Guided learning hours per level
| CEFR level | Cambridge exam | Hours (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | A1 Starters/Movers (YLE) | 90 to 100 |
| A2 | A2 Key (KET) | 180 to 200 |
| B1 | B1 Preliminary (PET) | 350 to 400 |
| B2 | B2 First (FCE) | 500 to 600 |
| C1 | C1 Advanced (CAE) | 700 to 800 |
| C2 | C2 Proficiency (CPE) | 1,000 to 1,200 |
These hours are cumulative. They count from complete beginner level, not from one level to the next. Cambridge English says that these figures are intended as a guideline only.
Source: Cambridge English support, "Guided learning hours", https://
From one level to the next
Cambridge English gives a simpler rule for moving up one level. It takes approximately 200 guided learning hours to progress from one CEFR level to the next. For example, a learner who has passed B2 First might need approximately 200 hours of lessons and supervised study to prepare for C1 Advanced.
Both the table and this rule are approximate. Use the table when you count from complete beginner level. Use the rule when you count from one level to the next.
What each level means
The hours tell you how long. The CEFR global scale tells you what you can do at each level. The table below gives the Council of Europe description of each level in simpler words.
| Level | User group | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Basic user | You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases. You can introduce yourself and answer simple questions about personal details. You can talk in a simple way if the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is ready to help. |
| A2 | Basic user | You can understand sentences and common expressions about things that matter to you every day, such as family, shopping, your local area and work. You can do simple, routine tasks that need a short, direct exchange of information. You can describe your background and your surroundings in simple words. |
| B1 | Independent user | You can understand the main points of clear standard language about familiar things at work, at school and in free time. You can deal with most situations while you travel where the language is spoken. You can write simple connected text on familiar topics. You can describe experiences, events, hopes and plans, and give short reasons for your opinions. |
| B2 | Independent user | You can understand the main ideas of complex text on concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your own field. You can talk with native speakers with some fluency, and the conversation is not hard work for either side. You can write clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain the advantages and disadvantages of different options. |
| C1 | Proficient user | You can understand a wide range of long and difficult texts and notice meaning that is not stated directly. You can speak fluently without searching much for words. You can use the language well for social, academic and work purposes. You can write clear, well-organised, detailed text on complex subjects. |
| C2 | Proficient user | You can understand almost everything that you hear or read with ease. You can summarise information from different spoken and written sources in a clear way. You can express yourself very fluently and precisely, and show fine differences of meaning, even in complex situations. |
Source: Council of Europe, CEFR global scale, Table 1 (CEFR 3.3), https://
What changes the time
Cambridge English names some factors that can change how long it takes to improve your English. They include these four.
- Your language learning background.
- How intensive your study is.
- Your age.
- How much you study or use English outside lesson times.
Cambridge English also says that you may need more or less time and support depending on your own needs. This lesson does not calculate the effect of these factors.
Plan your weeks
This calculator does one thing. It divides the hours by the hours that you study each week. The answer is not a promise that you will reach a level in that time.
Enter the hours and the hours each week. Then press the button.
How to find your level
Before you plan hours, find your current level. Take the level test, then read the section From one level to the next. Cambridge English says one level takes approximately 200 guided learning hours. Read about the CEFR levels for more about each level.
The numbers answer "how long", not "how hard". Use them to plan, not as a guarantee.
Try the quiz
- Cambridge English says it takes approximately ___ guided learning hours to progress from one CEFR level to the next.
- Approximately how many hours from beginner level does B2 First require?
- The hours in the Cambridge table are ___ (they count from beginner level, not from one level to the next).
- Which level needs approximately 1,000 to 1,200 hours from beginner level?
- Cambridge English describes the figures as a ___ only.
- Cambridge English gives an example of these hours as ___ and supervised study.
- In the table, the ___ levels need more hours from beginner level than the lower ones.
- Which Cambridge exam sits at CEFR level A2?
- At B1 you can deal with most situations while ___ where the language is spoken.
- A learner who has passed ___ might need approximately 200 hours to prepare for C1 Advanced.
Show all answers
- 200. One level of the CEFR takes approximately 200 guided learning hours.
- 500 to 600 hours. B2 First from beginner level.
- Cumulative. The table counts from beginner level.
- C2 Proficiency.
- Guideline. You may need more or less time.
- Lessons. Cambridge English gives the example of lessons and supervised study.
- Higher.
- A2 Key.
- Travelling.
- B2 First.