Whether you need an internationally recognized proof of your English language skills for your job or for your studies – our experienced team of trainers knows what is important for the tests and will give you the best tips to maximize your chances of passing the English language exam you want. Save yourself stress and learn what counts for the exam.
Good to know: Many of our Berlitz language schools are also official test centers where you can directly take the language exam in addition to your preparation course.
Are you ready for your English exam?
To help prepare you for English exams such as TOEIC, TOEFL, IELTS, and more, Berlitz offers you various course formats. Many official language tests can also be taken directly on site at your local Berlitz Center.
Choose a preparation course
Exam preparation courses are either one-on-one, where the intensity of instruction can be personalized, or group preparation courses. Both versions are available on-site or as online classes. Crash course, weekend course, regular classes - all available to help you reach your goal.
TOEIC - Often referred to as the Test of Communication in the Workplace, the TOEIC measures the English proficiency of individuals who wish to work in an international environment.
TOEFL - The TOEFL is the the world's leading and most widely recognized assessment of academic English. It tests reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills and prepares you for university, immigration, and administrative procedures. TOEFL iBT takes less than 2 hours to complete.
Cambridge Certificate - Educational institutions, companies, as well as governments recognize the Cambridge University English Language Certificate. This certification tests knowledge of British English and can be taken in various categories.
IELTS - The International English Language Testing System IELTS is used as an English language certificate mainly in the academic field or for migration.
telc - telc is a language exam recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organizations, and is accepted as a language qualification by both German and foreign universities and colleges.
Find out your English exam level by taking our free placement test.
Berlitz Proficiency Levels for adults: 1 to 10
Functional Ability
Berlitz Level 1 | CEFR A1
You can introduce yourself and ask other people simple questions about themselves – for example, where they live, how they are or what things they like and you can also give your own answers to these types of questions. You can take part in a simple conversation if the person you are conversing with talks slowly and helps you by repeating things.
English levels and exams
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a comprehensive recommendation for language learners and language teachers and is recommended as a standard for assessing language proficiency. Language proficiency is divided into three levels: elementary (A), independent (B), and proficient (C). Various language skills are tested, such as reading and listening comprehension, writing, and speaking. The CEFR provides an internationally recognized basis for interlingual comparability.
English Level A1
At this level, you can
- understand and use familiar and everyday expressions and simple phrases.
- introduce yourself and others, and answer questions about yourself and others, e.g. where you live, how old you are, etc.
- communicate in a simple way and hold a conversation when your conversation partner speaks slowly and clearly.
English Level A2
At this level, you can
- understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to you and your everyday life.
- communicate in simple, familiar situations where you can exchange information easily and directly on familiar topics.
- describe your own background and education, your immediate environment, and things related to immediate needs.
English Level B1
At this level, you can
- understand the content of conversations when clear standard language is used and when they are about familiar things from your everyday life.
- handle most situations when you are traveling.
- converse easily about familiar topics and areas of personal interest.
- talk about experiences and events, describe goals, and give brief explanations of plans and personal views.
English Level B2
At this level, you can
- understand the main content of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics in your own field of specialization, as well as in technical discussions.
- communicate spontaneously and fluently enough to carry on a smooth conversation with native speakers.
- express yourself clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, justify your position on an issue, and list the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
English Level C1
At this level, you can
- understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meanings.
- express yourself spontaneously and fluently, without having to think about the right choice of words.
- use the newly learned language effectively and flexibly in private and professional situations.
- express yourself clearly, in a structured and detailed way on complex issues.
English Level C2
At this level, you can
- understand virtually everything you read or hear without effort.
- Summarize information from a variety of written and oral sources, giving reasons in a coherent presentation.
- Express yourself spontaneously, fluently and precisely, clarifying finer meanings even in more complex situations.
Are you ready for your English exam?
To help prepare you for your English exam, Berlitz offers you a flexible self-study program, live online language courses and a combination of e-learning and individual or group lessons. Many official language tests can also be taken directly on site at your local Berlitz Center.
Find out more
Contact us today with your questions. We can work together to find the course that’s right for you – with no obligation on your part. Your Berlitz team will contact you shortly.