¿ì²¥ÊÓƵ

Continuing Education
Home » Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

What is CEFR?

Glendon Continuing Education uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)* to guide curriculum and instruction in both French and English language programs. CEFR is an internationally recognized standard that describes language ability clearly and consistently, helping learners understand their progress and select the right level.

CEFR is used worldwide and is the foundation for curriculum design, teaching materials, and proficiency assessment.

Levels Explained

The CEFR framework provides a transparent and comprehensive way to assess and describe language proficiency. It includes six levels grouped into three categories:

  • Basic User: A1 and A2
  • Independent User: B1 and B2
  • Proficient User: C1 and C2

At Glendon, we also offer AO, a true beginner level designed for learners with little to no prior experience in the language.

CEFR Levels

For learners with little to no knowledge of the language. Learners may:

  • Recognize a few familiar words or simple expressions
  • Use single words or memorized phrases
  • Respond in very limited ways to slow, clear questions
  • Copy or fill out extremely simple written information

Learners at A1 can:

  • Understand and use basic everyday expressions
  • Introduce themselves and ask simple personal questions
  • Communicate simply when spoken to slowly and clearly

Learners at A2 can:

  • Describe basic aspects of their background and immediate environment
  • Understand sentences and commonly used expressions
  • Communicate in simple, routine tasks

Learners at B1 can:

  • Understand the main points of clear, familiar content
  • Manage most travel situations
  • Produce straightforward connected text
  • Describe experiences, events, plans, and basic reasoning

Learners at B2 can:

  • Produce detailed text and discuss various viewpoints
  • Understand the main ideas of complex text
  • Interact with fluency and spontaneity
  • Communicate comfortably with native speakers

Learners at B2 cLearners at C1 can:

  • Produce clear, organized, detailed writing on complex subjects
  • Understand demanding, longer texts
  • Express themselves fluently with minimal searching for words
  • Use the language effectively in academic, professional, and social contexts

Learners at C2 can:

  • Understand virtually everything heard or read
  • Summarize information from multiple sources
  • Reconstruct arguments coherently
  • Express themselves fluently and precisely, even in nuanced situations

Official Source

*For the full global scale descriptions, visit the .