SCQF stands for Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework. It provides a common understanding for describing qualification levels. The ESOL awards with LEB Secure English Language Test are SCQF credit rated and sit within the SCQF database.

SCQF Database

ESOL Awards with LEB Secure English Language Test have been SCQF Credit Rated

Mapped to SCQF Levels and are broadly comparable with other ESOL qualifications awarded.

SCQF A1 Level Map

A1 – Beginner

At the A1 level, learners can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of simple needs. They can introduce themselves and others, ask and answer simple questions about personal details, and interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Understand simple phrases and expressions used in familiar situations.
  • Use simple phrases and sentences to describe themselves and their immediate environment.
  • Understand short, simple texts containing familiar vocabulary and basic information.
  • Write short, simple texts like postcards and notes about familiar topics.
SCQF A2 Level Map

A2 – Elementary

At the A2 level, learners can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). They can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Understand short, simple texts and find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material.
  • Use a series of phrases and sentences to describe topics like family, people and living conditions.
  • Interact in a simple way to exchange information on familiar topics.
  • Write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters of immediate need.
SCQF B1 Level Map

B1 – Intermediate

At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. They can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken and can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Understand the main points in straightforward factual texts on subjects of personal or professional relevance.
  • Connect phrases in a simple way to describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes and ambitions.
  • Deal with most situations likely to arise when traveling in English-speaking areas.
  • Write simple, connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
SCQF B2 Level Map

B2 – Lower Advanced

At the B2 level, learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Read and understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
  • Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible.
  • Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue.
  • Write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
SCQF C1 Level Map

C1 – Advanced

At the C1 level, learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts including literary works, and recognise implicit meaning.
  • Express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions.
  • Use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
  • Produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.
SCQF C2 Level Map

C2 – Proficient

At the C2 level, learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely.

AT THIS LEVEL, INDIVIDUALS CAN:
  • Understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, including abstract and structurally complex texts.
  • Summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments coherently.
  • Express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning.
  • Produce clear, smooth-flowing text in an appropriate style with effective logical structure.