The Common European Framework of Reference describes language ability in six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for mastery. Schools, employers and courses use it to describe the level they expect.
| Level | What you can do |
|---|---|
| A1 | Understand and use everyday expressions and introduce yourself |
| A2 | Talk about routine matters, your background and immediate needs |
| B1 | Handle most situations while travelling and describe experiences |
| B2 | Talk with fluency on a wide range of topics and argue a view |
| C1 | Use English flexibly for social, academic and work purposes |
| C2 | Understand almost everything and express yourself precisely |
CEFR and IELTS
As a rough guide, IELTS bands around 4 to 5 sit near B1, 5.5 to 6.5 near B2, and 7 to 8 near C1. Treat this as orientation, not a conversion.