Common European Framework of Languages (CEF) was designed by the Council of Europe to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and to provide a reference for language learning, teaching and assessment for all main European languages.
In November 2001, EU Council Resolution recommended using the CEF to set up systems of validation of language ability. The six reference levels (A1 – C2) are widely accepted as the grading standard for an individual’s language proficiency and these levels make 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.
Cambridge ESOL exams are linked to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment, published by the Council of Europe. In fact they are the only certificated exams referred to in the Framework document as specifically linked to it by a long-term research project.
Cambridge ESOL is a member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), a group of leading language testing organisations in Europe. In order to make the Common European Framework easy to understand, ALTE members have developed a series of 'Can Do' statements for each of the levels. These statements describe what language users can typically do with the language at different levels and in different contexts (social & tourist, work, study).
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