A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, B2: what is the CEFR?
The European Framework of Reference for Languages is a tool developed by the Council of Europe to describe the language skills of individuals in Europe. It establishes language levels in six domains of linguistic competence:
- Oral comprehension.
- Written comprehension.
- Oral expression.
- Written expression.
- Oral interaction between two people (at least).
- Mediation (including translation and interpreting).
The language levels of the European Framework of Reference for Languages
The CEFR defines six levels of language proficiency:
- Levels A1 and A2 correspond to a basic level of competence.
- Levels B1 and B2 correspond to intermediate and advanced levels respectively.
- Levels C1 and C2 correspond to a mastery level.
A1 and A2
Level A1 corresponds to an elementary level of proficiency, enabling you to understand and use everyday expressions related to immediate needs. Level A2 corresponds to an intermediate level of competence, enabling you to understand and express yourself in everyday situations.
B1 and B2
CEFR level B1 corresponds to an intermediate level of competence, enabling you to understand the main points of clear, standard speech and to communicate in everyday situations. Level B2 corresponds to an advanced level of competence, enabling you to understand complex texts and communicate with ease in professional situations.
C1 and C2
Level C1 corresponds to a mastery level, enabling you to understand complex texts and express yourself with ease in demanding professional situations. Level C2 corresponds to an exceptional level of proficiency, enabling you to understand complex texts and express yourself with great ease in all situations.
The importance of the European Framework of Reference for Languages for companies
The CEFR is an important tool for companies seeking to assess the language skills of their employees and candidates. They can use these language levels to define clear and precise language training objectives.
By knowing their employees' language proficiency levels, companies can plan targeted training to improve their language skills and prepare them for specific professional situations.
Finally, using the repository to assess employees' language skills can also help boost their confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language. This can have a positive impact on their motivation, commitment and job satisfaction.
In a nutshell
The CEFR is an essential tool for companies seeking to assess their employees' language skills and plan effective language training.
By using the framework's language levels, companies can identify the language skills required to meet business needs, define clear and precise training objectives, and boost their employees' confidence in their ability to communicate effectively in a foreign language.
Language skills are a considerable asset for professionals working in an international environment, and the reference framework defined by Europe can help companies take full advantage of these skills.
Speak'Pro: your partner for employee language training
Choosing a language training provider that follows the CEFR language levels is essential. Speak'Pro follows the reference framework defined by the Council of Europe. This ensures that your employees receive quality training that meets European standards. It also ensures that the language certifications obtained by employees are internationally recognized.
We also offer an innovative method, based on an analysis of your employees' learning preferences, language level and objectives:
- Our language audit enables us to assess the starting level, so that we can tailor the training course to your employees' needs.
- Our analysis of your business objectives enables us to select the most suitable trainer, and the most appropriate training methods.
To find out more, click here.
