ESL Connexus English Levels
Find the Right English Level
A simple guide to ESL Connexus levels, courses, progress, and assessment.
Pre-A1 to C2
Open a level to see the main skills, suggested courses, and typical guided-learning time.
Pre-A1 First Steps Complete beginners
Beginning English sounds, words, and classroom language.
- Recognise familiar words and instructions
- Identify letters and English sounds
- Repeat words and short phrases
About 3–7 months
A1 Foundation English Basic communication
Simple English for familiar people, places, and situations.
- Introduce themselves and answer simple questions
- Understand short classroom instructions
- Read and write simple sentences
About 3–8 months
A2 Everyday English Growing independence
Simple communication in familiar everyday situations.
- Take part in short conversations
- Read short, straightforward texts
- Write short connected messages
About 7–13 months
B1 Independent English Connected communication
More independent English for familiar and academic situations.
- Explain experiences, plans, and opinions
- Understand the main points of clear English
- Write organised paragraphs
About 12–23 months
B2 Confident English Clear extended communication
Clear English for a wider range of academic and abstract topics.
- Understand main ideas in complex texts
- Explain and support opinions
- Write clear, detailed responses
About 12–23 months
C1 Advanced English Flexible academic English
Flexible English for demanding academic, social, and professional situations.
- Understand long and complex texts
- Recognise implied meaning
- Present complex ideas clearly
About 14–25 months
C2 Proficient English High accuracy and flexibility
Advanced English with a high degree of accuracy, control, and precision.
- Understand complex spoken and written English
- Combine information from multiple sources
- Adapt language for audience and purpose
About 23–46 months
The month ranges assume about 2–3 hours of guided learning each week. Progress varies by student, and time or book completion does not replace assessment.
Required to Progress
Students need at least 80% on the ESL Connexus level assessment before moving to the next CEFR stage.
How Progress Works
Regular assessments show strengths and learning gaps.
Lessons target skills that need more practice.
A score of 80% or higher is required to progress.
Common Questions
Does finishing a book move a student to the next level?
Are the time estimates guaranteed?
Can a student have different levels in different skills?
Find the Right Starting Level
Use the ESL Connexus assessment to choose the best learning path.
ESL Connexus English Levels
Find the Right English Level
A simple guide to ESL Connexus levels, courses, progress, and assessment.
Pre-A1 to C2
Open a level to see the main skills, suggested courses, and typical guided-learning time.
Pre-A1 First Steps Complete beginners
Beginning English sounds, words, and classroom language.
- Recognise familiar words and instructions
- Identify letters and English sounds
- Repeat words and short phrases
About 3–7 months
A1 Foundation English Basic communication
Simple English for familiar people, places, and situations.
- Introduce themselves and answer simple questions
- Understand short classroom instructions
- Read and write simple sentences
About 3–8 months
A2 Everyday English Growing independence
Simple communication in familiar everyday situations.
- Take part in short conversations
- Read short, straightforward texts
- Write short connected messages
About 7–13 months
B1 Independent English Connected communication
More independent English for familiar and academic situations.
- Explain experiences, plans, and opinions
- Understand the main points of clear English
- Write organised paragraphs
About 12–23 months
B2 Confident English Clear extended communication
Clear English for a wider range of academic and abstract topics.
- Understand main ideas in complex texts
- Explain and support opinions
- Write clear, detailed responses
About 12–23 months
C1 Advanced English Flexible academic English
Flexible English for demanding academic, social, and professional situations.
- Understand long and complex texts
- Recognise implied meaning
- Present complex ideas clearly
About 14–25 months
C2 Proficient English High accuracy and flexibility
Advanced English with a high degree of accuracy, control, and precision.
- Understand complex spoken and written English
- Combine information from multiple sources
- Adapt language for audience and purpose
About 23–46 months
The month ranges assume about 2–3 hours of guided learning each week. Progress varies by student, and time or book completion does not replace assessment.
Required to Progress
Students need at least 80% on the ESL Connexus level assessment before moving to the next CEFR stage.
How Progress Works
Regular assessments show strengths and learning gaps.
Lessons target skills that need more practice.
A score of 80% or higher is required to progress.
Common Questions
Does finishing a book move a student to the next level?
Are the time estimates guaranteed?
Can a student have different levels in different skills?
Find the Right Starting Level
Use the ESL Connexus assessment to choose the best learning path.