How to write language proficiency in a resume. Language proficiency levels for resume. International system for determining levels of knowledge

Today, almost everyone strives or simply dreams of becoming fluent in a foreign language. It is for this reason that there are many courses, lessons on learning. If you still decide to use the help of specialists, then, first of all, you need to determine your level of knowledge. What for?

Know English proficiency levels very important. Based on the existing skills and abilities, you can choose the appropriate group so that the learning process is interesting, brings new knowledge, and you did not spend money on courses in vain. Specially designed tests to check the level of English language cover its main aspects. The results are very useful and interesting for you. How? To choose directions, a group, set goals and determine the desired results - this is what each of you needs a knowledge test for.

What is it?

Like any test, You are given a task and several possible answers. It may include:

— determination of the temporary form;
- insert a semantic or grammatical construction;
- complete the sentence
- find a mistake, etc.

By using textbooks and reference books during the test, you are doing yourself a disservice. This result, whatever it is, no one except you will know. Therefore, use only existing knowledge.

Language proficiency levels can be divided into several groups. The first of these is Russified classification, which gives only a general idea of ​​the available knowledge:

1. Initial
2. Medium
3. High.

The second one is more extended. Such a classification involves 4 levels and more fully helps to reveal the existing knowledge. It is often used when filling out various forms, for example, in a marriage agency, when applying for a visa. But, nevertheless, this method of definition is still not ideal.

1. With dictionary;
2. Conversational level;
3. Intermediate level;
4. Free use.

For this reason, the best classification is international. Let us consider in more detail all levels of knowledge of the English language, which allow us to most fully determine the available skills and abilities.

1. Beginner (A1 or Beginner) the level speaks of understanding the basics of the language, alphabet, sounds, the ability to read the simplest sentences and words. At this stage, it is very difficult to perceive foreign speech by ear.

2. Elementary (A2 or Elementary) .

With this level, an English learner can easily read small texts and understand the main points. The same is true of listening to speech. Oral speech: involves the ability to briefly talk about yourself, about others, talk on everyday topics, while presenting your speech and thoughts logically. It is important to note the phonetic side: not perfect pronunciation, but acceptable to be understood. Writing: the ability to write a request, notice, compose brief description anything in simple sentences.

3. Weak average level (B1 or Lower (Pre) Intermediate).

Understanding the main idea and meaning of the text, reading simple works. Oral speech: clear pronunciation, the ability to easily communicate on personal and non-personal topics, understand the question and answer accordingly, clearly express one's feelings, desires and intentions. Written speech at this level assumes that the student knows how to describe a situation, a person, a place, express his opinion, write official letter or query, grammatically correct to build a sentence.

4. Intermediate level gives a secondary school and assumes the ability to read books, watch films, write, while observing phonetic and grammatical norms language. It is quite easy to perceive foreign speech by ear. The basics of vocabulary help to build communication not only at the level of a question of an answer, but also to express a personal attitude, one's own opinion, to distinguish the general meaning of foreigners' speech, to distinguish official information from unofficial.

5. Above average (B2 or Upper Intermediate) This level assumes the presence of some knowledge, which helps to feel confident when communicating. Knowledge of grammatical rules, norms, the ability to easily perceive information aloud from the first listening, distinguish between accents, talk on the phone, read magazines and books in a foreign language. Oral speech is built on the use of idioms, phrasal verbs, colloquial and official lexical units. Some mistakes are allowed.

6. Advanced (C1 or Advanced 1): excellent command of the language, free communication on any topic, easy speech perception, knowledge of the intricacies of grammar.

7. Perfection (C2 or Advanced 2 (Proficiency)) It is not enough to say - to communicate freely. This stage assumes knowledge of English, almost like a native.

After considering all levels of English, determine yours. But remember that this is only a conditional description. It is still better to test your knowledge in a test that can be taken online.

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The level of a foreign language must be filled in in an accessible form, both for the employer and for the manager who will select your resume for an interview.

Take care of it! Writing example:

Advanced(Highest degree of proficiency)

Upper Intermediate(Fluency)

intermediate(Intermediate knowledge)

Pre-Intermediate(A basic level of)

Beginning(First level)

To get good higher education few. It is difficult to pass successfully and get a long-awaited vacancy in a decent institution without having the skills of fluency in a foreign language.

Prestigious workplace, most likely, a candidate with knowledge of English will get it than an applicant who indicated in the “proficiency level” column - with a dictionary. Such an answer will finally convince the employer that he is an amateur and move the applicant's resume to the bottom rung of the career ladder.

Today, everyone needs people with knowledge of foreign languages. They are waiting for them and want to see them among their employees. Almost all prestigious professions require language proficiency.

• In the first position is the position of a translator. This kind of activity requires foreign language proficiency at the highest level.
• Second place went to the diplomat. His specialty involves not only knowledge of English, but also other languages ​​of international level.
• Language proficiency required. There is nothing to go into the IT sphere without these skills. In the computer world, everything is built in the language of the West.
• For the same reason, both the SMM manager and the Internet marketer will not do without it.
• , manager, scientist, pilot, stewardess, businessman, and even are simply required to speak foreign languages.
• Art professions such as musicians, artists, make-up artists, stylists, costume designers and painters must be able to communicate fluently in English.

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

The labor market is oversaturated with specialists every year. Former students today are in search of their place in life. It is possible to bypass many other newly minted engineers, accountants or even freelancers if there is a significant advantage in the reserve - the proper level of English proficiency.

How to correctly indicate the level of foreign language proficiency in a resume

Many candidates face the same problem: how to correctly indicate the level of English proficiency for a resume. The lack of a single generally accepted system, as well as the difference between Russian and international formulations, entails some difficulties in finding a job.

In Russia, Ukraine and other CIS countries, the levels of language proficiency are described as follows:

• Applicants in the resume can indicate their specific skills: “I read and translate with a dictionary”, “proficiency at the household level”, “fluency”.
• You can apply another classification of the assessment: " basic knowledge”, “colloquial”, “good”, “fluent”, “perfect”.

When compiling a resume, they allocate a whole block to indicate information about the level of their knowledge of foreign languages. If, in addition to English, in your arsenal, there is some other language, you need to specify it. Take a closer look at your English comprehension abilities. For employers of large Russian and international companies, this aspect is of particular importance.

However, the most quoted was the international gradation of the level of English proficiency. Here are the following degrees:

• Level C 2 is considered the highest.
• Advanced level is considered C 1. (Advanced / Proficiency Level).
• Intermediate advanced - level B 2. Intermediate (Upper-intermediate Level).
• The average degree of understanding at level B 1. Threshold (Intermediate level).
• Knowledge is below average. – Level A 2. Basic (Basic / Pre-intermediate Level).
• Beginner level A 1. Elementary (Elementary / Beginning Level).

How to determine your level of English proficiency

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

For lack of time to pass tests, we offer to verbally determine skills in knowledge of foreign dialects. It's actually very simple! It is enough - to answer positively the points regarding the level, can you?

Below average (Pre-Intermediate). Applicant corresponding to the level must

• Be able to build complex sentences.
• Develop colloquial speech.
• Focus on what is being said in a simple conversation.
• Try to talk to foreigners without gestures.
• Correctly build interrogative, negative and declarative sentences.

The average level (Intermediate) involves

• Pretty fluent spoken English.
• The vocabulary should be sufficient for communication.
• Good writing and correct reading.
• Excellent understanding of what the interlocutor said.
• Perception of books and films in a native foreign language.

The high average level of knowledge (Upper-Intermediate) allows

• Freely carry on a conversation on various topics with clients, employees, foreign partners, friends and just strangers.
• Have a high level of writing
• Build conversational constructions with additions.

Advanced (Advanced). It is typical for him

• The ability to master speech, using complex turns and original idioms.
• Properly write letters business correspondence, negotiate, absolutely understand television programs, films, newspaper content.
• Perception and presentation at the carrier level.

How to indicate the level of language proficiency in the resume

Expert opinion

Natalia Molchanova

HR manager

If your knowledge of the language leaves much to be desired, then in the resume you should bypass this item altogether.

Of course, it is difficult to objectively assess your level of knowledge on your own. Taking free online tests will help shed light on this question. They are posted on websites. language schools. It is better to take several tests, as their results may vary slightly. A more accurate assessment of language proficiency can be displayed in the resume by setting the average score.

German language proficiency levels

When describing other international languages ​​(German, French, Spanish), the same criteria for assessing the level of proficiency as in English.

In order to get a job in an international company or organization dealing with foreign economic activity, necessary . To date, the most common and popular are - English, German, French, Chinese.

Language proficiency on resume

In order to get a job in an international company, you must indicate the level of proficiency in a particular language when filling out your resume. To do this, specify the level in a separate section. Most often, standard options are used, from which it is necessary to choose the most suitable one.

Russified classification:

• base,
• "I'm fluent"
• "I am fluent."

• beginner,
• advanced,
• basic,
• elementary level
• Upper Intermediate.

How should I indicate the level of language proficiency in the resume?

Naturally, in the resume it is necessary to indicate your real one. Another question is how to define it correctly.

For example, Intermediate assumes that a person can not only clearly and clearly express his thoughts and understand the interlocutor, but also write informational articles, conduct business correspondence, fill out declarations and other important documents.

To language, you can use one of the following methods:

1. When passing training, the level of knowledge is usually indicated, which should be shown by the practitioner.
2. Take an online test.
3. To confirm the level, from Intermediate and above, the following relevant tests must be passed.

Levels of knowledge of the language (Russified classification)

At the moment, there is the most accurate and official classification of different levels of English proficiency.

According to her, they are divided into the following, which we will now analyze in more detail:

• Advanced is the highest level of English proficiency. Moreover, both oral speech and writing are taken into account.
• Upper-intermediate(in modern texts it can be achieved with a set of 550 - up to 600 points). At the same time, a person at this level can easily communicate, watch movies and fully understand them. With such a level of knowledge of the language, it is possible to freely find a job in any company - both in a large and in a relatively small organization.
• intermediate- in order to get this level, you need to score from 400 to 550 points on the TOEFL text. This indicates that a person can communicate as competently and freely as possible on certain topics. Knows all the basic rules and features of the English language. Can conduct business negotiations at the proper level.
• Pre-intermediate represents the level of knowledge of a person who can freely perceive what is said (read) and delve into the essence.
• Elementary is an elementary or basic level of knowledge of the English language. Knowing English at this level, a person can freely quickly read various, as well as most. In addition, knowledge of the most basic and simple grammatical and spelling structures should also be present.
• beginner- Beginner level of English proficiency. It represents the easiest level of language proficiency. A person receives the most initial level at school. A person with these English language skills can still talk on various topics.

Level of language proficiency according to the European scale

In most countries of the world, the common European system (CEFR) has been adopted, which is used to determine the level of English proficiency. Thanks to this scale, standards have been established that are applied throughout the world for the most comprehensive definition of language competence.

This system is used to recognize their qualifications, which have been obtained in a wide variety of educational systems and has a direct impact on academic and labor migration not only in European countries, but throughout the world.

This rating scale can be applied to any language. This is due to the fact that the association "ALTE" developed and implemented a special formula "Sai Mo". The division goes into general educational and working moments.

According to the common European scale, the level of foreign language proficiency is divided into the following:

• A1 - initial - Breakshowge.
• A2 - 1 level (Pre-intermediate and Elementary).
• B1 - Intermediate.
• B2 - Upper-intermediate.
• C1 - Advanced.
• C2 - "Pro"

Each level is confirmed by passing the corresponding exam (Cambridge).

Valuable addition to the resume:

When filling out your resume, you must indicate not only the level of English proficiency, but also the availability of an appropriate certificate, as well as information about passing certain exams: B1, B2, C1 and C2.

It is also useful to indicate the full name of the detailed institution.

Certificates confirming the level of English

International certificates are issued to candidates on hand and are documentary evidence of the level of knowledge of the English language.

They are subdivided:

1. . This certificate is recognized in almost 130 countries around the world. First of all, these are most countries of the European continent, as well as New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the USA. This certificate is issued for two years, after which it must be re-validated.
2. TOEFL. Required for applicants upon admission to educational establishments, where teaching is conducted under the MBA program, as well as in employment. This certificate is recognized in Canada and the USA (over 2400 colleges), the TOEFL certificate is recognized in 150 countries. Its validity period is 2 years.
3. GMAT. This international certificate is required for admission to western universities, business schools, educational institutions where training is conducted under the MBA program, as well as in employment in large international companies. The validity of this certificate is currently 5 years.
4. GRE. This international certificate is required for admission to graduate school at most American universities. Its validity period is 5 years.
5. TOEIK.This certificate is required for applicants and students, including linguistic universities. Often a TOEIK certificate is required when applying for a job in a variety of English-speaking companies. The validity period is 2 years. But you can rent immediately for five years. But for this, you need to pay 50 dollars (standard fee).

Exams confirming language skills and the level of English (international scale)

Today, all over the world, the most common are Cambridge tests (which are annually passed by tens of millions of people from different regions of the globe - Cambridge COP).

This system is designed for different levels of English proficiency and provides an opportunity to get a preliminary assessment of your own knowledge. Each test confirms the level of knowledge and makes an assessment.

CAM (pr CEFR at Intermediate) with access to Elementary (A1 and A2), PET (Intermediate B1), FSE - Upper-intermediate (B2), - Advanced (C1), CPE - Pre-intermediate (C2). In addition, there are a number of others - highly specialized exams.

English proficiency test

The Internet now has great amount a wide variety of tests that make it possible to test your level of knowledge of the language. But here it is important to remember that not all of them are reliable, since most of them are just dummies that have nothing to do with official tests and counting criteria.

It is easier to call them simulators or applications. The most popular and popular is http://www.cambridgeenglish.org.ru/test-your-english/. This is due to the fact that it was released by Cambridge specialists and all the data obtained in it are reliable.

A resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae) is not at all a strict standardization document, however, when working on its compilation, it is worth considering generally accepted rules, standards and norms. One of the important points of the resume is information about language proficiency. Here you can find such incomprehensible designations as A1, B2, C2 and more understandable Beginner, Intermediate and others. This is the level of English proficiency. How high the level of language proficiency of the applicant should be, is determined by the employer, depending on the proposed position.

International Grading Scale

You can determine the level of language proficiency using the Common European Framework of Reference system - the Unified European Assessment System, which implies 3 levels and 6 gradations:

Description of English Proficiency Levels

To indicate how great your knowledge of the language is in your resume, you must first determine your level. To indicate the degree of English proficiency, the following gradation is most often used.

Elementary/Basic/Beginner. What does it mean? This means that you have basic knowledge of the language, you once studied English at school, remember common phrases, you can communicate a little with a dictionary, but you practically never used it in life.

Pre-Intermediate- means that your knowledge of the language is slightly higher than the basic one. You are able to express yourself using simple phrases, as well as facial expressions and gestures. Most likely, you will understand what is written in a letter or text in English, but you can write your letter or compose a text with the help of a dictionary.

intermediate is the average level. Knowing the language at this level, you are not afraid to speak, build simple speech structures in English. The size vocabulary small, but these words are enough to express in a simple way. This level in professional field allows you to compose a letter in English on your own, speak English boldly, solve some typical problems using English, without affecting the subtleties.

Upper Intermediate means fluency in English. As a rule, this is the level of foreign language graduates. Most graduates often exaggerate their knowledge and indicate that they speak English at the Advanced or Fluent level. Meanwhile, Upper-Intermediate implies the ability to speak fluently, the presence of a fairly rich vocabulary, but at the same time, the lack of knowledge of professional terminology, the presence of minor errors in speech. Usually, for positions involving the use of English, Upper-Intermediate is allowed.

Advanced or Fluent means fluency in English. A candidate who speaks the language to such a degree can easily use both oral and written English, simultaneously translate from / into English. This level is required for the position of an interpreter.

• If you mark English proficiency levels in your resume, then one HR (Human Resource) manager knows how it will be deciphered. However, there is no need to be modest on a resume. After all, as you know, a person is never as close to perfection as during a job interview.
• If in a conversation they ask about the level of English, it is better to answer with understandable expressions such as “confident”, “fluent”, “fluent”, “I speak well, but I do not understand well”, etc. And in the resume, brag about your knowledge descriptively: “I speak fluent English”, “I speak English confidently”, “I speak the language at the everyday level”.
• When language proficiency is important point when applying for a job, then you should prepare for the fact that the interview will be held in English. And then even if you indicate the C2 level and present a bunch of certificates, potential employers will judge language proficiency precisely by the interview.
• Sometimes knowledge of a language is worth demonstrating by compiling a CV in it. However, this requirement is more the exception than the rule. Most often, in the summary it is enough to note only a few points:
  • level of proficiency in one or another foreign language (basic/intermediate/fluent/native);
  • bias in writing or oral speech(if there is);
  • availability of certificates confirming knowledge (if any).
• It is important to indicate the real knowledge of the language in the summary, since in practice this can be checked quite quickly by finding out your true knowledge.
• When submitting a resume to foreign companies especially valuable information is the presence of TOEFL, FCE / CAE / CPE, WEIGHT certificates for the applicant, which are issued when passing international exams.
• In a working resume, indicating the level of English, it is better to choose one of the following options:
  • Basic (basic)
  • Intermediate (medium)
  • Advanced (advanced)
  • Fluent (fluency).

CEFR encoding is optional. But if you had to pass an international English proficiency exam, then a good result must be indicated by all means: TOEFL iBT 105, IELTS 7.5.

And be extremely honest when filling out the column about the level of knowledge of the English language: remember that the lack of real knowledge will quickly become apparent. When preparing for an interview in English, try to bring your language up to at least an intermediate level (Intermediate).

Improve your level of English. Good luck with your study!

English levels are, in fact, the system that allows you to assess how well a person speaks the language, that is, the result of learning itself. There are several classifications, they can be systematized according to:

Russian simple version has only three levels of knowledge. It:

• elementary
• average
• high

However, this classification is rather amateur, and it is not suitable for professionals, job seekers. The employer, considering all kinds of resumes, seeks to identify not only theoretical knowledge, but also the practical degree of training. Therefore, the applicant usually indicates the following levels:

1. Using a dictionary
2. Possession of speaking skills
3. Intermediate
4. Fluency (Fluent)

• Basic knowledge of Business English- basic knowledge of business English

International system for determining levels of knowledge

The international version is more complicated, it has more levels, due to the additional subdivision of the intermediate and higher degrees of English proficiency. For convenience, each category is designated by a letter with a numeric index.

scale of the level of knowledge of English So, below is a table Common European Framework of Reference — CEFR(Common European Competence Scale)

With the help of this table, you can determine in which category you are studying. For example, in order to get a job in some Call Center, you just need to reach level A 2 - elementary. But for teaching someone English, A 2 is clearly not enough: for the right to teach, the minimum category is B 2 (above average).

Professional classification language scale

However, more often, when compiling a summary according to international standards, the following is used: occupational classification, in which an elementary step serves as the initial step, and there are actually three "near-average" ones. In other scales, a 7-level division is used (in this case, the initial step goes without a category).

In the following table, we will take a closer look at intermediate(average)

As you can see, the concept of “level” is rather subjective: for someone, elementary or elementary is enough for training on an amateur scale, for professionals, and Advanced may seem inadequate.
Level Proficiency considered the highest, it is the most valuable and enables a highly qualified specialist to get a well-paid job abroad, and a student to get an education at a prestigious university or college.
In our own “penates”, the average (Intermediate) is quite sufficient in order to:

• understand language and communicate
• watch movies and read texts in English
• conduct formal and informal correspondence

Testing your level of English

How do you know what level of knowledge you are at? There are many tests, here is one of them

Testing your English level How do I get a little higher up this ladder? Only through education!

This is a topic without boundaries. Visit our sections English courses and Books and textbooks and choose your favorite method.

English proficiency levels according to the European scale

It is no secret that the American and British versions of English are somewhat different, and the international classification is more focused on the American version, since most foreigners study this particular, easier version. However, American English is foreign to Europeans. Therefore, the European English Language Proficiency Scale was created.
European English Proficiency Scale

1. A1 Level of survival (Breakthrough). Corresponds to the International Scale of Levels Beginner, Elementary. At this level, you understand slow, clear English and can speak using familiar expressions and very simple phrases for everyday communication: in a hotel, cafe, shop, on the street. You can read and translate simple texts, write simple letters and congratulations, and fill out forms.
2. A2 Pre-threshold level (Waystage). Corresponds to the international level Pre-Intermediate. At this level, you can talk about your family, your profession, personal hobbies and preferences in cuisine, music, and sports. Your knowledge allows you to understand announcements at the airport, texts of advertisements, shops, inscriptions on products, postcards, you know how to conduct business correspondence, and you can also freely read and retell simple texts.
3. B1 Threshold level. In the international scale it corresponds to the Intermediate level. You can already understand what is being said in radio and TV programs. You know how to express your own opinion, you know how to justify your views, conduct business correspondence of medium complexity, retell the content of what you have read or seen, read adapted literature in English.
4. B2 Threshold advanced level (Vantage). According to the international scale - Upper-Intermediate. You are fluent in spoken language in any situation, you can communicate with a native speaker without preparation. You are able to speak clearly and in detail on a wide range of issues, to convey your point of view, giving weighty arguments for and against. You can read non-adapted literature in English, as well as retell the content of complex texts.
5. С1 Level of professional knowledge (Effective Operational Proficiency). Corresponds to the international level Advanced. Now you understand various complex texts and can identify subtext in them, you can express your thoughts fluently without preparation. Your speech is rich in linguistic means and the accuracy of their use in various situations of everyday or professional communication. You can speak clearly, logically, and in detail on complex topics.
6. C2 Mastery level. According to the international scale - Proficiency. At this level, you are fluent in any spoken or written speech, you can summarize the information received from different sources and present it in the form of a coherent and well-reasoned message. Are you able to express your thoughts fluently? difficult questions conveying subtle nuances of meaning.

Strive for excellence!