Free English level test

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) sorts language ability into six levels. The test places you in one of them based on what you show in your answers, not on how many years you have been studying.

• A1, beginner. You understand and use very basic phrases: introducing yourself, saying where you are from or asking for something in a shop if people speak slowly.
• A2, elementary. You cope with everyday situations: shopping, asking for directions or talking about your family and your job in simple sentences.
• B1, intermediate. You get by when travelling, understand the main points of clear texts on familiar topics and can describe an experience or give your opinion.
• B2, upper intermediate. You follow a conversation with native speakers without strain on either side, understand complex arguments and write clear, detailed texts.
• C1, advanced. You use English flexibly at work and at university, pick up on what is implied and rarely have to search for words.
• C2, proficient. You understand virtually everything you hear or read and express fine shades of meaning even on complex subjects.

• Sixteen questions, about ten minutes. There is grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening, and you can play each recording twice.
• It adapts to your answers. It starts at B1; two right answers in a row take you up a level and two wrong answers take you down, as in adaptive exams.
• Your final level comes from a ladder. We climb from the lowest level you were asked and stop at the first one where you score under 70 %.
• The format changes with every question: gap fills, word order, matching pairs, true or false, short notices, photos and the odd ten-second question against the clock.
• No sign-up. You do not need to give your email to see the result; if you want the report in your inbox, you can leave it at the end.
• If you take it again, you get different questions. Your browser remembers the ones you have seen, only on your device, so they are not repeated.

• This is an estimate. Sixteen questions give a fairly reliable idea of where you are, but an official exam lasts hours and also tests writing and speaking.
• It does not certify your level. Universities, employers and public bodies ask for a certificate from an exam board, such as Cambridge with Linguaskill.
• It does help you decide. It tells you whether to book the exam now or prepare first, and which skill needs most work.
• We are not a test centre. Linguaskill Academy helps you prepare; exam sessions and certificates are handled by centres authorised by Cambridge.