Language Levels

Below you will find the pathway for language learning at Leicester Adult Education. Our Modern Foreign Languages courses are aligned with the Common European Framework for Reference for the Languages (CEFR). Please note that our languages courses are not qualification courses.  

CEFR levels gained after completing the course are in brackets next to the course title. Learn more about the Common Reference Levels on the Council of Europe's website.

CERF = Common European Framework for Reference for the Languages.

If you're still unsure, there is a self-assessment tool at the bottom of this page. This is a quick multiply choice questionnaire that will help you understand your level. 

We hope this page will help you decide what level your language learning may be at. If you need any more help, please do get in contact with us.

Getting Started with ... (CEFR Level = Pre-A1)

These courses are for learners with no previous knowledge of the language that want to start from the very beginning. These courses are 5-weeks long. 

Language for Beginners (CEFR Level = A1)

Beginners courses are intended for people with some previous knowledge of the subject, ideally having previously completed the Getting started with course as this is a continuation course. Beginner courses focus on learning basic sentences, grammar, and structures to help you interact in the language in simple contexts. These courses are 25-week courses.

We also offer Essential Languages for Holidays for beginners that have some previous basic knowledge. These courses are designed to prepare learners with a previous basic knowledge with survival phrases to use the language during holidays. The three courses are: Travel and Accommodation, Food and Drinks and Basic Conversation. You can enrol onto all three or onto the one that interests you the most. These courses are three, 4-hour courses.

Level 1

. One, 30-week course = 60 hours of learning.
. To enrol onto a Level 1 course, you should have completed at least 40 hours of learning the language.
. CERF Level: A1/A2

Level 2

This level takes 2 years to achieve. To enrol onto a level 2 course, you should have completed 120 (year 1) to 180 hours (year 2) of learning the language.

. Level 2 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = A2/B1
. Level 2 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B1.

Level 3

This level takes 2 years to achieve. To enrol onto a level 3 course, you should have completed 240 (year 1) to 300 hours (year 2) of learning the language

. Level 3 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B1/B2
. Level 3 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B2

Level 4

This level takes 2 years to achieve. To enrol onto a level 4 course, you should have completed 360 (year 1) to 420 hours (year 2) of learning the language.

. Level 4 year 1: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = B2/C1
. Level 4 year 2: one 30-week course = 60 hours. CERF Level = C1

Level 5

This level is one year (30 years) and is the final stage for language learning. These courses are for advanced learners only. To enrol onto a level 5 course, you should have completed 400 hours of learning the language.

CERF Level = C1/C2

Advanced Courses

These courses are for advanced learners of the language, with a minimum CERF level of B2. These courses are based on developing language-specific cultural knowledge.

CERF Level = B1-C2

Please note that not all levels are available in all the languages that we offer.

Please do contact us if you have any questions about our language levels.

To find upcoming language courses, filter by 'Languages' in the 'Curriculum' drop down on the link below

Search for upcoming courses here

Test yourself! 

Our language team have put together an initial self-assessment together for our Spanish, Italian and French courses. These multiply choice questions will help you to understand what your learning level is before enrolling onto a course. Find out more information on the forms below. 

Spanish self-assessment 

Italian self-assessment 

French self-assessment