List each language with a level an employer can check: the CEFR scale from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native) is understood across Europe and in most international companies. Write "English: C1 (IELTS 7.5)" rather than "good English", put your native language first, and add a test name and score only when you actually hold it.
A languages section takes two lines, yet it is one of the most misread parts of a CV. "Fluent", "good" and "basic" mean different things to different readers, and applicant tracking systems often look for a specific level from the job ad. This guide explains the levels, how to choose yours honestly, and how to format the section. Examples are fictional; replace the [brackets].
The CEFR language levels, A1 to C2
| Level | Name | What it means at work | Write it as |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Beginner | Simple phrases, greetings, basic forms | German: A1 (beginner) |
| A2 | Elementary | Short routine exchanges, simple emails with help | French: A2 |
| B1 | Intermediate | Handles familiar work topics, writes simple reports | Spanish: B1 |
| B2 | Upper intermediate | Works independently in meetings and email, follows technical discussion in your field | English: B2 |
| C1 | Advanced | Presents, negotiates and writes complex documents with few errors | English: C1 |
| C2 | Proficient | Near-native precision, including nuance and idiom | English: C2 |
The levels come from the Council of Europe's Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Most job ads that name a level ask for B2 or C1 in the working language. If you are between two levels, choose the lower one: an interviewer can test you in a minute.
Native, fluent, proficient: what the words mean
| Word | Meaning | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Native / mother tongue | Your first language | You grew up speaking it; one or two languages at most |
| Bilingual | Two native-level languages | You use both at native level every day |
| Fluent | Comfortable in any normal conversation | Roughly C1–C2; prefer the CEFR level, which is clearer |
| Proficient / professional working | Can do your job in the language | Roughly B2–C1 |
| Conversational | Everyday talk, not work documents | Roughly B1 |
| Basic | A few phrases | A1–A2; often better left off unless the job values it |
LinkedIn uses its own five-step scale (from elementary to native or bilingual proficiency). It is fine on your profile; on the CV itself, CEFR levels travel better between countries.
How to add IELTS, TOEFL or other certificates
Put the test name and your result in brackets after the level: "English: C1 (IELTS Academic 7.5, 2025)". Use the CEFR level printed on your score report rather than converting the score yourself; test providers publish their own alignments, and TOEFL iBT changed to a CEFR-aligned 1–6 score scale in January 2026. Add the year, because many employers and universities only accept results from the last two years.
Languages section examples (fictional)
Arabic: native · English: C1 (IELTS Academic 7.5, 2025) · French: A2
Spanish: native · English: B2 (Cambridge First, 2024) · Portuguese: B1
Tagalog/Filipino: native · English: C1
English: C2 · Polish: native · German: B1 (Goethe-Zertifikat B1, 2023)
Hindi: native · English: C1 · Arabic: A2 (currently studying)
Where the languages section goes
- At the bottom of a one-page CV, after skills, for most office jobs.
- Near the top, inside the profile or skills, when the job ad asks for a language: "Customer support agent with native Spanish and C1 English".
- On an English CV for the Gulf, list English and Arabic levels clearly; many employers screen for both.
- On a Philippine resume, English is assumed for most private employers; list Filipino or a regional language when it is relevant to the role.
Country conventions differ; the CV format by country guide compares them, and the CV in English guide covers writing the whole document in English as a non-native speaker.
Formatting rules
- One line per language or one line for all of them; never a paragraph.
- Native language first, then by level, highest first.
- Same format for every language: "Language: level (certificate, year)".
- No star ratings, progress bars or percentages; they do not mean anything specific and applicant tracking systems cannot read them.
- Don't list programming languages here; they belong under skills.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| "English: good" | "English: B2" |
| Five-star bars for each language | A CEFR level in text |
| "Fluent" for a language you studied at school | The level you would pass in a short interview test |
| A test score with no year | Add the year, or leave the score off if it is old |
| Listing a language you cannot use at all | Leave it out, or write "A1 (currently studying)" |
In ArcPixel's resume builder each language has its own name and level field, so you can type "C1 (IELTS 7.5, 2025)" once and every template shows it the same way. For the rest of your skills, see CV skills with examples.
- How do I write language levels on a CV?
- List each language with a CEFR level (A1–C2) and, if you have one, a certificate and year: "English: C1 (IELTS 7.5, 2025)". Put your native language first.
- What level is fluent on a CV?
- Fluent usually means C1 or C2. Writing the CEFR level is clearer than the word fluent.
- Is B2 good enough for a job in English?
- For many office roles, yes: B2 means you can work independently in your field. Roles with heavy writing, client presentations or negotiation often ask for C1.
- Should I put my native language on my CV?
- Yes, especially for international roles or when the job values it. Write it as "native" or "mother tongue".
- How do I convert my IELTS or TOEFL score to a CEFR level?
- Use the CEFR level printed on your score report or the test provider's own table. TOEFL iBT switched to a CEFR-aligned 1–6 scale in January 2026.
- Where do I put languages on a resume?
- At the bottom for most jobs; near the top when the job ad asks for a language.
