:: Beginner
:: Beginner Plus
:: Elementary
:: Lower Intermediate
:: Intermediate
:: Upper Intermediate
:: Advanced

If you are interested in knowing what you will be able to do with your language skills at the end of a course, then please look at our Language Learning Pathway page.

If you are not a beginner and are not sure which level you are, please take the appropriate level test. When you have completed the test, please tell us the following information:

• Your score
• Which level of class you wish to enter
• If you are a previous Cactus student

Please click on the links below to test your language ability:

Use this key to work out which level you are.

Beginners 0-4
Beginners Plus 5-9
Elementary 10-17
Lower Intermediate 18-24
Intermediate 25-31
Upper-Intermediate 32-37
Advanced 38-40

Beginner

You have no knowledge or understanding of the language, other than perhaps a few key words and expressions. You have no real idea about the grammar, and have a very limited vocabulary.

Beginner Plus

You have some knowledge of the language, which you would like to consolidate and extend. You can introduce yourself and can describe the immediate world around you. You have come across different grammatical structures, but are not confident of using them. You have a limited ability to communicate and find it difficult to understand the spoken language.

Elementary

You can produce simple sentences and can formulate and respond to simple questions. You have a basic knowledge of grammatical structures, including different tenses and word order, and have enough vocabulary to ‘survive’ in predictable situations.

Lower Intermediate

You can understand and use simple structures fairly consistently, and can ask and respond to a wide range of simple questions. You have a reasonable idea of how the tense system works, and have an active vocabulary of around 700 words. You can express yourself in familiar contexts, although you still make mistakes.

Intermediate

You have a good understanding of simple structures, but lack accuracy and do not feel at ease with them just yet. You need to consolidate what you know and are ready to learn new and more complex forms. You can express yourself in most common situations and hold conversations on a range of topics.

Upper Intermediate

You have a good grasp of all the essential structures and can use them with a reasonable degree of accuracy. Although you have some language gaps and make some errors, you can communicate effectively and appropriately in most situations, including on unfamiliar topics. You are ready to learn more complex forms and more advanced vocabulary.

Advanced

You have a good understanding and knowledge of a wide range of language structures and functions, although you may continue to make minor errors syntactically. You have considerable passive knowledge, but want to expand your active usage. You are ready to learn different ways of expressing ideas, work on the subtle nuances of the language, and expand the range of what you can say and write.