Beginner, false beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, post-intermediate, and advanced are just a few of the terms used to describe levels of language proficiency. And then there's A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). But how can you tell what level you are at? One solution is to do a full-scale placement test — ideally with a writing component and an oral interview. However, not everyone has that possibility. So here are a few online tests that will give you an approximate idea of your level of English.
British Council Level Test — 25 questions. After each question you have to indicate how sure you are of your answer. When you finish the test, you will be told your approximate English level. You can then search for suitable content on LearnEnglish by level.
Cambridge English — Test Your English — These quick, free online tests (General and Business English) will tell you which Cambridge English exam may be best for you.
EF English Live — This 15-minute test gives you feedback in Listening and Reading, and is powered by the EFSET, the world’s first free standardized online English test.
English Language Centre — Online test with 50 multiple-choice questions.
English Placement Test — The test should take around 45 minutes to complete. At the end of the test you will see your test result and be given a percentage. You will also be able to follow a link to a page which will estimate your level compared to several international English exams (PET, FCE, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL), and the Council of Europe language assessment scale.
English Proficiency Test (Transparent Language) — 50 multiple-choice questions covering Grammar, Vocabulary and Reading.
English Proficiency Test Online — Placement English test online and basic English test exam for beginners (A1) is free of charge. Access to all English proficiency level exam tests (A1, A2, B1 B2, C1 and C2) for only 8 EUR/year. More about English CEFR levels here.
Exam English — Check your level with two level tests: Grammar & Vocabulary level test and Listening level test. At the end of each test your level will be assessed at a CEF level (A2 to C2).
Free English Test Online (Kaplan) — The test only takes 20 minutes and will assess your level of English, from beginner to proficient.
Free Online English Grammar Test — The test consists of 40 short multiple choice questions about English Grammar. It should take 10-15 minutes to complete the test. Answers are provided at the end.
ILS English — There are fifty sentences and you must put the correct word into the gap by clicking on it. At the end of the test you will be given a percentage and an approximation of your level.
Macmillan Readers Level Test — Interactive level test so you can check that you are reading the books most suited to your language level. After each series of question you will be advised what level you’re at, and when you get your final result you’ll be able to browse the graded readers that are suitable to your level.
New Inside Out Placement Tests — These Word-format QUICK and FULL placement tests have been designed to be used to analyse the English level of new students so they can be placed into groups corresponding to six levels.
Test Your Vocab — English has the most words of any language on Earth. Find out how many words you know.