Find your level
The Alliance Française offers French classes year-round. Classes are offered for the full spectrum of the CECR learning levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1. The CECR levels represent standardized measures of linguistic capability that are recognized world-wide. CECR stands for Cadre européen commun de référence.
Level Progression at the Alliance Française de Portland
| Level | A1 -Beginner | A2 - Lower Intermediate | B1 - Intermediate | B2 - Lower Advanced | C1 Advanced |
| Classes |
101 to 106. Must be taken in sequence. (Optional 100 Introduction to Immersion method available in English.) |
201 to 206. Must be taken in sequence. |
301 to 306. Must be taken in sequence. |
401 to 406. Must be taken in sequence. |
501 to 506. Must be taken in sequence. |
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Specialty, cultural, and intensive classes and workshops are available year-round. |
Specialty and cultural classes, plus workshops are available year-round. |
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| Timeline |
18 months at a regular pace or 9 months at an accelerated pace to construct simple phrases and master everyday expressions and common French phrases. |
18 months at a regular pace or 9 months at an accelerated pace to engage in basic interactions in French on everyday topics. |
18 months to hold conversations with native French speakers, express opinions, and communicate effectively in everyday situations. |
18 months to master more complex French language structures and speak fluently, engaging in spontaneous discussions on abstract topics. |
18 months to achieve mastery of the French language for social, academic, and professional purposes. |
Level Assessment
Class Placement Assessment
Targeting a specific class, but not sure if it’s a good fit? To find the ideal class for your skill level, kindly arrange a Zoom assessment with the Alliance staff.
Self-Assessment
Our online placement test provides a quick evaluation of your proficiency level for self-assessment purposes only. The results are not intended to determine your placement in a specific class.
NEW STUDENT assessment
Before registering, kindly arrange a Zoom evaluation test. Please note that this requirement does not apply to true beginners seeking
Introduction to French or 101 class.
Understanding The CECR Designations
The designations A1, A2, B1, B2, and C1 are CECR designations (CADRE EUROPEEN COMMUN DE REFERENCE), also known as the Common European Framework. This is a worldwide reference for measuring fluency in a language; the same system is used for the DELF and DALF exams.
A1: Beginner
Can understand and use familiar every day expressions and very basic phrases to respond to needs of a concrete type. Can introduce
themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people they know and things they
own. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person speaks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2: Lower Intermediate
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can explain simple and routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background and immediate environment.
B1: Intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered during work, school, leisure, etc. Can
deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the target language is spoken. Can produce simple connected
text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly
give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2: Lower Advanced
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity with native speakers. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1: Advanced
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer clauses, and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.