Placement test

I’m not sure about my French language skill level 

Take our free online placement test. In less than 45 minutes, we'll be able to assess your French level.
To take the test, please click here.

Pick up your French learning journey from where you left off.

Our test puts you in the course that matches your current level of understanding of the French language. Save time by skipping to the challenging parts that improve your written, spoken, and comprehension skills of the language.

This test will help us assess your :

  • Vocabulary & reading comprehension
  • Listening comprehension
  • Grammar

Have fun taking our free French placement test online! We wish you the best of luck! Bonne Chance!

Levels of Fluency?

Your level of fluency is a measure of how well you speak, write, understand and read a particular language. Employers commonly use this scale to determine whether you are a good fit for a particular job position. Governments and universities take these levels into consideration when applying for immigration or studies abroad.  Taking our French fluency test will help you know where you currently stand and how much time you need to achieve your goals.  

Foreign Language Proficiency Frameworks 

There are two frameworks commonly used to rate learner’s understanding of a new language: the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language scale (ACTFL) and Common European Framework of Reference scale (CEFR).

In the United States, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages scale (ACTFL)  is a popularly used language proficiency framework. This scale divides one's fluency in any given language into six levels: Novie-low, novie-mid, intermediate, advanced, superior, distinguished. For each level, the ACTFL scale also assigns sub-levels of proficiency: low, medium, and high.

Developed in Europe, the CEFR scale also provides a universal standard for accessing the skill level of second - foreign  language learners. As a product of over two decades of research, the CEFR serves as a reference framework for foreign language assessment within and outside Europe. 

Like the ACTFL scale, CEFR grades language skills at six levels, assigning alphanumeric codes to each one: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. 

Although the two scales have similar foreign language proficiency levels, ACTFL is a bit more detailed. Some ACTFL levels are further divided into sub-levels to give more information of the learners degree of fluency (See the graph below). On another note, while both scales assess language proficiency, the CEFR scale is a good tool for tracking your progress as you go up the learning curve.

CEFR & ACTFL Proficiency Levels

Starter: The most basic level of proficiency. The learner can only hear and give simple responses to a few phrases.

A1/Novice-low
The learner is familiar with frequently used phrases, can introduce themselves, ask basic questions, and give simple information about themselves.

A2/ Novice-mid
The learner knows how to use everyday expressions, form simple sentences, and describe their environment.

B1/Intermediate
The Learner has a conversational understanding of the language. They can talk about experiences and express opinions.

B2/Advanced
Learners can grasp the key idea behind complex texts. They can speak to native speakers with a level of ease.

C1/Superior
The learner is now fluent in the language and has no problem using it in social situations. Learners can read sophisticated texts.

C2/Distinguished
Marks complete mastery over the language. Anyone at this level can spontaneously use the language in complex situations and express themselves fluently.

After taking our proficiency test, you’ll know exactly where you fit in this chart and learn at a level fitting for you.

At Z French school, we design our curriculum to align with these established standards for teaching our students.

Set Goals
Accessing your language skill level helps you set realistic goals for your French learning journey.