CEFR levels for jobs: what B2 and C1 mean
CEFR levels run from A1 to C2. What each means at work, which level remote jobs ask for, how IELTS, TOEFL, Versant and EF SET compare, and how to prove yours.
By Anyro, founder of StaffPickPublished 6 min read
Contents
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) describes language ability in six levels, from A1 for beginners to C2 for people who use the language with real ease and precision. Employers use CEFR levels as shorthand: "B2 English" on a job post means you can do the job in English without strain. Here is what each level means at work, which level to aim for, and how to prove yours.
The six levels in plain English
The Council of Europe groups the levels in three pairs. A1 and A2 are basic users, B1 and B2 independent users, C1 and C2 proficient users.
| Level | Group | What it looks like at work |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic | Simple phrases about yourself, if people speak slowly and help |
| A2 | Basic | Short, routine exchanges on familiar topics |
| B1 | Independent | Handles familiar work topics and writes simple, connected text |
| B2 | Independent | Works in English on most topics without strain |
| C1 | Proficient | Fluent and flexible, including complex and professional topics |
| C2 | Proficient | Precise and natural, even in complex situations |
The quotes below come from the 2020 Companion Volume. It reworded the 2001 summaries to be gender-neutral, and where the old B2 text said "native speakers", it now says "users of the target language".
What B2 level English means
B2 users "can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation" and "can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with users of the target language quite possible without imposing strain on either party".
At work, that looks like this: you handle routine client emails and calls on your own. Now and then you check an unusual word or ask someone to repeat a point, and small mistakes don't get in the way of what you mean.
What C1 level English means
C1 users "can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions" and "can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes".
At work: you handle complaints and negotiations, change your tone for different people, and write clear, well-organised documents without help.
C2 is not "native"
The Council of Europe says C2 "is not intended to imply native-speaker or near native-speaker competence". It describes people who use the language with precision and ease, and who "can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations".
Which level remote jobs ask for
This table is our guidance, based on what each kind of work needs. Each employer sets its own bar.
| Role | Level we suggest | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry, back office | B1 to B2 | You read instructions and type accurately, with little live contact |
| Virtual assistant | B2 or higher | You write to clients and their customers every day |
| Chat and email support | B2, or C1 for complaints | Fast written replies, in the brand's tone |
| Phone support, appointment setting, sales | C1 | Live speech, different accents, no time to look things up |
| Writing, editing, executive assistant | C1 to C2 | Your English is the product |
If a job post just says "excellent English", a tested level answers the question before the client has to ask.
How IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, Versant and EF SET map to CEFR
Each test owner publishes its own table. These are their numbers, as of October 2026:
| CEFR level | Scores that match |
|---|---|
| B1 | TOEFL iBT 3–3.5 Duolingo 60–95 Versant 43–58 EF SET 41–50 |
| B2 | TOEFL iBT 4–4.5 Duolingo 100–125 Versant 59–75 EF SET 51–60 |
| C1 | TOEFL iBT 5–5.5 Duolingo 130–150 Versant 76–84 EF SET 61–70 |
| C2 | TOEFL iBT 6 Duolingo 155–160 Versant 85–90 EF SET 71–100 |
TOEFL iBT moved to a 1 to 6 scale on 21 January 2026. The Duolingo numbers come from its 2026 scoring guide and the EF SET numbers from EF's CEFR page. Versant scores are on Pearson's Global Scale of English, which splits two levels in half: B1 is 43 to 50 and B1+ is 51 to 58; B2 is 59 to 66 and B2+ is 67 to 75.
IELTS works differently. Its CEFR page says the C1 threshold "would fall between the 6.5 and 7 bands", that bands 8.5 and above are C2 (band 8 is borderline), and that band 5 sits on the line between B1 and B2.
All of these tables are approximate. IELTS itself warns that "there will not be a one-to-one correspondence between IELTS scores and CEFR levels". Use them to compare, and check which test and score your employer accepts.
If you want a first check for free, EF SET is free and gives you a CEFR level.
The Versant test for BPO and call center jobs
If you apply to a BPO, you may be asked to take a Versant test. Pearson says its Versant tests are "used by corporations, call centers and BPO providers".
The Versant English Speaking and Listening Test takes 17 minutes, on a computer or the Versant app, and is scored by machine. Pearson's official guide lists six parts:
- Give a short answer to a question (8 items)
- Repeat a sentence (16 items)
- Answer a question about a conversation (6 items)
- Answer questions about a passage (6 items)
- Retell a passage (2 items)
- Give your opinion (2 items)
Results are reported on Pearson's Global Scale of English and on CEFR. Each employer sets its own pass mark. On Pearson's table, 59 to 75 is B2 and 76 to 84 is C1.
How to practise for the Versant test, from Pearson's own tips and the test rules:
- Use a quiet room. Pearson warns that even loud fans or air conditioning can interfere.
- Use a headset with a microphone boom.
- Speak clearly at a normal volume and a normal speed. Don't shout, whisper or rush.
- Start answering quickly. If you don't start speaking within a set time, the test moves on to the next question.
- Keep going after a weak answer. You can't go back or re-record.
Our own tip: practise at home by repeating sentences from podcasts or videos word for word, and by retelling short news stories in your own words. Those are two of the six parts.
English level by country
The EF English Proficiency Index ranks countries by adult English skills. Its 2025 edition, still the latest on 27 October 2026, covers 123 countries:
| Country | Rank (of 123) | EF band |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 13 | Very high |
| Poland | 15 | Very high |
| Kenya | 19 | High |
| Philippines | 28 | High |
| Nigeria | 29 | High |
| Vietnam | 64 | Moderate |
| India | 74 | Low |
| Brazil | 75 | Low |
| Colombia | 76 | Low |
| Mexico | 103 | Very low |
Read this with care. The index is based on the results of 2.2 million adults who chose to take EF's online test, so it isn't a random sample of any country. It says nothing about one person's English, which is why employers test people one at a time.
How StaffPick tests and shows your band
On StaffPick, the English test takes about 8 minutes. You read a short email from a client and answer 5 questions about it, then write a reply of 80 to 150 words. It's scored out of 100. The questions and your reply each give part of the score, and an AI grades the reply for grammar, clarity, tone and whether it answers the client.
Your profile shows your level, from A2 to C2, next to your score, with your typing speed and your role quiz score:
- English C1
- 82
- Typing
- 64wpm
- Virtual assistant quiz
- 88
To be clear about what it is: StaffPick's English test is our own test, with CEFR-style bands. It isn't an official certificate like IELTS or TOEFL. It is the same test for everyone, though, and businesses see your score with the date you took it. You get one retake, 14 days later, and the retake score replaces the first.
To prepare, treat it like a real client email. Read the whole message first, answer every question the client asks, keep your tone polite and clear, and check your spelling before you submit. If you also want to work on typing, see what typing speed remote jobs need.
Hiring? Browse tested people: every profile shows a tested English band.
Questions people ask
How do I know my CEFR level?
Take a test that reports CEFR. EF SET is free and gives you a CEFR level. IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo and Versant publish tables that convert their scores to CEFR. If an employer names a test, take that one, because each test maps a little differently.
What do A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 mean?
They are the six CEFR levels. A1 and A2 are basic users, B1 and B2 are independent users, and C1 and C2 are proficient users. B2 means you can work in English without strain for you or the people you talk to. C1 means you use English fluently and flexibly, including for professional purposes.
Is B2 English good enough for a remote job?
For many virtual assistant, back-office and chat support jobs, yes. For phone support, appointment setting and sales calls, we suggest C1. This is our guidance; each employer sets its own level.
What Versant score do BPO jobs need?
There is no single pass mark: each employer sets its own. On Pearson's Global Scale of English, 59 to 75 is B2 (including B2+) and 76 to 84 is C1.
Sources
Each figure in this guide comes from one of these pages, checked on 27 Oct 2026. Prices and rules change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
- 1Council of Europe: CEFR Companion Volume (2020), common reference levels, global scalerm.coe.int
- 2Council of Europe: CEFR global scale (2001 wording)coe.int
- 3IELTS: IELTS and the CEFRielts.org
- 4ETS: TOEFL iBT score scale update (from 21 January 2026)ets.org
- 5Duolingo English Test: scoring guide for teachers (2026)englishtest-static.duolingo.com
- 6Pearson: Global Scale of English and CEFRpearson.com
- 7EF SET: EF SET and the CEFRefset.org
- 8Pearson: Versant by Pearson tests for employerspearson.com
- 9Pearson: Versant by Pearson English Speaking and Listening Test, official guide for test-takers (2024)pearson.com
- 10EF English Proficiency Index 2025ef.com