by Erin McGann
Updated on January 8, 2024
How to get CEFR certified with Lingoda
Language learning is a journey, and it helps to have goals along the way to reward yourself for all that hard work. Showing a certification for your language learning will boost your LinkedIn profile or CV, and best of all, keep you motivated to build a consistent language learning habit.
The CEFR, or Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a recognized way to explain your skill level in a European language. When you see language levels like A1, A2, B1, and so on, this is based on the CEFR. Across Europe, employers and education institutions will instantly be able to judge your skill level if you say you have ‘B2 German’ for instance, and these levels will be mentioned in official requirements like visa and citizenship applications. You can think of the language levels like this:
Language learning takes time, and like all long-term projects, milestones along the way help with your motivation. Not only that, but demonstrating your language skills at any level on your CV or at work can improve your chances of getting a job offer or a promotion. The CEFR is a framework built around practical language skills. For instance, when you complete the B1 level of a language, you will be able to discuss familiar topics, and briefly discuss your hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Whereas at the B2 level, you will be able to interact with native speakers with a degree of fluency that doesn’t put much strain on either party. The Lingoda method follows these levels closely, so you make practical and clear progress through each language level.
Firstly, choose the Lingoda subscription that best suits you. When you join Lingoda, your language journey is mapped out clearly, with each level and sub-level divided into units, whether you’re studying English, French, German or Spanish. Once you have completed 90% of your classes in each level or sub-level (A1.1, A1.2, etc), your CEFR certificate will be available to download automatically, ready to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile! It’s that simple. It’s worth noting that your certification is awarded on finishing 90% of your language level, not your subscription. Each language level is made up of 50 individual lessons, so when you reach 45 lessons, you will receive your certification document. And, most importantly, there are no tests required.
If you’ve taken some language classes before, you may not have to start at the very beginning of the A1.1 level. The easiest way to determine where to start is by taking a placement test. Lingoda offers a quick placement test (change the language next to the globe on top of the place to switch the language of the placement test) to give you an idea where to begin, and a more extensive one once you begin your subscription to ensure you get the most out of your classes. Of course, the Lingoda system is flexible, so if you feel you’d like more review, you can shift to take lessons at an earlier level, or move forward if you’re not challenged enough. You can even jump back to take a few classes on a specific topic if you want to consolidate your skills, without changing your whole program or waiting to start the next level.
Sign up for a Lingoda subscription, take your classes consistently, and then download your certificate once you’ve completed 90% of the classes. The Lingoda method guides you through each language level in a clear, easy-to-understand way with each step on the journey ticked off as you go.
