The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) plays a central role in language and education policy, not only within Europe, but worldwide. It has growing relevance for language testers and examination boards, helping to define language proficiency levels and interpret language qualifications.

Describing levels of language ability

The CEFR describes language ability on a scale of levels from A1 for beginners up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing (learners, teachers, teacher trainers, etc.) to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare qualifications and see how they relate to exams they already know in their own country.