Understanding CEFR Adaptive Test Scores

How the CEFR Adaptive Test Works

The CEFR Adaptive Test measures English proficiency across six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native). The test adapts in real-time:

• Candidates first answer a self-assessment question about their English proficiency
• Based on their response, they start at an appropriate level (A1, B1 or C1)
• They then see a set of questions at that level. A set of questions contains questions on Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. (Listening and Speaking questions are seen in alternate sets of questions. All other question types are seen in all sets).
• If they do well on a set, they get harder questions (moving up levels)
• If they struggle on a set, they get easier questions (moving down levels)
• If they do reasonably well on a set, they stay on the same level
• If they stay on the same level for more than 2 sets, the test ends.
• The maximum number of sets they can attempt is 6, if they are never on the same level for more than 2 sets.
• The test typically runs for 4-6 sets before determining their final level

What Each CEFR Level Means

<A1 - Below Beginner

Candidates have very limited or no functional English ability. They may recognize isolated words or very basic phrases but cannot form sentences or engage in any meaningful communication. They require extensive language training before being able to function in an English-speaking environment. This level indicates the candidate is not yet ready for roles requiring any English communication.

A1 - Beginner

Candidates have basic English knowledge and can understand simple phrases and expressions. They can introduce themselves, ask and answer basic questions about personal details, an interact in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly. This level indicates foundational English skills requiring significant support in professional settings.

A2 - Elementary

Indicates elementary English proficiency. Candidates can communicate in simple, routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information. They can describe their background, immediate environment, and matters of immediate need. This level suggests the candidate can handle basic workplace communication but needs support for complex tasks.

B1 - Intermediate

Demonstrates intermediate English ability. Candidates can handle most situations while traveling, produce simple connected texts on familiar topics, and describe experiences, events, and opinions with reasons. They can manage standard workplace communication, understand the main points of clear standard input, and participate in routine meetings and discussions.

B2 - Upper-Intermediate

Shows strong command of English suitable for professional environments. Candidates can interact fluently and spontaneously with native speakers, participate in detailed discussions, and write clear, detailed texts on diverse topics. They can understand complex texts, engage confidently in meetings, and handle most business communication independently.

C1 - Advanced

Indicates advanced English proficiency. Candidates can understand demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without obvious searching for expressions, use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes, and produce clear, well-structured texts on complex subjects.

C2 - Near-Native

C2 level represents near-native English mastery. Candidates can understand virtually everything heard or read, summarize information from different sources coherently, and express themselves spontaneously with precision and nuance. They can handle any professional situation with the linguistic sophistication of an educated native speaker, including presenting to senior stakeholders and drafting complex strategic documents.

How We Calculate Scores

Overall Score

The candidate's overall score is based on their performance in the last two sets of questions. We use a weighted average:

• 60% weight on their final round
• 40% weight on their second-to-last round

This approach ensures the score reflects the candidate's stabilized ability level, not the earlier sets where the test was still adjusting to find their appropriate level.

Example: If a candidate attempts 5 sets (A2 → B1 → B2 → C1 → C1), only the last two C1 sets determine their overall score.

Overall Grade

The overall score converts to a CEFR grade:

• 85 or higher = C2 (Near-native)
• 76-84 = C1 (Advanced)
• 59-75 = B2 (Upper-intermediate)
• 43-58 = B1 (Intermediate)
• 30-42 = A2 (Elementary)
• 21-29 = A1 (Beginner)
• < 21 = <A1 (Below Beginner)

Individual Skill Scores

The test evaluates six language skills:

• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

Unlike the overall score, skill scores use data from all sets where that skill was tested. We apply a weighted average that gives more importance to recent sets:

• For 5 sets, the weights are: Round 1 (5%), Round 2 (15%), Round 3 (25%), Round 4 (25%), Round 5 (30%)
• Recent performance matters more, but we don't ignore earlier sets completely

Understanding Score Differences

You might notice a candidate's overall score differs from their individual skill scores. This is normal and intentional:

• Overall score = Where they ended up (last 2 sets only)
• Skill scores = Their complete journey (all sets, weighted toward recent performance)

Example Scenario:

• A candidate reaches C2 level with 72 overall score (B2 grade)
• Their Grammar score might be 66 (also B2) because it includes their performance from all sets, including earlier ones at lower levels
• Both scores are accurate—they just measure different things

Sample Score Report

Candidate A:

• Overall Score: 72 - Grade: B2
• Grammar: 66 - Grade: B2
• Reading: 66 - Grade: B2
• Listening: 66 - Grade: B2
• Writing: 51 - Grade: B1
• Speaking: 48 - Grade: B1
• Vocabulary: 66 - Grade: B2

What this means: This candidate has solid B2-level English overall. Their receptive skills (reading, listening) are consistent with their overall level, while productive skills (writing, speaking) are slightly weaker at B1. This is common—productive skills often lag behind receptive skills.

Key Points to Remember

1. The test adapts to find each candidate's true level starting from their self-assessed level and adjusting based on performance
2. Overall scores focus on final ability using just the last 2 sets, showing where candidates stabilized
3. Skill scores provide comprehensive assessment using all sets with recent performance weighted more heavily
4. Different calculation methods serve different purposes—overall score shows current ability, skill scores show complete proficiency profile

Updated on: 07/08/2025