One of the most common questions English learners ask is:

• What is my English level?
• How can I evaluate my English proficiency?
• Am I beginner, intermediate, or advanced?

This curiosity makes perfect sense. If you are studying English, you want feedback. You want to know where you stand — and what to do next.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify your English level in a practical and realistic way — and how to move forward with clarity.

Use the CEFR to Evaluate Your English Level

The most reliable framework for assessing language proficiency is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The CEFR divides language proficiency into six levels:

• A1 – Beginner
• A2 – Elementary
• B1 – Intermediate
• B2 – Upper Intermediate
• C1 – Advanced
• C2 – Proficient

But here is something important:

The CEFR does not define levels based on grammar rules memorized or the number of isolated vocabulary words you know.

Instead, it focuses on something far more meaningful:

👉 What you can actually do with the language in real communication.

English Levels Explained (A1 to C2)

Below is a simplified and practical description of each level so you can self-assess honestly.

A1 – Beginner

At this level, you can:

• Understand and use everyday expressions.
• Introduce yourself and ask basic personal questions.
• Talk about simple topics such as where you live or what you own.
• Interact in a very basic way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

This is not about knowing verb tenses.
It is about handling simple, real-life interactions.

A2 – Elementary

At this level, you can:

• Understand frequently used expressions related to daily life.
• Talk about family, shopping, work, and local environment.
• Handle simple and routine tasks.
• Describe your background and immediate needs in basic terms.

Communication is still simple — but more independent.

B1 – Intermediate

At this level, you can:

• Understand the main points of familiar topics.
• Handle most travel situations.
• Write simple connected texts on familiar subjects.
• Describe experiences, dreams, plans, and opinions.
• Give basic explanations for your ideas.

This is where communication becomes more flexible.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

At this level, you can:

• Understand complex texts (both concrete and abstract topics).
• Interact with fluency and spontaneity.
• Communicate with native speakers without major strain.
• Write clear and detailed texts.
• Present arguments and discuss advantages and disadvantages.

This is confident, functional communication.

C1 – Advanced

At this level, you can:

• Understand demanding, longer texts and implied meaning.
• Express yourself fluently without searching for expressions.
• Use English flexibly for academic, professional, and social purposes.
• Write structured and well-organized texts on complex topics.

Communication is natural and controlled.

C2 – Proficient

At this level, you can:

• Understand virtually everything you read or hear.
• Summarize information from different spoken and written sources.
• Express yourself precisely and effortlessly.
• Recognize subtle meaning in complex situations.

This is near-native performance in comprehension and production.

How to Self-Assess Your English Level

To evaluate your level accurately, ask yourself practical questions:

Can I:

• Introduce myself clearly?
• Talk about my family and daily routine?
• Order food in a restaurant?
• Check in at a hotel?
• Explain what I did last weekend?
• Discuss my future plans?
• Express opinions and justify them?
• Handle unexpected situations while traveling?

Your English level is not determined by how many grammar rules you can explain.

It is determined by your ability to communicate effectively in real situations.

Focus on what you can do — not on what you can define.

Be honest with yourself.

Should You Use Online English Level Tests?

Yes — online English level tests can help.

However, keep in mind:

• You might guess answers.
• Tests often measure grammar recognition, not communication.
• Real-life interaction is more demanding than multiple-choice questions.

Online tests are useful as a reference point — not as the final verdict.

Use the results to design your study plan, not to label yourself permanently.

Free Online English Level Tests You Can Try

Here are some well-known free options:

• Test Your English by Cambridge
• 50 Min EF Set
• English Level Test by PrepLy
• Online English Level Test by British Council
• Duolingo English Test

Use them wisely — and combine them with honest self-reflection.

Final Thoughts: Your English Level Is About Communication

The most important thing to remember:

English proficiency is about communication, not grammar memorization.

It is not about listing phrasal verbs.
It is not about explaining tense structures.

It is about using the language to:

• Ask for information
• Solve problems
• Express ideas
• Share experiences
• Interact confidently

Now that you understand the CEFR levels and how they work, you are fully equipped to answer the question:

What is my English level?

Take care — and keep learning.

» This blog post was first published in Portuguese on March 21, 2024.