Cavendish uses The Common European Framework of Reference for Language programs (Certification and Assessment) abbreviated as CEFR. CEFR is a guideline used to describe achievements of learners of foreign languages across Europe and, increasingly, in other countries. Its main aim is to provide a method of learning, teaching and assessing which applies to all languages in Europe. In November 2001 a European Union Council Resolution recommended using the CEFR to set up systems of validation of language ability.

The six reference levels (see below) are becoming widely accepted as the European standard for grading an individual’s language proficiency.

Certificates

Cavendish issues certificates for five of the six CEFR categories:English Language Certificates

  1. Elementary (A2)
  2. Intermediate (B1)
  3. Upper Intermediate (B2)
  4. Advanced (C1)
  5. Proficiency (C2)

Transcripts

The Educators transcripts provides the leaner’s grades in:

Reading, writing, Listening, and Speaking

Grades are indicative of learners ability to move on to the next level.

  • Grade A is indicative of the learner’s ability to move on to the next level.
  • Grade B shows that the learner requires more work before moving to the next level.
  • Grade C means that the learner is at the early stage of the current level.
This transcript is designed to help students placement by the educational institutions in an appropriate course.

Common reference levels

The Common European Framework divides learners into three broad divisions that can be divided into six levels:

(These descriptors can apply to any of the languages spoken in Europe, and there are translations in many languages.)

A – Basic User

A1 Breakthrough or beginner
(TOEFL (IBT) 8-12 (speaking) )
  • Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
  • Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has.
  • Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Waystage or elementary
(TOEFL (IBT) 13-18 (speaking), 11-16 (writing)  – PTE Academic 30)

  • Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
  • Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
  • Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B – Independent User

B1 Threshold or intermediate
(IELTS 4.0 to 5.0 – TOEFL (IBT) 57 to 86  – PTE Academic 43)

  • Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
  • Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
  • Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
  • Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Vantage or upper intermediate
(IELTS 5.0 to 6.5  – TOEFL (IBT) 87 to 109 – PTE Academic 59)

  • Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation.
  • Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
  • Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C – Proficient User

C1 Effective Operational Proficiency or advanced
(IELTS 7.0 to 8.0 – TOEFL (IBT) 110 to 120 – PTE Academic 76)

  • Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Mastery or proficiency
(IELTS 8.0 to 9.0 – TOEFL (IBT) 29-30 (reading) – PTE Academic 85)

  • Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read.
  • Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation.
  • Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.

The self-assessment grid

The self-assessment grid is based on the six level scale of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages developed by the Council of Europe.

The grid consists of three broad levels as follows: Basic user (levels A1 and A2); Independent user (levels B1 and B2); Proficient user (levels C1 and C2).

The self-assessment grid can be consulted on the website of the Council of Europe (www.coe.int/portfolio).