Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

The Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a series of descriptions of abilities which can be applied to any language. These descriptors can be used to set clear targets for achievements within language learning, to help define language proficiency levels and to interpret language qualifications. It has become accepted as a way of benchmarking language ability not only within Europe but worldwide and plays a central role in language and education policy

Cambridge ESOL and the CEFR

Cambridge ESOL was involved in the early development of this standard and all of our examinations are aligned with the levels described by the CEFR. The CEFR offers a valuable frame of reference for our work and our stakeholders. This is consistent with the original aspirations behind the Framework as described by Professor John Trim, one of the CEFR authors: ‘What we were aiming at was something which will be a common reference point that people working in different fields and people using it for entirely different things and in very different ways could refer to in order to feel that they were part of a common universe’ (Saville 2005:281).

The relationship between Cambridge ESOL exams and the CEFR can be seen from a number of perspectives:

• the historical perspective
• the conceptual perspective
• the empirical perspective

There is growing evidence to support the view that the Cambridge ESOL exams embody or reflect the CEFR in a variety of ways. This is a natural outcome of several factors such as historical legacy, conceptual synergy, and empirical underpinning. The benefits of the relationship between the CEFR and Cambridge ESOL exams are perhaps best judged by the extent to which together they enable language learning/teaching to flourish and encourage achievements to be recognised, and so enrich the lives of individuals and communities.

Find more information on the CEFR on the Council of Europe website.
Examples of Speaking Test performance at CEFR Levels A2-C2

English Profile

English Profile is a long-term, interdisciplinary project that will extend the CEFR.

Cambridge University is playing a leading role in English Profile with:

Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge University Press
The Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics (Cambridge University)

working together with:

The British Council
English UK
University of Bedfordshire Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment.

English Profile's main aim is to produce what are known as Reference Level Descriptors for English which will be at the heart of language teaching, materials development and assessment for many years to come.

For more information, visit the English Profile website.