CEFR LEVELS

Launched in 2001, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a standardised tool developed by the Council of Europe to assess language proficiency. In Italian, it is called the Quadro Comune Europeo di Riferimento per le Lingue (QCER).

It offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating language skills and competencies, emphasising effective communication in various linguistic contexts.

The CEFR (or QCER) consists of six proficiency levels, ranging from A1 for beginners to C2 for proficient users.

These six levels can be grouped into three broad levels: Beginner (basic user), Intermediate (independent user) and Advanced (proficient user).

See Vocabulary lists (A1-B2) from the Profilo della Lingua Italia

UK Equivalent

CEFR/QCER Level	Broad level	Proficiency	UK Equivalent
Basic User	A1	Beginner	–
Basic User	A2	Elementary	GCSE A* – C
Independent User	B1	Lower Intermediate	AS Level A* – C
Independent User	B2	Upper Intermediate	A2 Level A* – C
Proficient User	C1	Advanced	University
Proficient User	C2	Advanced Plus	Near fluent

RECOGNISED ITALIAN LANGUAGE CERTIFICATIONS

The table below compares:

the CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) organised by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, and
the CELI (Certificati di Lingua Italiana) organised by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, with
each of the 6 CEFR Levels.

Other certifications recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAECI) are: