C.E.F. 

(Common European Framework)

BRITISH INSTITUTE CERTIFICATES

PROFICIENCY LEVELS

A1

Breakthrough

ENGLISH CERTIFICATE
BREAKTHROUGH

Can understand and utilize familiar expressions used on a daily basis and formulate very common phrases to meet concrete needs.
Can introduce him/herself and others, formulate and answer questions and respond giving personal information. Can interact on a simple level as long as the questioner speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to collaborate.

A2

Way stage

ENGLISH CERTIFICATE
WAY STAGE

Can comprehend isolated phrases and expressions used frequently in the immediate environment (for example, personal information or information about the family, purchases, local geography, work).
Can communicate in simple and routine activities that require only a simple and direct exchange regarding familiar and habitual topics.
Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her personal experience and environment and elements regarding immediate needs.

B1

Threshold

ENGLISH DIPLOMA
THRESHOLD

Can comprehend the essential points of clear messages in standard language on familiar topics that arise normally at work, at school, during free time.…
Can handle many situations that arise when traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple, coherent texts on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions. Can develop brief reasoned arguments and give explanations of opinions and plans.

B1 +

Strong Threshold

ENGLISH DIPLOMA
STRONG THRESHOLD

Can understand messages that contain precise information requests or explanation of problems. Can provide concrete information as requested in a meeting or visit (e.g., describe symptoms to a doctor), but not in a very precise manner.
Can summaries a story, article, conversation, discussion, interview or documentary, giving his/her opinion and, when asked, supply further details.
Can describe how to do something, giving detailed instructions. Can fairly easily exchange a significant amount of factual information on habitual routines as well as topics that fall within his/her field.

B2

Vantage

FIRST EXAMINATION MASTER IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
VANTAGE

Can comprehend the main concepts in complex texts on practical, literary and technical topics and those which refer to his/her area of specialization. Can react with relative ease and spontaneity with a native speaker. Can produce clear, articulate texts on a wide range of topics and can express an opinion on a current events topic, giving both the pros and cons of the various arguments.

C1 

Effective Operational Proficiency

ENGLISH DIPLOMA
OPERATIONAL PROFICIENCY

Can comprehend a wide range of long, complex texts and recognize their implicit meaning. Can express him/herself easily and naturally. Can use the language in a flexible and efficient manner in social, academic and professional settings. Can produce clear, well-structured and articulate texts on complex topics, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2
Mastery

MASTER IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
MASTERY

Can effortlessly comprehend virtually everything he/she hears or reads. Can summaries information taken from a variety of sources, both oral and written, relaying the viewpoints and information in a coherent text. Can express him/herself with spontaneity in a very flowing and precise manner and clearly express subtle shades of meaning even in quite complex situations.