Progress You Can Prove
How Wisenford measures your English against CEFR — the international standard for language proficiency.
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language proficiency. Its levels run A1 → A2 → B1 → B2 → C1 → C2, from beginner to mastery.
All our English programs are explicitly aligned with CEFR. When you reach B1, you've reached B1—by international standards, not just our internal measure.
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Universal
Recognized worldwide (universities, employers, governments)
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Specific
Each level has clear descriptors of what you can actually do
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Fair
Not just about test scores; focuses on real capability
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Transparent
You know exactly what B1 means
The CEFR Levels: What You'll Be Able To Do
A1 Breakthrough
Survival Communication
- Introduce yourself and others
- Understand simple, everyday questions and statements
- Ask for things you need
- Complete basic forms
- Understand simple written instructions
- Vocabulary
- ~500 words
- Speaking
- Slow, careful, frequent pauses and repetition needed
- Writing
- Simple sentences only
A2 Elementary
Daily Communication
- Participate in simple, routine exchanges
- Describe yourself, your family, your interests
- Handle simple transactions (ordering food, asking directions)
- Write simple emails or messages
- Understand main points of everyday speech
- Vocabulary
- ~1,500 words
- Speaking
- Can manage short interactions; basic fluency emerging
- Writing
- Simple paragraphs; some complexity emerging
B1 Intermediate
Confident Conversation
- Participate actively in discussions on familiar topics
- Express opinions and explain reasons for them
- Describe experiences, dreams, ambitions
- Handle most situations while traveling
- Write clear messages and simple reports
- Understand main points of various media
- Vocabulary
- ~3,000 words
- Speaking
- Fluent enough for conversations; can self-correct basic errors
- Writing
- Clearly organized paragraphs; some complex sentences
A key threshold: B1 is when English stops feeling like a foreign language and starts feeling like a tool you can use.
B2 Upper Intermediate
Professional Communication
- Participate fluently in discussions; can argue a point
- Present ideas clearly on complex topics
- Understand texts on specialized subjects
- Write detailed reports, essays, emails
- Communicate effectively in most professional situations
- Vocabulary
- ~5,000 words
- Speaking
- Fluent, spontaneous, can handle unexpected topics
- Writing
- Well-structured, clear, can use complex structures effectively
The professional threshold: B2 is where most employers expect non-native English speakers to be for professional roles.
C1 Advanced
Mastery
- Use language flexibly and effectively
- Understand nuanced meaning in complex texts
- Express ideas precisely without searching for words
- Use language subtly and appropriately
- Persuade and debate effectively
- Vocabulary
- ~7,500+ words
- Speaking
- Native-like fluency; can switch registers
- Writing
- Sophisticated, nuanced, publication-ready
The executive threshold: C1 is where executive roles and thought leadership communication sit.
C2 Mastery
Near-Native Proficiency
- Understand everything easily
- Produce fluent, nuanced discourse
- Express subtle shades of meaning
- Recognize sociolinguistic implications
- Vocabulary
- 10,000+ words
- Speaking
- Indistinguishable from a native speaker
- Writing
- Sophisticated and contextually appropriate
Use case: academic publication, high-stakes diplomacy, native-level writing.
How We Assess Each Level
Listening
- Multiple choice (understanding main ideas and details)
- Note-taking (following a lecture or presentation)
- Conversation comprehension (understanding natural dialogue)
Reading
- Multiple choice (texts at appropriate difficulty)
- True/false/not mentioned (comprehension checks)
- Short answer (testing detailed understanding)
- Text matching (organizing information)
Writing
- Timed writing (30-45 minutes)
- Task-based (write an email, essay, or report based on a prompt)
- Rubric-scored (clarity, organization, grammar, vocabulary)
- Portfolio-based (a collection of your best work)
Speaking
- Prepared speech (2-3 minutes on a topic you chose)
- Unprepared response (respond to a question on the spot)
- Conversation (natural dialogue with an interviewer)
- Scored on fluency, accuracy, range, and interaction
Why Transparent Assessment Matters
You Know What You're Working Toward
- Clear level descriptors (not vague)
- Concrete examples of what "B1 level writing" looks like
- Honest feedback about whether you're ready to advance
You Can Prove Your Capability
- Your Wisenford Certificate specifies your level and what you can do
- Employers and universities understand CEFR
- You can point to specific skills, not vague "English proficiency"
We Remain Accountable
- Assessment standards are published and consistent
- Teachers are trained on how to assess fairly
- You can challenge a level if you disagree (and get a second evaluation)
Ready to Find Your Level?
Start with a free assessment and get matched to the right program for where you are today.