CLOE Certification

The CLOE English Certification assesses and certifies general and professional English language proficiency from Level A1 to Level C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For the "Written" section, it draws on a database of over 700 questions calibrated according to the CEFR framework (A1 to C2), with further breakdowns by sub-level (A1-, A1, A1+, etc.). The test is adaptive: questions are presented to the candidate based on an algorithm and in response to their answers. For the oral section, the panel uses a questioning tool (sample questions, texts, and role-playing scenarios) to assess the candidate’s ability to communicate orally. The CLOE English certification meets the needs of employees and companies by identifying the level of oral and written proficiency and certifying the associated skills.

Proven skills:

The CLOE English certification attests to a person’s ability to communicate in everyday or professional situations. The results of the CLOE certification are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for describing language proficiency. It consists of a scale for assessing language proficiency, with six levels: from A1 (elementary) to C2 (proficient). This scale serves as the European benchmark in the fields of language learning, teaching, and proficiency assessment in many countries to promote educational and professional mobility. The results of the CLOE certification are translated into competencies. Below is an example of a scale of overall competencies by level.

Overall capacity by level

Level A1

Can understand and use familiar, everyday expressions and very simple sentences aimed at meeting simple, concrete needs.

Can introduce themselves or someone else and ask a person questions about them—such as their name, where they live, their relationships, their possessions, etc.—and can answer similar questions.

Can communicate in simple terms, provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is cooperative.

Level A2

Can understand isolated phrases and frequently used expressions related to areas of immediate priority (e.g., personal information about shopping, work, and familiar surroundings).

Can communicate in simple, routine situations involving only a simple, direct exchange of information, and on familiar activities and topics.

Can describe, in simple terms, a person, a place, an object, their own background, or their surroundings.

Level B1

Can understand the main points when clear, standard language is used and when the topic is

familiar situations at work, school, during leisure activities, etc. Can handle most language situations encountered while traveling abroad.

Can express opinions clearly and coherently on familiar topics and in areas of interest.

Can describe an event or experience, describe a dream, hope, or goal, and give brief reasons or explanations for a plan or idea.

Level B2

Can grasp the main points of concrete or abstract topics in a complex text and follow a specialized discussion in their professional field.

Can communicate with such spontaneity and ease that a conversation with native speakers is comfortable for both parties.

Can express themselves clearly and in detail on a wide range of topics, give an opinion on an issue, and outline the pros and cons of various options.

Level C1

Can understand a wide range of long and complex texts and grasp implicit meanings.

Can express themselves spontaneously and fluently with almost no effort, without apparently having to search for words.

Can use the language effectively and flexibly in social and professional contexts, as well as in training and academic settings.

Can express opinions on complex topics in a clear and well-organized manner, describe or report on something in detail, and link content to form in their statements.

Level C2

Can understand almost everything he or she reads or hears with ease.

Can present facts and arguments from various written and oral sources by summarizing them in a coherent manner.

Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and in a nuanced manner, and can clearly convey subtle shades of meaning when discussing complex topics.

General writing skills

Master the key grammatical structures needed to construct coherent sentences of varying complexity. Identify and use everyday or professional vocabulary appropriate to the context. Understand a short text and grasp its overall meaning and specific details. Identify and use everyday or professional expressions.

General oral communication skills

Understand statements, instructions, or questions from an English-speaking interlocutor. Use everyday or professional vocabulary appropriate to the communication situation. Mastery of the main grammatical structures needed to construct coherent sentences of varying complexity. Communicate naturally in spoken English. Make oneself understood with clear pronunciation. Develop interaction and dialogue.

Assessment criteria:

The certification is administered at an accredited Language Study Center (CEL). Candidates select their center through a national platform and register for the CLOE English Certification. The CEL contacts them to schedule the exam, which can be taken in person at the center or remotely. Candidates receive their results through the platform, and the certificate is mailed to them by the CEL.

Scores on the CLOE test

Below is the breakdown of scores obtained on the CLOE certification exam

A1

0

A1+

0

A2

0

B1

0

B1-

0

B2-

0

Training eligible for my training account

TheEnglish is a course eligible for my training account (CPF); feel free to visit the government website and contact us for more information about our CPF-funded courses.