9 Expert user • The candidate has fully operational command over the language.

• Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent.

• That shows complete understanding.

8 Very good user • The candidate has fully operational command of the language with only occasional disorganized inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.

• They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations.

• They can handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

7 Good user • The candidate has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.

• They are able to handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

6 Competent user • The candidate has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.

• They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 Modest user • The candidate has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.

• They can handle basic communication in their known situation.

4 Limited user • The candidate's basic competence is limited to familiar situations.

• They frequently face problems in understanding and expression.

• They are not able to use complex language.

3 Extremely limited user • The candidate conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.

• There are frequent failures while communicating.

2 Intermittent user • The candidate has great difficulty to understand, speak and write in English.

1 Non-user • The candidate has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.