In everyday speech, this level might be called “bilingual”, as in “I am bilingual in English and French.” A well-educated native English speaker is technically at a C2 level. Relatively few English learners reach this level because their professional or academic goals do not require it.
The C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country. According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
In summary, C2 level is considered the highest level of proficiency in the CEFR framework, and it's considered as a near-native speaker level of proficiency, but not equivalent to the proficiency of a native speaker.
B1 is synonymous with good language skills. B2 is synonymous with very good/fluent language skills. C1 is synonymous with business fluent language skills. C2 is synonymous with (almost) native language level.
A native speaker's language is their first language. This usually means that it dominated their youth and is therefore the language they do their thinking in (though there are some exceptions). A native speaker is more than fluent — they correctly and easily use their first language.
If you are at C1, then you are bilingual and have been for some time. Bilingual is not an either/or condition, there is a graduation of fluency.
Level 5 – Native or bilingual proficiency
educated native speakers in all of its features, including breadth of vocabulary and idiom, colloquialisms, and pertinent cultural references.
You can expect to encounter more complex, nuanced texts and questions in C2 Proficiency compared to C1 Advanced. However, both tests are at a high level and success in either qualification will be accepted as proof of English proficiency by most universities.
Candidates who have secured a C1 Advanced grade C, having scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR and can be expected to be comparable in ability with candidates who have secured 6.5 or 7.0 in IELTS.
English test C2 (Proficiency)
Can express themself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.
Level C2 corresponds to proficient users of the language, i.e. those able to perform complex tasks related to work and study.
A C1 level speaker can also be considered as someone who is a fluent speaker of the language. They will have no problem speaking, reading, writing and understanding the language and don't really need to take pauses to think while they are speaking.
Can a non native speaker reach C2? No, not all native speakers speak their languages at C2 level. I am bilingual by myself, and I can understand everything, of course, written or spoken in my native languages.
Advanced: CEFR Level C1.
CEFR-level C1 (advanced)
You can express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.
C1 Advanced Scale Scores
The examination also provides reliable assessment at the level above C1 (Level C2) and the level below (Level B2). Scores between 142 and 159 are also reported for C1 Advanced. You will not receive a certificate, but your Cambridge English Scale score will be shown on your Statement of Results.
The answer is yes! You will need to work a lot harder and be serious about your preparation for the C1 Advanced exam. While the B2 First shows you have a good grounding in English, the C1 Advanced is closer to the level of a native speaker.
Is C1 Advanced hard? Definitely yes. It is proof of language skills similar to those of native speakers. Although it is not the highest language level, (higher is C2) it represents the understanding of the language at the academic level and the ability to talk about virtually any topic freely.
In order to progress to C2 level, students need to work on their pronunciation and intonation to sound like native speakers. Additionally, they should be able to communicate effectively with native speakers on abstract topics and handle difficult conversations as well as discuss any topic without difficulty.
There's no doubt that the LG C2 is a real step up on the C1. It's brighter, with noticeably more punch and pop, regardless of what you're watching. It sounds better too – though we highly recommend adding a separate sound system – with even more features and an even slicker design.
Native speakers usually score a 9 on the Listening exam, simply because they understand everything that is said. Of course! As a non-native speaker, you should prepare like a native speaker.
“Fluent / fluency” usually means a high degree of native-like proficiency. and fluent is a term that cannot describe the degree of speaking skills. “Proficient” is a term that describes the degree of speaking skills of any language. “Advanced” describes a high level of proficiency, usually well above beginner.
Native or bilingual proficiency is the highest level you may attain on the ILR scale. This level indicates that you fully understand the language and are fluent in it because you've spoken it for a relatively long time.