How to List Language Levels on a CV (With Examples)

Language skills on a CV can open doors to exciting opportunities. Whether you're multilingual or just beginning to learn a new language, showing your proficiency can set you apart from other candidates.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best ways to describe language levels on your CV, explain different frameworks like CEFR and IELTS, and share practical examples to help you stand out.

Create an effective CV in minutes. Choose a professional CV template and fill in every section of your CV in a flash using ready-made content and expert tips.

Create your CV now

Create a professional CV now!

NO

YES

Create your CV now

We created the sample on the right using our builder. See other good CV examples like this one.

Why should you list language levels on a CV

Languages are strategically vital for the future of the UK. With an increasing number of British companies expanding abroad or serving multicultural communities, there’s a growing need for professionals who can bridge language gaps.

Hiring managers often look for candidates who can work with international clients, support diverse teams, or communicate across borders. That’s especially true in sectors like customer service, sales, marketing, logistics, and education.

If you have language skills, you should include them on your CV, even if the job doesn't specifically ask for them. Speaking another language can give you an edge even in non-international jobs. It shows valuable CV skills like initiative, a willingness to learn, and the ability to think beyond your environment.

See our CV examples for jobs that benefit from showcasing CV language levels:

• Customer Service CV
• Digital Marketing CV
• Marketing CV
• Logistics CV
• Sales CV
• Teacher CV
• Team Leader CV
• Translator CV

Common ways to describe language proficiency levels on a CV

Employers want to know how well you can communicate, and ideally, they want to see your ability described using recognised terms or frameworks.

What they don’t want to see are vague descriptions such as “Knows some Spanish” or “Great at French”. Let’s walk through the four most common ways to express language proficiency on an English CV.

Standard terms

If you’re keeping things simple, it’s fine to use clear, universally understood terms such as:

• Basic—You have a foundational understanding and can manage simple communication.
• Intermediate—You can hold conversations and understand most writing, but may struggle with nuance.
• Proficient—You have strong skills but may not be completely fluent in all contexts.
• Fluent—You can speak, read, and write confidently and accurately in most settings.
• Native/Bilingual—You speak the language from birth or with full fluency.

These terms are easy to understand, but are not an official framework. Using them indicates you’ve never taken an official test to determine your language skill level. They aren’t inherently bad, but a perfect CV would showcase language skills backed up with formal credentials.

CEFR framework

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is widely used across the UK and Europe, and is the standard in a Europass CV. It breaks down language ability into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native fluency):

• A1 / A2—Basic user
• B1 / B2—Independent user
• C1 / C2—Proficient user

These levels can be gained by taking a Cambridge English Qualifications exam at the corresponding level. Most employers and academic institutions recognise CEFR, and these certifications do not expire, so they are a lifetime investment.

IELTS framework

If you’ve taken the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test, you can use your score to indicate English proficiency. IELTS score is often required for a UK visa or academic purposes. IELTS is scored from Band 1 to Band 9:

• Below Band 5—Basic user
• Band 5 to 6—Modest to competent user
• Band 7 to 8—Good to very good user
• Band 9—Expert user

It’s worth noting that many UK universities and employers require a minimum of 6.5 to 7.0 for admission or professional roles. IELTS certifications also have an expiration date. They are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.

GCSE equivalent

If you studied a language at school, you can reference your GCSE or A-Level qualifications:

• GCSE A/9 to C/4—Demonstrates basic to intermediate proficiency (A-grade suggesting stronger confidence)
• A-Level—Indicates more advanced understanding, especially if the grade is B or above
• University degree or modules—Can suggest near-fluent proficiency depending on level and use
  
  

This is especially useful in school leaver CVs or for early-career applicants without workplace/certification evidence of language use. Just keep in mind that GCSEs aren’t a perfect equivalent to CEFR or IELTS, and are more comparable to standard CV language level terms.

You can also add GCSE scores to your CV education section. This way, you’ll be able to provide some additional context for specific grades.

CV language levels comparison table

A strong CV summary will convince the recruiter you’re the perfect candidate. Save time and choose a ready-made personal statement written by career experts and adjust it to your needs in the LiveCareer CV builder.

Create your CV now

How to decide your level of language fluency

Not sure how fluent you are in a language? You’re not alone. If you can’t take an exam to tell you exactly what your level is, the only option left is to self-assess. Here is how to approach it to be as accurate as possible:

• Think about real-world use: Can you hold conversations, write professional emails, or understand native speakers without relying on translations?
• Check against CEFR or IELTS descriptors: Even without official results, online self-assessment tools from the British Council or other credible sites can help you place yourself on the right level.
• Be role-specific: Consider how you use (or will use) the language at work. Are you chatting with customers, reviewing technical documents, or handling legal or medical information?
• Be honest, not optimistic: It’s better to say “intermediate” and impress in the role than claim fluency and fall short in practice.
• If in doubt, go slightly lower: Understating your level a little protects your credibility during interviews or language tasks.

How to show language levels on a CV

Once you've assessed your language skills, the next step is to include them on your CV. Where you place this information depends on how important language is for the role you're applying for.

Let’s look at two effective ways to include language proficiency in your CV:

1. Mention CV language skills in the personal profile

If languages are a key selling point for the job, such as in roles related to translation, international business, customer service, or global logistics, mentioning them in your CV profile (the short paragraph at the top of your CV) can immediately grab attention.

This is especially useful when a specific language is central to the job description. This likely makes it a CV keyword, and you need to include it if you want your CV to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.

Here are some examples:

CV profile with language skills—example #1

CV profile with language skills—example #2

CV profile with language skills—example #3

2. List language proficiencies in a separate CV language section

If your language skills aren’t central to the role but still valuable, place them in a dedicated languages section, typically toward the bottom of your CV, either just after the skills or education section.

Decide on one method you’re going to use throughout. Don’t mix the frameworks as it looks disorganised and may confuse the reader. See the examples below:

CV language section—example #1

CV language section—example #2

CV language section—example #3

You don’t have to be a CV writing expert. In the LiveCareer CV builder you’ll find ready-made content for every industry and position, which you can then add with a single click.

Create your CV now

Applying the tips from this article will help you describe your language levels on a CV clearly and easily. Thank you for reading, and good luck with your career pursuits!

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.

Sources

• Online English Level Test - British Council
• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
• Foreign languages: skills in the workforce - House of Lords Library