Expert

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language.
• Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

Very Good

• The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.
• They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

Good

• The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.
• They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

Competent

• The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.
• They can use and understand reasonably complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Modest

• The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.
• They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

Limited

• The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations.
• They frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

Extremely limited

• The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
• There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

Intermittent

• The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Non-user

• The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.