Proficiency Level Descriptions

The Scale of Second Language Proficiency Levels for the College Student describes the development of second language proficiency in 10 levels. For each level, it defines what the learner is able to understand orally and in writing.

The proficiency test is made up of a number of items divided into two categories:

• Items that focus on texts and measure the respondent’s degree of proficiency in written comprehension;
• Items that focus on audio recordings and measure the respondent’s degree of proficiency in oral comprehension.

NOTE: For a description of each of the proficiency levels, please refer to the complete list contained in the Management and Editing Help Guides. A summary version of the levels is also provided for college respondents in the Student Guide.