The time period for English learning varies because of several factors, including:

●     Current English Level

●     The level to be reached.

●     Other languages spoken by the individual.

How difficult it is to learn English; Is the learner living in an English-speaking country or not, is his or her mother tongue too different from English and it is somewhat difficult to learn English (e.g. Arabic, Japanese or Chinese, compared to another learner whose mother tongue converges with English.

The learner should also bear in mind that the promises heard were exaggerated; those promising to learn English in a short time; Like (learn English in 20 days!) unrealistic.

It took a lot of time and effort to learn and improve a language.

English Levels 

English levels according to the CEFR scale

(Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

A well-known international standard for describing language proficiency, is widely adopted in Europe and is increasingly popular around the world.

Language English levels are classified into A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2

English levels | Beginner Level (A1) 

A1 is the lowest English level skills assessment and is usually classified for individuals with a basic or very limited knowledge of the language.

The learner is able to understand a limited set of simple words and phrases.

He/ She can express the names of familiar things, people, and places.

The learner learns about the basic linguistic rules; Such as personal actions, pronouns, and simple questions.

He/ She can form simple sentences using these rules.

Learners can participate in simple conversations and daily transactions; such as Greeting and asking basic questions.

Understands simple instructions and questions about familiar topics.

He/ She can read simple texts and short vocabulary.

He is able to write short sentences related to himself and his surroundings as well.

This English level is suitable for individuals who begin their journey of learning English and want to acquire the essential vocabulary and skills needed to communicate in simple daily situations.

English levels | Elementary Level (A2)

• The learner begins to gain more vocabulary and everyday phrases that help him or her communicate and interact with others in everyday situations; Such as: talking about weather, work, hobbies, and personal interests.

• A learner becomes able to form simple sentences to express their needs and opinions. Simple actions such as "I like", "I want", and "Can I have" may be used to express his wishes. 

• The learner acquires the ability to read and understand simple written texts; Such as SMS and email. He can understand the general content of texts and learn some details. 

• He learns to listen to the pronunciation of basic words and sentences, and to learn about the differences between voices in English.

• At this level, it is expected that the learner will experience some difficulties while communicating and understanding content, but through continuous training and practice, the learner will notice a gradual improvement in their language level and understanding.

Important information to remember is that this level is an important stage in developing your English skills; Speaking, listening and writing therefore English should be practiced regularly to improve your abilities.

English levels | Intermediate Level (B1)

• It is a step forward from the elementary level (A2) in English language skills. 

• The learner acquires more complex rules and uses them in sentences and phrases. He learns the different forms of actions and the rules of compositions to speak more accurately.

• Communication improves significantly, as a learner can express their opinions and criticisms more clearly.

• A learner's vocabulary stock is large, helping them communicate in more complex situations and understand the most accurate meanings.

• He can participate in conversations on familiar topics; Such as: travel, work, hobbies. 

• He is also able to look share information and experiences with others more effectively. 

• He can read more complex written texts, such as articles and short stories.

• He writes more complex and consistent sentences, and may write short articles on certain topics.

• This stage is crucial in building a strong base in English. 

By continuing learning, the learner will acquire the skills needed to move to higher levels of language such as the upper-intermediate level (B2) and above.

English levels | Upper-Intermediate Level B2

• The learner at this level is able to understand texts that contain multiple key ideas and identify key points and important details.

• He/She can handle medium-complex texts; Like news articles and thematic articles.

• The learner can express his thoughts clearly and accurately.

• He uses complex and varied sentences to communicate his thoughts and express his opinions about different subjects.

• He can write multi-topic texts independently and organize its ideas with logic and uses various compositions and vocabulary to enrich the text.

• The learner can speak effectively with native speakers, and can understand normal conversations and interact with confidence. 

If you speak at the B2 level, it means you speak English efficiently and are able to interact with a wide range of topics.

English levels | Advanced Level C1

• An advanced level of English higher than B2, a person is able to speak confidently and fluently in most situations, whether it be daily conversations or more complex subjects.

• He/She can also understand written texts in depth and engage in complex discussions in different topics. 

• He has broad vocabulary that enables him to express accurately and communicate ideas clearly 

•  He can speak smoothly and use various and advanced compositions and expressions.

• To reach the C1 level, learner has to work hard with continuous work to improve language skills.

• Reaching the C1 level is a major achievement and opens doors for many opportunities in work, study and travel.

An individual can be familiar with English culture and literature and can interact with complex English content with confidence.

English levels | Proficiency Level C2 

• At this level the learner becomes close to the level of the mother tongue and is able to handle any situation with confidence and competence.

• Learners at this level can understand complex texts, such as academic research and philosophical articles, accurately and without difficulty. 

• The learner is able to communicate with native speakers naturally without difficulty, and can engage in conversations with confidence and seamlessness. 

• Learners can easily handle academic and professional postures, such as lectures and meetings, and communicate effectively with people in these environments. 

• The learner at this level has the flexibility to use language and the ability to innovate in their expression and use advanced language methods. 

• Regular and continuous practice, hard work and insistence play an important role in learning and improving English. 

• Beginner learners who are studying for 5 hours a day can progress quickly and reach language professionalism in just one year. 

To estimate how long it will take to improve your English level, you can take an English test to determine your current level on a scale (CEFR), then determine the required level and calculate the number of hours needed to reach it.

You can now select your English level for free from here

You can select the number of hours you will need to move from your current English level to the desired level through the following table showing the estimated number of hours per level:

For example, if you are currently a beginner and need to reach the B1 level you will need 520 hours of education.

B1= 70+150+300= 520

Don't forget to add an additional 50% to these estimates if you speak only one language which is very different from English (such as Arabic, Chinese or Korean).

Most Popular International English Language Tests

There are several international English language tests that assess the level of proficiency and learning of English.

The scores obtained by applicants in these tests provide a clear indication of their language skills and are useful in studying and working in English-speaking countries.

Each test has its own assessment system and efficiency levels.

In the following table, there are some of the most famous international tests and their assessment system:

Finally, the period of time needed to improve the English level varies from person to person based on l many factors we mentioned at the beginning of the article.

We should have realistic expectations and not resort to exaggerated promises of rapid and magical improvement.

Determining your English level according to CEFR helps you define your educational goals.

Don't forget that regular and ongoing practice is the key to improving your language skills.

Enjoy your adventure in English learning and take advantage of listening, speaking and writing opportunities to improve your skills and achieve your goals of learning this global language.

You can now choose the right course or program for you to study English in the country of origin.

You can choose the optimal program according to cost, time, level and goals to learn English. From here