HOW QUICKLY CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR ENGLISH?
It mostly takes about 200 hours to progress from one level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to the next. For example, a candidate who has passed B2 First exam will need approximately 200 hours of language lessons and study to prepare for the C1 Advanced exam.
However, there are a number of factors that can affect how quickly your English will improve, such as:
The table below suggests how many guided learning hours you might need to reach each level of the CEFR. These figures are intended as a guideline only. You may require more or less time and support depending on your own needs.
However, there are a number of factors that can affect how quickly your English will improve, such as:
- your language learning background
- the intensity of your study
- your age
- the amount of study/exposure outside of lesson times
The table below suggests how many guided learning hours you might need to reach each level of the CEFR. These figures are intended as a guideline only. You may require more or less time and support depending on your own needs.
Common European Framework Guided Learning Hours (from beginner level)
CEFR Level |
Cambridge English Exam |
number of Hours (approximate) |
C2 |
C2 Proficiency - previously known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) |
1,000—1,200 |
C1 |
C1 Advanced - previously known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) |
700—800 |
B2 |
B2 First - previously known as Cambridge English: First (FCE) |
500—600 |
B1 |
B1 Preliminary - previously known as Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) |
350—400 |
A2 |
A2 Key - previously known as Cambridge English: Key (KET) |
180—200 |
A1 |
A1 Starters/Movers - previously known as Cambridge English Starters/Movers (YLE) |
90-100 |
What is the Common European Framework?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard for describing language ability. It describes language ability on a six-point scale, from A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. This makes it easy for anyone involved in language teaching and testing, such as teachers or learners, to see the level of different qualifications. It also means that employers and educational institutions can easily compare our qualifications to other exams in their country.