Understanding the different language proficiency levels in English or interpreting your latest TOEFL or IELTS score can be confusing.
In this article, we’ll help you understand the different references/scales that exist, show you how to add them to your CV and how to interpret your test results.
To break it down for you, here’s what we’re going to discuss:
- What language proficiency levels are and why we use them
- The ILR scale (Interagency Language Roundtable)
- The ACTFL scale (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
- The CEFR reference (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
- How to interpret your TOEFL/IELTS score on each scale
- How we can help you reach the level you need
Read on and pass your TOEFL and your IELTS exams easily!
What Are Proficiency Levels and Why Do We Use Them?
The different references/scales of language proficiency levels (CEFR proficiency scale, ILR scale, ACTFL proficiency scale) are used to determine and describe abilities in a given language. These scales can be useful in a professional or academic setting.
Different skill sets can be tested (e.g. speaking & writing or listening & reading) depending on which test you choose and results can vary from one skill to another. For example, there is often a “gap” between a learner’s fluency and proficiency.
What Are Proficiency Levels in a Foreign Language?
Let’s explain what proficiency levels are in a foreign language.
Let’s briefly compare Proficiency and Fluency:
Fluency refers to how well you are able to have a spontaneous conversation & cope in various situations whereas Proficiency refers to how well you master the language in terms of comprehension and production. The latter is generally what is required in professional and academic settings ; however, it is important to understand that these two skills go hand in hand.
Most of the time, learners achieve higher levels of fluency quicker than levels of proficiency but the opposite can happen too! Certain learners may have very good written English but find it difficult to engage in small talk.
So, what do you need to know?
There are three main scales/references for communicating language Proficiency & Fluency.
You may have heard of the CEFR reference, which organises language proficiency from A1 to C2, or perhaps you’re more familiar with the ILR (0 to 5) or ACTFL (Novice to Distinguished) scales.
So, how can you determine your level, accurately assess your language skills and add them to your CV?
Let’s take a closer look 👀🔍
Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Proficiency Levels
Created in the US in 1955, ILR is one of the oldest language proficiency scales and is divided into 6 levels (0-5), with “+” levels at the first three stages. Since 1955, the scale has been updated and seeks to accurately establish how language skills play out spontaneously in the real-world.
“+” levels are used when proficiency is higher than a base level but doesn’t quite meet the criteria for the next level
| Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 - No proficiency | Knowledge of the language is nonexistent or limited to very few words |
| 1 (or 1+) - Elementary proficiency | At this level, you can :
|
| 2 (or 2+) - Limited working proficiency | At this level, using basic grammatical structures, you can :
|
| 3 (or 3+) - Professional working proficiency | By level 3, you can speak with structural accuracy and participate in most conversations (General & Business) without too much hesitation. You can also use more advanced grammatical structures and be understood clearly by native speakers. You should start feeling comfortable negotiating, dealing with clients/suppliers and giving presentations. You might have also acquired more technical vocabulary related to your field of competence. This is usually the minimum level required by Universities |
| 4 - Full professional proficiency | Reaching a level 4 can open a lot of doors professionally speaking. Most employers will seek employees with a level 4 or higher if speaking a foreign language is required for the job! You can speak with an advanced level of fluency but still make the occasional mistake. |
| 5 - Native / Bilingual proficiency | Congratulations! You have reached complete fluency/proficiency. You either grew up speaking the language or have been speaking it for long enough to be fluent and speak with little to no accent. |
💡 Here’s how you might present your ILR level on your CV:
- English – Level 2+ (ILR) – Limited working proficiency
- German – Level 3 (ILR) – Professional Working Proficiency
ACTFL Proficiency Levels & Guidelines: In-Depth Description
The ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) scale was inspired from the ILR scale and put forward by the MLA (Modern Language Association) in 1967. It has provided us with similar guidelines for determining & describing levels of language proficiency & fluency. The ILR and ACTFL are often used closely together which makes comparing them easy.
The ACTFL Proficiency Scale
There are 5 main language levels in the ACTFL guidelines (the first three levels contain 3 subcategories/stages – similar to the ILR scale):
- Novice Proficiency (low, mid, high)
- Intermediate Proficiency (low, mid, high)
- Advanced (low, mid, high)
- Superior
- Distinguished
*Image source : Official ACTF website
ACTFL to ILR Scales Conversion Chart
| ILR | ACTFL |
|---|---|
| 0-1 |
|
| 1+ |
|
| 2-2+ |
|
| 3-3+ |
|
| 4-5 |
|
THE CEFR Language Proficiency Levels Explained
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages otherwise known as the CEFR or CEFRL was put into place by the council of Europe and is used internationally to describe language ability.
The CEFR reference is organised from level A1 to C2, is easy to interpret and is also used in professional or academic settings:
| Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|
| A1- Beginner | At this stage, you should be able to introduce yourself and engage in simple interactions (understand and use very basic structures & expressions). |
| A2 - Elementary | You are starting to develop the ability to communicate using simple structures. You can discuss different topics related to simple and routine tasks You can talk about personal background/job, hobbies, likes & dislikes. |
| B1 - Intermediate | You can deal with various situations (professional or otherwise). You have developed the ability to communicate about your hopes, dreams, past experiences, current events and express/explain your opinions. You can get by quite well as a tourist. |
| B2 - Upper-Intermediate | At this level, you should be able to communicate spontaneously with little hesitation. You should be able to use more complex structures and idiomatic expressions. You’re comfortable with more technical vocabulary relating to your job/area of specialty. |
| C1 - Advanced | You can use the language with flexibility, ease & structure for different purposes (professional, academic, social). Little to no hesitation or accent. |
| C2 - Proficient | By now, you can speak with fluency, precision and coherence. You’re fully fluent and proficient. You’re able to deal with any situation that arises! |
Here is the CEFR system represented by a graph:
💡Including my CEFR level in my CV :
Language skills :
- B1 level in English (Intermediate)
- A2 level in Portuguese (Elementary)
This chart should help you translate your IELTS or TOEFL score into a CEFR, ILR or ACTFL language level:
Understanding your IELTS or TOEFL score
| CEFR | ILR | ACTFL | IELTS SCORE | TOEFL SCORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 0-1 | Novice | 0-2.5 | 0-30 |
| A2 | 1+ | Intermediate | 3 | 30-40 |
| B1 | 2-2+ | Advanced | 3.5-4.5 | 40-65 |
| B2 | 3-3+ | Superior | 5-6 | 65-95 |
| C1 | 4 | Distinguished | 6.5-7 | 95-110 |
| C2 | 5 | Distinguished | 7.5 + | 110-120 |
Didn’t get the score you needed?
That’s okay: At GlobalExam, we’re committed to helping you reach your goals!
Understanding your TOEFL score:
We have compiled a list of articles that cover everything there is to know about the TOEFL score ! Feel free to check them out down below:
- How is the TOEFL scored?
- The TOEFL score range per section
- How to send your TOEFL score to US Universities?
- What happens if you fail the TOEFL?
Understanding your IELTS score:
We have made a list of article covering everything there is to know about the IELTS score:
- How is the IELTS scored?
- How to check your IELTS results?
- Understanding the IELTS Indicator
- TOEFL Score to IELTS Conversion Chart
- IELTS to CLB conversion chart
- IELTS score requirements for a Canadian PR
- IELTS scores for Canadian Universities
- IELTS score for being a nurse in Canada
- How to send your IELTS score to US Universities
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