Free · Online · CEFR
Free CEFR English Placement Test
Find out roughly where your English sits on the CEFR scale, from Pre-A1 to C1, in about 25 minutes. It is free, and you don't need an account to start.
- About 25 minutes
- Free
- No sign-up to start
- Result straight away
Start whenever you are ready: you need about 25 minutes, headphones or speakers for the listening questions, and no account. Your level appears as soon as you finish.
What the test covers
Grammar & Vocabulary
Short questions on how English sentences are built and the words you know.
Reading
Notices, messages and short articles, with questions on the main idea and the detail.
Listening
Short recordings of everyday conversations and clear talks.
Speaking and writing are not tested
This free test measures Grammar & Vocabulary, Reading and Listening only. It does not test speaking or writing, so your result is an estimate, not a full picture of your English.
Free placement test or full level test?
Free CEFR English Placement Test
- Online, about 25 minutes
- Grammar & Vocabulary, Reading and Listening
- Marked automatically; result straight away
- An estimate from Pre-A1 to C1
- Free, no sign-up to start
Scholar Gateway CEFR English Level Test
- All four skills, including speaking and writing
- Marked by our tutors
- Official English Level Report with a verification code
- Covers every level from Pre-A1 to C2
- Booked through your branch
Use the free test to see where you are. Choose the full test when you need a report you can show to a school.
What do the CEFR levels mean?
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) describes language ability in six steps, from A1 to C2. We add Pre-A1 for young beginners.
- Pre-A1The very first steps: recognising familiar words and simple phrases, usually with pictures and plenty of support.What is Pre-A1 English? →
- A1A beginner who can manage simple, familiar situations when people speak slowly and clearly.What is A1 English? →
- A2An elementary user who can handle routine everyday tasks and short, simple conversations.What is A2 English? →
- B1An independent user who copes with most familiar situations and can explain an opinion simply.What is B1 English? →
- B2A confident user who can discuss a wide range of topics and understand fairly complex texts.What is B2 English? →
- C1An advanced user who can use English flexibly for study and work, including at university.What is C1 English? →
- C2Mastery: English used with ease, precision and subtle shades of meaning.What is C2 English? →
Book a free speaking test
Talk with one of our tutors for a short speaking assessment. We'll tell you how your speaking compares with the rest of your English, and which course or exam to aim for next.
Book a free speaking testFrequently asked questions
Is the test really free?
Yes. There is no charge and you don't need an account to start. If you want to keep your result, you can create an account afterwards.
How long does it take?
About 25 minutes. The questions adjust to your answers, so strong candidates may see a short extra section.
Which levels can it show?
Pre-A1 to C1. If you score above C1, we will suggest a speaking assessment to confirm the higher level.
Why aren't speaking and writing tested?
Speaking and writing need a trained person to mark them fairly. Book a free speaking test, or take the full Scholar Gateway CEFR English Level Test, to have all four skills assessed.
Can I use the result for a school application?
No. The free result is a guide only and has no verification code. For a report you can show a school, take the full Scholar Gateway CEFR English Level Test.
Who is it for?
Teenagers and adults, and parents who want a quick idea of their child's level. Younger children are usually better assessed in a speaking test with a tutor.