English Level Test: Find Your CEFR Grade
Take a free 25-question English level test and get your CEFR placement (A1 to C2) in about 10 minutes. No account, no credit card. Your result page comes with tailored advice on what to study next.
Before you start
- 1. 25 multiple-choice questions covering grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.
- 2. Questions get harder as you go. Don't guess if you're unsure, pick an answer only when you actually know it.
- 3. No timer. Typical completion is 10 to 15 minutes.
- 4. Your result maps to the CEFR scale (A1 to C2) used by schools, employers, and exam boards worldwide.
This is an informal self-assessment, not an official certification. For exam-grade results, take a Cambridge, IELTS, or TOEFL test.
How the English level test works
The questions start easy and get harder as you go. Each one maps to a specific CEFR band, roughly four questions per level from A1 through C2. Your final CEFR grade is the highest band where you answered at least half the questions correctly. This matches how language schools place new students: not by the toughest question you can solve, but by the level where you are consistently reliable.
Step 1
Answer 25 questions
Multiple choice, no typing. Pick the option that sounds most natural or grammatically correct.
Step 2
Get your CEFR level
A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, or C2. We show the number of correct answers and what the level means in practice.
Step 3
Use the study plan
Every result page includes targeted advice and links to guides and tutors that match your level.
What the 25 questions cover
The test samples three of the four core language skills. Speaking is the only one we can't measure through a browser, so for that you'll want a trial lesson with a tutor.
Grammar
Tenses (present, past, future, perfect), conditionals, passive voice, reported speech, inversion, modal verbs, relative clauses.
Vocabulary
Core words at each level, common collocations, phrasal verbs, advanced vocabulary like "ubiquitous" or "ephemeral" at C1 and C2.
Expressions and idioms
Set phrases and idiomatic English like "bite the bullet" or "caught red-handed". These separate intermediate from advanced learners.
Register and nuance
Formal vs informal choices, subjunctive, reduced relatives, and other fine distinctions that show up at B2 and above.
What the CEFR levels mean
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the global standard for describing language ability. Six levels, from total beginner to near-native. Most official exams (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge) map their scores to a CEFR band.
A1, Beginner
Basic phrases, introductions, simple questions. Can order food, give your name, understand slow speech on familiar topics.
A2, Elementary
Routine tasks, familiar topics, short exchanges. Enough for tourism and basic shopping.
B1, Intermediate
Travel situations, opinions on familiar subjects, simple written reports. Typical minimum for customer-facing jobs.
B2, Upper-Intermediate
Fluent discussions, abstract topics, detailed writing. Required for most professional work and many universities.
C1, Advanced
Professional and academic English, complex ideas, implicit meaning. Needed for top universities and specialist roles.
C2, Proficient
Near-native understanding and expression. Can follow native speakers at full speed including jokes and references.
What to do after you get your level
Knowing your CEFR level is only useful if it changes what you do next. Here's what works at each stage, based on years of tutoring and our own testing.
A1 to A2: build core vocabulary and sentence patterns
At this stage, patient human tutors beat apps. You need someone to correct your first sentences and not rush you. See our guide to beginner-friendly tutors or play the grammar challenge filtered to A1 and A2.
B1: shift from study to volume of practice
Most learners stall here because they keep studying instead of speaking. Book more tutor sessions, watch English content daily, and read graded material. Compare tutoring platforms to find an affordable option.
B2: exam prep and advanced grammar
This is where IELTS and Cambridge prep becomes realistic. Read our IELTS preparation guide and work with a tutor who knows the exam format.
C1 to C2: polish specifics, don't start over
Avoid the trap of generic courses. Work on your actual weaknesses: specialist vocabulary for your field, idioms, accent reduction. Business and advanced tutors give the targeted feedback you need.
Other English tests compared
This test is a free self-check. If you need a score for visas, universities, or employers, here's how the main official exams compare.
| Test | CEFR range | Valid for | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | A2 to C2 | 2 years | $215 to $310 |
| TOEFL iBT | A2 to C2 | 2 years | $185 to $300 |
| Cambridge B2 First | B2 | Lifetime | $200 to $260 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | C1 | Lifetime | $220 to $280 |
| Duolingo English Test | A1 to C2 | 2 years | $65 |
Prices vary by country. Our free level test won't replace an official score, but it's a reliable pre-check before you spend money on one.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this English level test?
It's a self-assessment based on grammar and vocabulary patterns typical of each CEFR band. Results usually fall within one level of a formal exam. For a certificate-grade result, take Cambridge, IELTS, or TOEFL.
What is CEFR?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It's the six-level scale (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) used by schools, employers, and exam boards worldwide to describe language ability consistently across English, Spanish, French, and other languages.
How long does the test take?
Most people finish in 10 to 15 minutes. There is no timer, so you can pause between questions. The 25 questions get progressively harder, mirroring how the CEFR ladder steps from beginner to proficient.
Does the test cover speaking or listening?
No. It covers grammar, vocabulary, and reading only. Your speaking and listening level may be different. For a full assessment including speaking, book a trial lesson with a certified tutor.
Is it really free with no signup?
Yes. No email, no account, no credit card. The test runs entirely in your browser and does not store answers on our server.
Can I retake the test?
As many times as you like. For the most honest score, take it when you're rested and avoid looking up answers.
What does A2 or B1 mean for my job or visa?
Most employers and visa processes use CEFR or equivalent scales. B1 is usually the minimum for customer-facing roles in English, B2 for most professional work, and C1 for academic or specialist positions. Visa minimums vary by country but cluster around A2 to B2 for long-term residence.
What should I do after getting my level?
Your result page shows a tailored study plan. The fastest way to climb one level is regular speaking practice with a real tutor, not more app time. Beginners benefit most from patient 1 on 1 lessons; intermediate learners need conversation volume; advanced learners need feedback on specific gaps.