No Proficiency
At this lowest level, there is no knowledge of the language. The person may know a few words but can’t form sentences or carry on any conversation type.
Elementary Proficiency
At this language proficiency level, a person can form basic sentences, including asking and answering simple questions. This is essentially the starting point of the language proficiency levels. This level reflects someone traveling to a new country and has just begun to study a language.
They can:
- Take part in necessary, factual conversations
- Go to a shop where goods are on display and ask for what they want.
- Understand simple information from a penfriend
- Write simple messages
Limited Working Proficiency
Someone at this level can handle basic work commands and social phrases. They can carry on limited casual conversations at the office and discuss their personal life. Someone at this level still needs help with more extensive conversations in the language. They can only operate independently in basic conversations.
They can:
- Take part in ‘small talk’ and express simple opinions.
- Ask for what they want and exchange basic information with other people
- Understand letters with simple descriptions of people, events, ideas, and opinion
- Write a short letter with basic factual information
Professional Working Proficiency
Someone at this language proficiency level can contribute to office meetings, have conversations with clients, and carry out most work functions requested of them. A person at level 3 can speak at a normal speed in the language and has a fairly extensive vocabulary. They likely still have an accent at this level and probably require help understanding subtle and nuanced phrasing. Some employers consider this level or above as basically acceptable, depending on the specific job.
They can:
- Take part in a casual conversation for a reasonable period of time.
- Can understand letters with a range of personal opinions.
- Write simple letters stating facts and events.
Full Professional Proficiency
Most employers desire full professional fluency. Someone at this level can have advanced discussions on a wide range of topics about personal life, current events, and technical topics such as business and finance. People at this level may still have a minor accent and may occasionally misspeak or make minor mistakes. Their vocabulary is extensive, and they can carry on conversations with ease. Most employers consider level 4 or above acceptable.
They can:
- Take part in conversations on a range of topics
- Understand what is said in personal letters, even where the colloquial (informal) language is used.
- Write letters expressing opinions and giving reasons
Native / Bilingual Proficiency
Someone at this language proficiency level was either raised speaking the language as their native tongue or had been speaking it so long that they are completely fluent. They have little or no accent.
They can:
- Take part in conversations on a range of abstract topics with a fair amount of fluency and a variety of expressions.
- Read quickly enough to cope with an academic course.
- Write letters on any subject with good expression and accuracy.