State your English level clearly on your CV using the CEFR framework (A1–C2) or official test scores, like IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100. Place this information where employers see it quickly—usually near your skills section or professional summary.
With global companies setting higher language expectations for remote and onsite roles in 2026, it pays to show your English standards upfront. If you want to get a quick sense of your current level, find my CEFR level through an accurate online diagnostic.
English Levels for CVs: CEFR, IELTS, and Employer Expectations [2026 Table]
Recruiters in 2026 don’t guess— they expect candidates to state English proficiency using standardized levels. CEFR (A1-C2) is the international reference, while IELTS and TOEFL scores back up your claim. Employers often filter candidates based on these numbers long before the interview stage. It’s the difference between being seen and being skipped.
| CEFR Level | IELTS Equivalent | TOEFL iBT Equivalent | Common Employer Preferences |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (Beginner) | 2.0–3.5 | 0–31 | Not sufficient for most jobs |
| A2 (Elementary) | 3.5–4.5 | 32–34 | Entry-level manual work only |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 4.5–5.0 | 35–45 | Basic office or customer service |
| B2 (Upper-Intermediate) | 5.5–6.5 | 46–93 | Minimum for most global roles |
| C1 (Advanced) | 7.0–8.0 | 94–110 | Preferred for professional, managerial |
| C2 (Proficient) | 8.5–9.0 | 111–120 | Executive, native-equivalent |
For employers, English levels have become like a minimum height bar for a rollercoaster. If you’re not tall enough, you don’t ride. If your English isn’t at the level listed, you rarely advance.
Where and How to Write English Skills on a Modern CV
Place your English skills right where they’ll matter most—either in a dedicated ‘Skills’ section or in your professional summary. For jobs where English is a must, put your English proficiency near the top, right after your main qualifications. Otherwise, add it under languages, but make it visible.
Clarity beats cleverness here. Avoid vague claims like “good English” or “fluent” with no scale. Say “English – CEFR C1 (Advanced), IELTS 7.5 (2025), workplace proficient.” That phrasing reassures companies you know the benchmarks, not just the buzzwords.
In roles seeking remote collaboration or client-facing duties, referencing proper levels can unlock new doors. For a deeper dive into official certificates and their impact on remote careers, explore Which English Certificates Help You Land Remote Jobs in 2024?. The landscape for language expectations is evolving fast.
- Keep wording direct, e.g.: “English: Advanced (CEFR C1), IELTS: 8.0.”
- Mention year and test type for clarity.
- Highlight if certified by recognized bodies.
Verifying English Skills: Do Employers Require Certificates?
Most multinational and remote-first employers now ask for proof—no surprise. If your job affects contracts, clients, or compliance, you’ll likely need hard evidence like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge certificates. Startups may still trust an internal language interview, but established organizations rarely do. For migration, skilled visas, and regulated roles, certificates are non-negotiable.
Certificates are like passports: you don’t need one until you try to cross a border, but when it matters, there’s no substitute. In 2026, many HR platforms scan uploads for validity dates, scores, and issuing body. This move protects both the employer and the candidate—you prove your claim, and they avoid liability.
| Exam | Accepted By | Validity (years) | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/General | Universities, visas, employers worldwide | 2 | 250-300 |
| TOEFL iBT | Universities, companies, migration | 2 | 210-250 |
| Cambridge English (CAE/CPE) | Europe, global employers, academia | Lifetime | 200-250 |
| International English Test (IET) | Remote employers, online programs, freelancers | 2 | 50-90 |
| PTE Academic | Universities, migration, tech roles | 2 | 190-230 |
English Level for Job Offers, Promotions, and Salary Increases
Here’s the hard truth for 2026: English level is often a threshold for advancement in international workplaces. B2 is now standard for most specialist roles and anything client-facing, but C1 and above are increasingly tied to promotion and leadership tracks. It’s like being handed a better set of car keys—the higher your English, the more freedom on the professional highway.
IT, marketing, finance, and consulting all assume at least B2 for non-native speakers. For team leads, sales, management, or cross-border work, C1 is the ticket. Salary reviews also use language skills as leverage; a higher level can mean a higher bracket or bonus in international teams.
- For customer service or admin: B1–B2 is enough
- For skilled professionals, analysts, and engineers: B2–C1
- For managers, negotiators, or executives: C1–C2 preferred
If you’re aiming bigger, the absence of advanced English will be noticed—immediately.
Pro tip: In the next 24 hours, ask a native speaker or trusted colleague to review how you describe your English skills on your CV. Real eyes catch vague claims and can suggest industry-specific phrases that recruiters recognize. This quick edit can prevent your CV from being passed over due to unclear self-assessment.
FAQ
Where should I put my English level on my CV?
List your English level either in the Skills section or right near your professional summary—make sure it’s impossible to miss for roles where it matters.
Is it enough to just write “fluent English” on my resume?
No—always specify your fluency using a recognized scale (like CEFR B2/C1) or list official test scores. “Fluent” alone is too vague for employers in 2026.
Do jobs in 2026 still check English certificates?
Yes! Especially for remote, client-facing, or international positions, most employers formally verify your English level is what you claim.
How recent do English certificates need to be?
Typically, certificates must be no older than two years for IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Cambridge exams may be valid longer, but always check the job description.
Can English level increase my salary?
Definitely. Higher English proficiency is often rewarded with better roles, faster promotions, and larger salary brackets, especially in global companies.