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Common European Framework (CEF)

What is the CEF?
The Common European Framework of Languages was designed by the Council of Europe to provide a reference for language learning, teaching and assessment for all main European languages. It sets international standards for language syllabi, curriculum design and examinations.

Your knowledge of a foreign language will be defined as one of six main levels (A1 to C2). You can find the detailed description of each level on the European Language Portfolio website.

The complete text of the CEF can be found on the website of the Council of Europe.

Our Exams and the CEF
Many international examination bodies, such as Cambridge ESOL exams and IELTS, have gradually mapped their examinations against the CEF global scale. Here is just a list of what we have collated for you:

IELTS and CEF - table of correspondence (PDF)
Equivalencies between CEF and ESOL exams (PDF)

Complete text of the CEF
The United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
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