaluru IT services firm asks for B2 English or above in job descriptions for client-facing roles, then uses a work-sample task to check whether candidates can write and explain a project update clearly.
Where this is used at Bodhih
Related terms
Business English
Business English is the English used to get work done: clear emails, meetings, calls, presentations and reports that colleagues and clients act on easily.
Intelligibility
Intelligibility is how much of a speaker’s message a listener actually understands, as distinct from accent or how native the speaker sounds.
Competency framework
A competency framework is a structured set of the skills, knowledge and behaviours an organisation needs, each defined with observable levels of proficiency.
Diagnostic assessment
A diagnostic assessment is a test taken before training to measure a learner’s current level and identify specific gaps, so training can target them.
More about CEFR
What CEFR level is needed for work?
It depends on the role. Many employers ask for B2 for roles that use English regularly with colleagues and clients, and C1 for roles involving complex negotiation, writing or presenting. Because requirements vary, check the job description and expect employers to test practical tasks as well as a level.
Does Bodhih Workplace English give a CEFR level?
No. Bodhih’s Workplace English course does not assess against or promise any CEFR level, and it has no exam or credential. It uses a diagnostic that measures how much a listener catches, listener effort and how actionable writing is, re-run at the end of the course and at 90 days.
What is the difference between B2 and C1?
At B2, an independent user can interact with fluency and spontaneity on a wide range of topics and produce clear, detailed text. At C1, a proficient user can express ideas fluently without much obvious searching for expressions and use language flexibly for professional and academic purposes, including complex texts.