English C1 level - CEFR definition and tests | EF SET (2023)

FAQs

What is C1 level English test? ›

C1 – Advanced

You can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

Candidates who have secured a C1 Advanced grade C, having scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR and can be expected to be comparable in ability with candidates who have secured 6.5 or 7.0 in IELTS.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It is used around the world to describe learners' language skills. The CEFR has six levels – from A1 for the most basic beginner to C2 for the very highest level of ability.

Take our free online English test today to find out your English level of proficiency. This is one of the most detailed free English tests online with instant results that match the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) which standardises assessment of languages.

The best way to find out your CEFR level is to take a well-designed standardized test. In English, the EF SET is the best choice because it is free and the first standardized test to be fully aligned to the CEFR. You will need to set aside 50 minutes to complete the test and find out your CEFR level.

SKILLS AT LEVEL C1

He/she can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for the right expression. He/she can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

C1 English (Advanced)

Level C1 corresponds to users who can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. They can use language flexibly and effectively for all purposes.

This test consists of 4 sections Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. One can opt for this language test either online or through pen and paper. The registration fee for the internet-based test is $185, while that of the paper-based offline test is $180.

What is a passing score for CEFR? ›

Listening, Reading, Writing (L, R, W) aggregate 75-100 points for Pass, and 101-150 for High Pass; Speaking 25-37 for Pass, and 38-50 for High Pass.

In everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in “I am bilingual in English and French.” A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level.

Once you have been certified at a CEFR level, certainly with lack of use your ability in that language will decline, but the certification never expires.

A CEFR diploma is very versatile for your CV or résumé, and they often don't expire. You may need a CEFR certificate for school admissions, to join a University course, and Employment.

As a rough guide, Cambridge exams estimate that each level is reached with the following guided learning hours: A2, 180–200; B1, 350–400; B2, 500–600; C1, 700–800, and C2, 1,000–1,200.

For motivated adult learners, they typically need between 100 and 200 hours of guided learning to get from one CEFR level to the next. As you go up the levels, you need more hours to get to the next one.

Passing C1 driving test practical test tips

You are only allowed up to 15 driving faults. One “Serious” or “Dangerous” is a fail, but our aim is to coach you to not make any of these faults. Make sure that your driving is smooth.

At the C1 level of proficiency, students should be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.

How long is C1 English exam? ›

When you reach C1, you should have a working vocabulary of about 8000 words – almost double that of B2! It takes approximately 700-800 hours with the language to pass the C1 Cambridge examination.

The highest level on the CEFR scale is C1, which is close to the level of English proficiency of native speakers.

At Duolingo, we use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to set goals for different proficiency levels when we design our courses. The levels are labeled A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, and they cover increasingly complex language needs.

The LG C2 OLED is slightly better than the LG C1 OLED, although the performance of the two is quite similar. The C2 is a bit brighter, especially in SDR and when displaying small, bright highlights in HDR.

Other level names in this convention are: A1- Breakthrough, A2- Waystage, B1- Threshold, B2- Vantage, C1- Advanced, C2- Mastery. Which CEFR level is the highest? C2 (Proficiency) is the top level you can achieve on the CEFR scale.

C1 Advanced is targeted at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while C2 is targeted at the C2 CEFR level. C2 Proficiency is therefore the more difficult of the two exams.

It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for. More than 9,000 educational institutions, businesses and government departments around the world accept C1 Advanced as proof of high-level achievement in learning English.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) has six levels, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for users who are proficient in the language.

The CEFR C1 Level: Fluent conversation

The C level represents advanced users of language – those who have the ability to take part in conversations at a more complex level.

How much is the C1 English test? ›

The prices for the C1 Advanced will vary as the test centres can decide on the price of the test; however, you can expect to pay somewhere between 150-175 euros (165- 195 USD). Usually, you can pay online or in-person with a debit or credit card (VISA/ Master Card).

IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. Recognised by over 11,500 organisations worldwide, it is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

Whereas in Europe, foreign language instruction is based on the CEFR, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale dominates in the United States. Both reference systems are designed so that they can be applied to different groups of learners and institutions.

A candidate's overall score is calculated by adding all of the individual scores together and dividing by four (and then rounding to the nearest whole number).

B2 First – Level C1

If you achieve a scale score of 180–190 (grade A) in your exam, you will receive the First Certificate in English stating that you demonstrated ability at Level C1.

C2: Can understand virtually everything heard or read, expressing themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, while differentiating finer shades of meaning even in highly complex situations.

A C1 level speaker can also be considered as someone who is a fluent speaker of the language. They will have no problem speaking, reading, writing and understanding the language and don't really need to take pauses to think while they are speaking.

If you are at C1, then you are bilingual and have been for some time. Bilingual is not an either/or condition, there is a graduation of fluency. To interact on a daily basis at a higher level, talk with native speakers. Pay attention expressions, slang and familiar terms.

You can increase your CEFR level by taking classes, reading books, watching movies, and practicing with native speakers.

What CEFR level is first certificate? ›

Valid scores on the FCE Exam range from 140 to 190. A score of 160 or above is considered a “pass” and students with that score will receive the Cambridge First Certificate, which corresponds to a level B2 in English on the CEFR.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.

The new version updates and extends the CEFR 2001, which was designed to provide a transparent, coherent and comprehensive basis for the elaboration of language syllabuses and curriculum guidelines, the design of teaching and learning materials, and the assessment of foreign language proficiency.

A C1 Advanced certificate has no expiration date. However, some institutions have their own language requirements or policies on how recent they require exam results to be. They may ask you for evidence that you have maintained or improved your level of English since you took your exam.

The CEFR organises language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2, which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User, Independent User and Proficient User, and that can be further subdivided according to the needs of the local context.

Information for candidates who have taken a Cambridge English exam. Your Cambridge English exam result/certificate does not have an expiry date*. It shows that on a particular date you demonstrated language skills at a specified level, however, language skills are known to diminish over time if not used and maintained.

What is the difference between A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 in terms of language levels? The three broad levels are A1/A2 ("Basic User"), B1/B2 ("Independent User"), and C1/C2 ("Proficient User"). Let's take a look at what you should be able to communicate at the various levels set out by CERF.

Is C1 difficult? The answer is yes! You will need to work a lot harder and be serious about your preparation for the C1 Advanced exam. While the B2 First shows you have a good grounding in English, the C1 Advanced is closer to the level of a native speaker.

The C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country. According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.

Is a C1 level in English good? ›

Level C1 corresponds to proficient users of the language, i.e. those able to perform complex tasks related to work and study.

Level B1 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.

The most reliable way to find out your English level is to take a well-designed assessment test. There are many tests to choose from, but taking the EF SET is a good place to start. You can use your EF SET score as an English level certification on your CV and on LinkedIn.

It takes 600 to 750 hours to learn the German C1 level.

As a result of completing level C1, you will be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts.

The C1 Advanced test is an in-depth, through test of all language skill areas. It tests your use of English, and your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It last for about four hours in total. You can take this test in two formats – paper-based or computer-based.

A score of 180 or above is considered a “pass” and students with that score will receive the Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate, which corresponds to a level C1 in English on the CEFR. Students scoring 200 or above on the C1 Advanced will receive a Cambridge English certificate for level C2.

Once you have successfully passed your LGV Category C1 practical test, you will then obtain Category C1 on your driving licence which will entitle you to drive any rigid vehicle up to 7.5 tonnes.