CEFR
Education & Academia abbreviation · Standardized Test
| Stands for | Common European Framework of Reference for Languages |
|---|---|
| Categories | Education & Academia |
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, a standardized test abbreviation.
Council of Europe framework, published in 2001, that describes language ability on six levels from A1 (beginner) through A2, B1, B2 and C1 to C2 (mastery). Tests of English, French, Spanish and many other languages report or map their results to these levels.
Example: Applicants must demonstrate English at CEFR level B2 or above, for example through IELTS 6.0.
Usage notes
The CEFR is a set of "can do" descriptors, not a test itself. A Companion Volume published in 2020 expanded the descriptors and added mediation and sign language competences. Immigration systems, including the UK's, express language requirements in CEFR levels, and the 2026 TOEFL scale was designed to align with them.
Related abbreviations
More standardized test abbreviations
- CAASPP – California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress
- CAE – Certificate in Advanced English
- CASPer – Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics
- CAT – Common Admission Test
- CBEST – California Basic Educational Skills Test
- CBSE – Central Board of Secondary Education
- CLEP – College-Level Examination Program
- CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test
- COMLEX – Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination
- CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English
- CSET – California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- CUET – Common University Entrance Test