ALTE Can Do statements and the CEFR

All Cambridge English exams are developed using the principles and approaches of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) – the standard benchmark used internationally to describe language ability.

Describing levels of language ability

The CEFR describes language ability in a scale of levels from A1 for beginners up to C2 for those who have mastered a language.

What can learners do at each level?

Cambridge ESOL is a founder member of ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe), a group of leading language testing organisations in Europe. In order to make examination results easier to understand, ALTE members have developed a series of Can Do statements for each of the CEFR levels. These statements describe what language users can typically do with the language at different levels and in different contexts (general, social and tourist, work or study).

Find out more about Cambridge ESOL and the CEFR

What can learners do at each level?

For example, these are the ALTE Can Do statements for general language:

ALTE Can Do Statements: overall general ability
CEFR LEVELS	Listening/Speaking	Reading	Writing
C2	CAN advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and deal confidently with hostile questions.	CAN understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts.	CAN write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.
C1	CAN contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.	CAN read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence.	CAN prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.
B2	CAN follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics.	CAN scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice.	CAN make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests.
B1	CAN express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements.	CAN understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area.	CAN write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.
A2	CAN express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context.	CAN understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters.	CAN complete forms and write short, simple letters or postcards related to personal information.
A1	CAN understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic.	CAN understand basic notices, instructions or information.	CAN complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places.

Find out more about the ALTE Can Do statements.

How many hours of study to reach each level?

Cambridge ESOL is often asked about the number of study hours (or guided learning hours) required to reach a certain examination level. It is not possible to give a categorical answer to this, as hours of study required will vary depending upon several factors, such as the candidate’s language learning background, the intensity of the study, the inclinations and age of the individual, as well as the amount of study/exposure outside of lesson times. The following figures are, however, sometimes quoted as an approximate guideline:

CEFR Level	Guided Learning Hours
C2	approximately 1,000–1,200
C1	approximately 700–800
B2	approximately 500–600
B1	approximately 350–400
A2	approximately 180–200