What English Diplomas Are There and What Level Does Each One Indicate
Lower, Advanced, Proficiency, KPG, LanguageCert, TOEIC – which corresponds to which level and what does this mean in practice.
Book an introduction and level assessment →All English diplomas are classified into the six levels of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), from A1 to C2. In practice, the three most requested are B2 (good knowledge, the well-known Lower), the C1 (very good knowledge, Advanced) and the C2 (excellent knowledge, Proficiency). The organization changes, the level is common.
The confusion starts from the names. One talks about Lower, another about ECCE, the third about B2 and they all mean the same thing. Below you will see what each level indicates and which diploma corresponds to which, so you can understand exactly what you have or what you need to obtain.
The six levels and what each one means
| Level | Characterization | What the holder can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic knowledge | Basic phrases and simple everyday needs |
| A2 | Basic knowledge | Simple communication on familiar topics |
| B1 | Intermediate knowledge | Coordination in travel, school, and work |
| B2 | Good knowledge | Comfortable communication and understanding of complex texts |
| G1 | Very good knowledge | Spontaneous use in academic and professional environments |
| G2 | Excellent knowledge | Full understanding and accuracy in every situation |
The descriptions of the middle column are those used in public announcements. When an announcement requests 'good knowledge of English', it asks for level B2, regardless of the entity that issued the certificate.
Which degree corresponds to which level
| Provider | B2 | G1 | G2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | B2 First (formerly FCE) | C1 Advanced (formerly CAE) | C2 Proficiency (formerly CPE) |
| Michigan | ECCE | ALCE | ECPE |
| KPG (Ministry of Education) | B2 | G1 | G2 |
| LanguageCert | B2 Communicator | C1 Expert | C2 Mastery |
| LRN / NOCN / ESB | Level B2 | Level C1 | Level C2 |
| TOEIC | Unified examination with a score corresponding to a level | ||
| IELTS / TOEFL | Score instead of level, mainly for studies abroad | ||
The names Lower and Proficiency have remained from the earlier qualifications of Michigan and Cambridge and today are almost used as synonyms for B2 and C2 respectively. More about the comparison of the two organizations can be found in the article Cambridge or Michigan.
Preparation for every level
Preparation classes for B2, C1, and C2, with targeted work on all skills and continuous assessment of progress.
See the exam preparation →How they differ from each other
Exam structure
Some qualifications assess all four skills, while others only assess written and spoken comprehension.
Exam periods
Some organizations test twice a year, others much more frequently throughout the year.
Method of examination
There are exams in examination centers and computer-based exams with remote proctoring.
Use outside Greece
For studies abroad, universities usually require IELTS or TOEFL.
How to choose a qualification
- Start with the purposePublic, private sector, or studies abroad. The purpose determines both the level and the organization.
- See your actual levelA diagnostic test shows if you are targeting correctly. Taking the exam at the wrong level costs time.
- Check the exam structureIf you struggle with speaking or writing, the structure of each qualification makes a difference.
- Confirm the recognitionFor use in the public sector, the certificate must be included in the language proficiency annex of ASEP.
Read also
Frequently Asked Questions
What English degrees are available and what level does each one indicate?
What is the difference between Lower and B2?
What is the State Certificate of Language Proficiency?
What degree do I need for studies abroad?
Does an English degree expire?
Can I go straight to C2 without having B2?
- Ministry of Education – State Certificate of Language Proficiency
- ASEP – Language Proficiency Annex
- Cambridge English – Exam Levels
See which level suits you
Book a level assessment and we will see together which degree makes sense to aim for and how much preparation time is needed.
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