Scale of Proficiency Levels

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.

To get more information about each level, you can consult the proficiency level descriptions. In addition, your instructor can use this information to plan activities that will help you progress to a higher level.

Proficiency level descriptions

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

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