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CEFR B2 · UPPER-INTERMEDIATE

English at B2, the upper-intermediate level.

B2 is the upper-intermediate level of English on the CEFR scale: you talk with native speakers without strain and follow complex texts.

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Can-do lines from the Council of Europe's own grid

CEFR B2, Upper-Intermediate

Band B · Independent user

active words
~4,000
guided hours from zero
500–600
IELTS band
5.5–6.5

The word count is a typical estimate. The hours are a commonly cited range, not a Carna measurement. The IELTS band is a comparison, not a conversion.

The step, with its neighbours

  1. B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
  2. B2, Upper-Intermediate: 500–600 guided hours
  3. C1, Advanced: 700–800 guided hours
Next: C1 · Advanced

— WHAT YOU CAN DO

What does the B2 English level mean?

B2 is the upper-intermediate level of English, the fourth of six levels on the CEFR scale. At B2 you can understand the main ideas of complex texts, talk with native speakers without strain and explain your view. Reaching B2 usually takes about 500 to 600 guided learning hours in total. B2 compares with IELTS band 5.5 to 6.5.

  1. Listening

    Understand long talks and lectures, and follow complex arguments on topics you know fairly well. Understand most TV news, current affairs shows and films in standard English.

  2. Reading

    Read articles and reports on current problems where the writer takes a clear point of view. Understand modern novels and stories.

  3. Speaking

    Hold regular conversations with native speakers, fluently and naturally, with no strain on either side. Give clear, detailed descriptions on many subjects. Explain a point of view with its pros and cons.

  4. Writing

    Write clear, detailed text on many subjects. This includes an essay or report that gives information or argues for or against a point of view.

These can-do lines follow the Council of Europe's self-assessment grid.

Not sure B2 is your level? See how an English level test finds yours.

— WHERE B2 SITS

B2 on the scale.

Each bar is the commonly cited range of guided hours to reach a level, counted from zero, so each level includes the hours before it. B2 keeps its colour. Open any step to read its guide.

Guided learning hours to reach each level, cumulative
  1. A1, Beginner: 90–100 guided hours
  2. A2, Elementary: 180–200 guided hours
  3. B1, Intermediate: 350–400 guided hours
  4. B2, Upper-Intermediate: 500–600 guided hours
  5. C1, Advanced: 700–800 guided hours
  6. C2, Proficient: 1,000+ guided hours

Commonly cited guided-learning-hour ranges, not a Carna measurement. Open a level for what it means in practice.

Compare all six CEFR levels in one table, with the guided hours and the IELTS band for each.

— IN CARNA TODAY

The same scale, on the screen.

Carna for Schools runs on the CEFR scale today: assigned work shows its level on the card, and so do the books in the student's library. The individual tutor is in early access.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Every card names its level.

    A student's Learn screen lists the work the teacher assigned, with the soonest due first. Each module shows its CEFR level on the cover.

    A student's Learn screen in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the courses, levels and dates are demo data.

  • CARNA FOR SCHOOLS · LIVE TODAY

    Books with their level on the cover.

    Each reader a school publishes shows its CEFR level on the cover. So students can read at their own level.

    A student's Library in Carna for Schools. Carna School London is a sample school; the books and levels are demo data.

Book a demo See Carna for Schools

— FIND YOUR LEVEL

Not sure where you stand?

A placement test scores each skill separately, because reading and speaking are rarely at the same level. Carna Test is the assessment platform from Carna, on its own site.

Also from Carna

Carna Test

A three-section placement test (CPT) and a five-section adaptive test with speaking and writing (CAET), on carnatest.com.

Find your level on carnatest.com (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

Questions about B2.

How long it takes, what it lets you do, and how B2 compares.

How long does it take to reach B2?

B2 usually takes about 500 to 600 guided hours in total. Most universities and many skilled-work visas ask for B2, which is why it is such a common goal.

What can I do at B2 level?

At B2 you can talk fluently and naturally with native speakers. You understand complex texts in your field, and you can argue a point clearly and in detail on many topics.

What IELTS score compares with B2?

Commonly published IELTS–CEFR comparisons put B2 at roughly band 5.5 to 6.5. Many universities set their entry requirement in exactly that range. It is a comparison between two scales, not a conversion.

Sources

Carna is not affiliated with these organisations.

EARLY ACCESS

Want this level taught?

Carna's personal tutor is still on its way, so there is no individual sign-up yet. Join the early-access list and we will write to you when it opens. Schools and teams run on Carna today.

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