Understanding CEFR Levels and How to Progress Faster in English
- Jihane Sato
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
When you study English, your school or teacher may talk about CEFR levels.
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of References for Languages.
It is an international system for describing language skills, from beginner to advanced.
At LSNZ, we use CEFR levels to help you know where you are now and what you need to do next.
This means we can place you in the right class for your ability, track your progress, and help you reach your study goals faster.
▼CONTENT
The Different CEFR Levels
Level | Name | What You Can Usually Do |
A1 | Beginner | Understand and use very simple words and phrases about yourself, your surroundings, and basic needs. |
A1+ | Elementary | Communicate in short sentences about familiar topics like family, food, daily routines, and hobbies. Understand simple questions and give basic answers. |
A2 | Pre-Intermediate | Talk about past and future plans, give short explanations, and handle common travel, work, and social situations with simple language. |
B1 | Intermediate | Describe experiences, plans, and opinions in more detail, and understand the main ideas of clear speech and straightforward texts. |
B2 | Upper-Intermediate | Communicate confidently on a wide range of topics, follow extended conversations, and understand more complex or abstract texts. |
C1 | Advanced | Use English effectively for study, work, and social situations, expressing ideas clearly and naturally with only occasional mistakes. |
C2 | Proficient (Near-Native) | Understand almost everything you read and hear, and express yourself effortlessly with precise vocabulary and grammar. |
At LSNZ, we place you in a class that's perfect for your level after you take our placement test. You can then track your progress and see your success with a test every month.
Why CEFR Matters for You
Knowing your CEFR level helps you:
Understand your current skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Choose the right course, exam, or study pathway.
Set realistic goals and see how far you have come.
Communicate your ability to schools, universities, or employers anywhere in the world.
Why CEFR Matters at LSNZ
We design our classes, activities, and study pathways around CEFR levels. That means:
You will study with classmates at a similar level to you, so lessons are neither too easy nor too hard.
Your teacher will give you specific tasks and goals for your level.
You will know exactly when you are ready to move up, we will celebrate your progress together!
How Long Does It Take to Move Up a Level?
There is no “one size fits all” answer.
It depends on:
Study time – How many hours you learn each week.
Practice – How much you use English outside the classroom.
Language background – Your first language and previous learning experience.
At LSNZ, many students progress one CEFR level every 12-16 weeks with regular study and active participation in lessons and activities.
Some move faster, others take longer – both are normal.
How to Progress Faster at LSNZ
Come to Class Every Day
We see a big difference in progress for students who have excellent attendance.
Participate in Lessons
Our classes are interactive and student-focussed. The more you speak, listen, and share ideas, the faster you will improve.
Practise Outside Class
Join our school activities, make friends from other countries, and use English in real-life situations. This is one of the best ways to get confident quickly.
Set Small Goals
Work with you teacher to create small, realistic goals.
Ask for Feedback
Your teachers at LSNZ give regular feedback and tips to help you focus on the skills you most need to improve.
At LSNZ, we're always here to help you improve your English and set clear goals for your future.
Our staff is ready to listen and give you the advice you need.
Remember!
Progress is different for everyone.
At LSNZ, we focus on steady improvement, building your confidence, and helping you enjoy the journey of learning English.
Need Support?
If you want to know your current CEFR level or advice on moving to the next one, please speak with the school’s Director of Studies.
LSNZ is always happy to help you make a personal study plan, choose extra classes, or suggest activities to improve your skills even faster.
Ready to take the next step in your English journey?
Contact us to get started and learn how we can support you.
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