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English Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide)

Updated 26 Oct 2026 2 min read LingoLadder Editorial Team
Cover: Start English self-test — find your level from A1 to C1, with sample greetings: Hello, Thank you, How are you?, Nice to meet you
Short answer

This free self-test uses the CEFR can-do scale (A1 to C1) to help you find your English level and choose the right lesson to start with — no sign-up, just honest self-assessment.

On this page7 sections · tap to jump
  1. 01How to use this self-test
  2. 02Can-do checklist: A1 to C1
  3. 03Try it: can you follow these?
  4. 04Where to begin
  5. 05Start now
  6. 06Practice: place yourself
  7. 07Quiz

Level: A1 and up — this self-test covers A1 to C1. You don’t need an account or a score to start learning English. This page helps you place yourself honestly so you open the right lesson first, instead of guessing.

How to use this self-test

Work through the can-do checklist below from the top. For each level, ask: could I really do this, right now, without preparing? Your level is the highest band where you can say “yes” to most statements. When you are unsure between two levels, choose the lower one — it is quicker to move up than to rebuild shaky foundations.

Can-do checklist: A1 to C1

Read each level’s statement and tick it only if you can do it comfortably, in real situations — not just recognise the words. Your level is the highest one where you can honestly say “yes” to most of it. These descriptors follow the Council of Europe’s CEFR global scale.

Level You can…
A1 (beginner) understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases; introduce yourself, and ask and answer simple questions about personal details.
A2 (elementary) understand frequently used expressions (shopping, local area, work); handle short, routine exchanges on familiar topics.
B1 (intermediate) deal with most situations while travelling; produce simple connected text on familiar topics; describe experiences and give brief reasons.
B2 (upper-intermediate) understand the main ideas of complex text; interact with some fluency and spontaneity; write clear, detailed text on a range of subjects.
C1 (advanced) understand demanding, longer texts and implicit meaning; express yourself fluently without obvious searching; use the language flexibly for work and study.

Try it: can you follow these?

Listen and read these graded samples. If the first feels easy and the later ones are a stretch, that gap is roughly your level.

  1. Hello, my name is Anna.
    A1 — greetings and introductions
  2. I would like a coffee, please.
    A2 — simple everyday requests
  3. Could you tell me how to get to the station?
    B1 — polite, connected questions

Where to begin

  • New or near-new (A1): start with the grammar backbone in order. Your first lesson is Verb ‘To Be’ in the Present (am, is, are).
  • Some English, want accuracy (A2-B1): go straight to the grammar points you are unsure of, and fill vocabulary gaps alongside.
  • Confident (B2-C1): use the lessons to tidy up specific weak spots, and practise with real English material (news, podcasts, books) for the rest.

Start now

Practice: place yourself

Practice

Find your level

Try each one, then press Check. No sign-up, nothing is sent anywhere — it all runs in your browser.

1 Match each ability to its CEFR level.

  • Introduce yourself with basic phrases
  • Handle routine shopping and travel talk
  • Describe experiences and give reasons
  • Follow the main ideas of complex texts
Show answer
  • Introduce yourself with basic phrases → A1
  • Handle routine shopping and travel talk → A2
  • Describe experiences and give reasons → B1
  • Follow the main ideas of complex texts → B2

A1 basics, A2 routine exchanges, B1 connected description, B2 complex texts.

2 You can order food, ask simple directions and chat about your day, but long articles are hard. You are roughly…
Show answer

A2-B1 — Coping with everyday situations but not complex text is around A2-B1.

3 Between two levels, which should you pick?
Show answer

the lower one, to keep foundations solid — Choose the lower band; it is easier to move up than to patch gaps.

Show answer

gate — Levels orient you; they don't lock the order.

Cheat-sheet card: CEFR levels A1 to B2 with a one-line ability for each

Where the CEFR levels sit at a glance.

Quiz

Check yourself

Placing your English level

8 questions · pick an answer and you'll see straight away if it's right.

0/8 0 answered
  1. 1What does this self-test measure?
    Show answer

    your rough CEFR can-do level — It places you on the A1-C1 can-do scale, not a precise score.

  2. 2Your level is…
    Show answer

    the highest band where you can do most things — Pick the highest band you can honestly act on, not just recognise.

  3. 3Which is an A1 ability?
    Show answer

    introduce yourself and ask simple personal questions — A1 is familiar everyday phrases and simple personal questions.

  4. 4Which is closest to B1?
    Show answer

    deal with most travel situations and describe experiences — B1 handles most travel situations and simple connected description.

  5. 5If a lesson feels far too easy, you should…
    Show answer

    move up to a higher point — Too-easy material means you can place yourself higher.

  6. 6For an official certificate, you should…
    Show answer

    sit the Cambridge English, IELTS or TOEFL exam — Formal proof comes from the official exam, not a self-test.

  7. 7How often is it worth re-checking your level?
    Show answer

    every few weeks as you progress — Re-test every few weeks; your fitting level rises as you learn.

  8. Show answer

    study — Grammar backbone plus general study, run together.

Your English course

All English study topics

Vocabulary, pronunciation, phrases, practice and exam help, ordered by level. Pick a topic and go straight to it. New lessons go live every day, so topics marked Coming soon fill in over the next weeks.

Study topics

170 topics 2 ready now
Start here 6 topics · 2 ready
  1. 01 Start Learning English Here
  2. 02 English Level Self-Test (A1-C1 Guide) You are here
  3. 03 How to Use Flashcards for English Coming soon
  4. 04 Spaced Repetition Explained Coming soon
  5. 05 Top Mistakes English Learners Make Coming soon
  6. 06 Building a Daily English Habit Coming soon
Lessons 56 topics See the lessons page →
  1. 07 English: Greetings & Introductions Coming soon
  2. 08 English: Numbers 0 to 100 Coming soon
  3. 09 English: Introducing Yourself Coming soon
  4. 10 English: Days, Months & Dates Coming soon
  5. 11 English: Telling the Time Coming soon
  6. 12 English: Giving Personal Information Coming soon
  7. 13 English: Family Members Coming soon
  8. 14 English: Describing People Coming soon
  9. 15 English: Colours & Shapes Coming soon
  10. 16 English: Food & Drink Basics Coming soon
  11. 17 English: Ordering at a Cafe Coming soon
  12. 18 English: Shopping & Prices Coming soon
  13. 19 English: Clothing & Sizes Coming soon
  14. 20 English: Asking for Directions Coming soon
  15. 21 English: Using Public Transport Coming soon
  16. 22 English: At the Hotel Coming soon
  17. 23 English: Weather & Seasons Coming soon
  18. 24 English: Hobbies & Free Time Coming soon
  19. 25 English: Daily Routine Coming soon
  20. 26 English: Housing & Rooms Coming soon
  21. 27 English: Household Chores Coming soon
  22. 28 English: At the Doctor Coming soon
  23. 29 English: Parts of the Body Coming soon
  24. 30 English: Emotions & Feelings Coming soon
  25. 31 English: Making Appointments Coming soon
  26. 32 English: Making Plans & Invitations Coming soon
  27. 33 English: Phone & Messaging Coming soon
  28. 34 English: Expressing Opinions Coming soon
  29. 35 English: Talking About Past Experiences Coming soon
  30. 36 English: Future Plans & Goals Coming soon
  31. 37 English: School & Education Coming soon
  32. 38 English: Jobs & Professions Coming soon
  33. 39 English: At the Office Coming soon
  34. 40 English: The Job Interview Coming soon
  35. 41 English: Formal Writing & Emails Coming soon
  36. 42 English: Money & Banking Coming soon
  37. 43 English: Restaurant & Dining Out Coming soon
  38. 44 English: Supermarket & Groceries Coming soon
  39. 45 English: Travel & the Airport Coming soon
  40. 46 English: Sightseeing & Tourism Coming soon
  41. 47 English: Emergencies & Safety Coming soon
  42. 48 English: Technology & the Internet Coming soon
  43. 49 English: News & Current Affairs Coming soon
  44. 50 English: Environment & Nature Coming soon
  45. 51 English: Health & Lifestyle Coming soon
  46. 52 English: Culture & Traditions Coming soon
  47. 53 English: Describing Trends & Data Coming soon
  48. 54 English: Debating & Argumentation Coming soon
  49. 55 English: Idioms & Colloquialisms Coming soon
  50. 56 English: Formal vs Informal Register Coming soon
  51. 57 English: Storytelling & Narration Coming soon
  52. 58 English: Complaints & Solving Problems Coming soon
  53. 59 English: Giving a Short Presentation Coming soon
  54. 60 English: Small Talk & Networking Coming soon
  55. 61 English Small-Talk & Politeness Culture Coming soon
  56. 62 Writing Business Emails in English Coming soon
Vocabulary 47 topics See the vocabulary page →
  1. 63 100 Most Common English Words Coming soon
  2. 64 English Words 101-250 (Frequency) Coming soon
  3. 65 English Words 251-500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  4. 66 English Words 501-1000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  5. 67 English Words 1001-1500 (Frequency) Coming soon
  6. 68 English Words 1501-2000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  7. 69 English Words 2001-3000 (Frequency) Coming soon
  8. 70 100 Essential English Verbs Coming soon
  9. 71 Common English Adjectives Coming soon
  10. 72 Everyday English Adverbs Coming soon
  11. 73 English Connectors & Linking Words Coming soon
  12. 74 English Question Words & Phrases Coming soon
  13. 75 English Time Expressions Coming soon
  14. 76 English Food & Cooking Vocabulary Coming soon
  15. 77 English Animals Vocabulary Coming soon
  16. 78 English Body & Health Vocabulary Coming soon
  17. 79 English Clothing Vocabulary Coming soon
  18. 80 English House & Furniture Vocabulary Coming soon
  19. 81 English Kitchen & Tableware Vocabulary Coming soon
  20. 82 English Transport & Travel Vocabulary Coming soon
  21. 83 English Places in Town Vocabulary Coming soon
  22. 84 English Nature & Geography Vocabulary Coming soon
  23. 85 English Weather Vocabulary Coming soon
  24. 86 English Jobs & Professions Vocabulary Coming soon
  25. 87 English Technology & Internet Vocabulary Coming soon
  26. 88 English Money & Shopping Vocabulary Coming soon
  27. 89 English Emotions & Feelings Vocabulary Coming soon
  28. 90 English Sports & Exercise Vocabulary Coming soon
  29. 91 English Education & School Vocabulary Coming soon
  30. 92 English Business & Work Vocabulary Coming soon
  31. 93 English Family & Relationships Vocabulary Coming soon
  32. 94 English Colours Vocabulary Coming soon
  33. 95 English Verbs of Motion Coming soon
  34. 96 English Opinion & Attitude Vocabulary Coming soon
  35. 97 English Academic Vocabulary Coming soon
  36. 98 English Medical & Pharmacy Vocabulary Coming soon
  37. 99 English Admin & Paperwork Vocabulary Coming soon
  38. 100 English Environment & Climate Vocabulary Coming soon
  39. 101 English Arts, Music & Film Vocabulary Coming soon
  40. 102 100 Essential English Phrasal Verbs Coming soon
  41. 103 Commonly Confused English Words Coming soon
  42. 104 British vs American English Coming soon
  43. 105 English Irregular Verbs Reference Coming soon
  44. 106 Academic Word List: Set 1 Coming soon
  45. 107 Academic Word List: Set 2 Coming soon
  46. 108 Linking Words for Essays Coming soon
  47. 109 English Numbers, Dates & Money Coming soon
Pronunciation & writing 11 topics See the pronunciation & writing page →
  1. 110 English Pronunciation Overview Coming soon
  2. 111 The English Alphabet & Its Sounds Coming soon
  3. 112 English Vowel Sounds (IPA) Coming soon
  4. 113 English Consonant Sounds (IPA) Coming soon
  5. 114 English Word Stress Coming soon
  6. 115 Sentence Stress & Rhythm Coming soon
  7. 116 English Intonation Patterns Coming soon
  8. 117 English Silent Letters Coming soon
  9. 118 English Spelling Rules & Patterns Coming soon
  10. 119 English Contractions & Reductions Coming soon
  11. 120 English Connected Speech (Linking) Coming soon
Practice 9 topics See the practice page →
  1. 121 Shadowing to Improve English Speaking Coming soon
  2. 122 How to Practise English Listening Coming soon
  3. 123 English Reading Practice: Beginner Coming soon
  4. 124 English Reading Practice: Elementary Coming soon
  5. 125 English Reading Practice: Intermediate Coming soon
  6. 126 English Reading Practice: Upper-Intermediate Coming soon
  7. 127 How to Practise English Writing Coming soon
  8. 128 Common English Collocations Coming soon
  9. 129 English Minimal Pairs Practice Coming soon
Phrases 20 topics See the phrases page →
  1. 130 50 English Survival Phrases Coming soon
  2. 131 English Greetings & Goodbyes Coming soon
  3. 132 English Politeness & Please/Thank-You Coming soon
  4. 133 English Travel Phrases Coming soon
  5. 134 English Restaurant Phrases Coming soon
  6. 135 English Hotel Phrases Coming soon
  7. 136 English Shopping Phrases Coming soon
  8. 137 English Asking Directions Phrases Coming soon
  9. 138 English Emergency Phrases Coming soon
  10. 139 English Small Talk Phrases Coming soon
  11. 140 English Phone & Call Phrases Coming soon
  12. 141 English Business Meeting Phrases Coming soon
  13. 142 English Social & Making-Friends Phrases Coming soon
  14. 143 English Airport Phrases Coming soon
  15. 144 English Doctor & Pharmacy Phrases Coming soon
  16. 145 English Opinion & Discussion Phrases Coming soon
  17. 146 English Agreeing & Disagreeing Phrases Coming soon
  18. 147 English Texting & Chat Phrases Coming soon
  19. 148 English Classroom Phrases Coming soon
  20. 149 English Complaint & Problem Phrases Coming soon
Exams 21 topics See the exams page →
  1. 150 English Exams: Which One & How to Prepare Coming soon
  2. 151 IELTS Overview: Format & Scoring Coming soon
  3. 152 IELTS Listening: Format & Strategies Coming soon
  4. 153 IELTS Reading: Format & Strategies Coming soon
  5. 154 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Coming soon
  6. 155 IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) Coming soon
  7. 156 IELTS Speaking: Parts 1-3 Coming soon
  8. 157 Understanding IELTS Band Scores Coming soon
  9. 158 TOEFL iBT Overview: Format & Scoring Coming soon
  10. 159 TOEFL Reading Strategies Coming soon
  11. 160 TOEFL Listening Strategies Coming soon
  12. 161 TOEFL Speaking Tasks Coming soon
  13. 162 TOEFL Writing (incl. Integrated) Coming soon
  14. 163 Cambridge English Exams Explained Coming soon
  15. 164 A2 Key (KET) Overview Coming soon
  16. 165 B1 Preliminary (PET) Overview Coming soon
  17. 166 B2 First (FCE) Overview Coming soon
  18. 167 C1 Advanced (CAE) Overview Coming soon
  19. 168 C2 Proficiency (CPE) Overview Coming soon
  20. 169 Exam Essay & Writing Skills Coming soon
  21. 170 Exam Speaking Strategies Coming soon