How to Test Your English Level (+ Free Tools to Do It)

What’s your English Level?...

And how can you determine if you fall into: 

• A0/A1 English (Beginner/Elementary) ...
• A2 English (Pre Intermediate)
• B1 English (Intermediate)
• B2 English (Upper Intermediate)
• C1 English (Advanced)
• C2 English (Proficient)

Testing your English level is something the majority of job seekers have to face. 

As the top business language, speaking English can open many doors to grow and connect with people worldwide. 

If you want to test your English level before that job interview or practice before a formal all-English interview, we’ll guide you through various methods and free tools to assess your English level accurately. 

These tools provide a clear structure and understanding of the language skills involved. Each aspect contributes to your proficiency level, from listening and speaking to reading and writing. Let's delve into each skill and explore how you can evaluate your abilities effectively.

Understanding English Proficiency Levels

Before diving into the testing methods, let's briefly outline the expected English proficiency levels. These levels are often categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, with further subdivisions within each category. Understanding these levels provides context for assessing your proficiency accurately.

Beginner Level

• A0/A1 English (Beginner/Elementary) ...
• A2 English (Pre Intermediate)

At the beginner level, individuals typically possess limited vocabulary and struggle with basic grammar concepts. They may be able to understand simple phrases and hold basic conversations on familiar topics.

Intermediate Level

• B1 English (Intermediate)
• B2 English (Upper Intermediate)

Intermediate learners have a better grasp of vocabulary and grammar rules. They can engage in more complex conversations, express opinions, and understand a wider range of topics with some difficulty.

Advanced Level

• C1 English (Advanced)
• C2 English (Proficient)

Advanced learners are proficient in English, demonstrating a rich vocabulary, strong grammar skills, and the ability to communicate effectively in various contexts. They can comprehend complex texts, express nuanced ideas, and engage in discussions on diverse subjects with ease.

Evaluating Your English Proficiency

Listening Skills Evaluation

Assessing your listening skills is crucial for comprehending spoken English in various contexts, including conversations, lectures, and presentations. Here's how you can evaluate your listening proficiency:

• Engaging with Authentic Listening Material

Expose yourself to authentic English audio content like podcasts, TED talks, or online radio stations. Focus on understanding the spoken language's main ideas, supporting details, and nuances.

Speaking Skills Assessment

Effective communication lies at the heart of language proficiency. Evaluating your speaking skills involves assessing your ability to express ideas, engage in conversations, and articulate thoughts coherently. Here's how you can evaluate your speaking proficiency:

• Conversational Practice

Engage in regular conversations with native speakers or language partners to practice expressing yourself fluently and confidently. Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar structures, and intonation patterns to convey your message effectively.

Written Skills Assessment

Assessing your grammar and syntax involves examining your ability to construct grammatically correct sentences and use proper word order. Here's how you can evaluate your written proficiency:

• Do you understand the basic rules of English grammar?
• Can you consistently use correct verb tenses, articles, and pronouns?
• Do you understand sentence structure and punctuation rules?
• Review your written work for common spelling errors.
• Utilizing spelling and grammar checkers to identify and correct mistakes.
• Practicing spelling words that you commonly misspell.
• Do your sentences flow smoothly from one to the next?
• Can you effectively use transition words and phrases to connect ideas?

How to Test Your English Level (+ Free Tools to Do It)

Let's explore several free tools available to assess your English level accurately. Whether you prefer online assessments, self-paced quizzes, or interactive exercises, every learner has a suitable option.

Disclaimer: the tools recommended on this blog do not replace academic or professional tests and don’t guarantee program or job admissions/acceptance with the results obtained. These tools self-assess your English and proactively seek opportunities to improve your conversational, written, and listening English skills.

1. SmallTalk2Me

SmallTalk2Me offers a user-friendly platform for assessing your English proficiency through interactive conversations. The tool uses artificial intelligence to simulate real-life dialogues, providing you with immediate feedback on your speaking and listening abilities.

With a diverse range of topics and scenarios, SmallTalk2Me adapts to your level, making it suitable for beginners and advanced learners.

The platform is accessible via web browsers and mobile devices, allowing you to practice English anytime, anywhere with a simple sign-up with your Google, Facebook, or user + password.

Once you’ve completed the test, the tool will give you a report with recommendations based on your Vocabulary, Pronunciation & Fluency, and Grammar.

1. EnglishRadar

EnglishRadar is an online assessment tool designed to evaluate your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Through quizzes and exercises, EnglishRadar assesses your proficiency across several languages including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.

The platform offers personalized feedback and detailed performance reports, highlighting areas for improvement and suggesting tailored learning resources. EnglishRadar's intuitive interface and adaptive assessments cater to learners of all levels, making it an ideal choice for self-assessment and skill development.

1. Education First

Education First (EF) provides a range of free English proficiency tests, including the EF Standard English Test (EFSET) and the EFSET Quick Check.

The EFSET is a standardized assessment that evaluates your English skills on a scale aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

EFSET Quick Check offers a quick and convenient way to gauge your English proficiency with a 15-minute or 50-minute test, with results delivered instantly.

Final thoughts and tips

Self-assessing your English pronunciation and overall domain will help you practice and improve your job and educational opportunities. Plus, knowing where to improve can motivate you to seek tools available online or in person to enhance your skills.

Now, while online placement tests can provide a general assessment of your proficiency level, they may not accurately reflect your true abilities. Test format, time constraints, and personal performance can influence results. It's essential to complement online tests with self-assessment and targeted practice to gain a comprehensive understanding of your English proficiency

Here are some tips that’ll help you make the most of your self-assessment: 

• Keep a journal of your language progress, noting areas of improvement and areas that need more focus.
• Engage in regular conversations with native speakers or language partners to gauge your speaking and listening skills.
• Challenge yourself with reading materials and audio resources suited to your proficiency level.