ACTFL Proficiency Levels
Main Level
- 🟤 Novice
- 🔵 Intermediate
- 🟢 Advanced
- 🟣 Superior
- ⚪ Distinguished
Sublevels
- Low / Mid / High
- Low / Mid / High
- Low / Mid / High
- (No sublevels)
- (No sublevels)
Description
- Learners use memorized words/phrases, struggle with spontaneous conversation
- Role plays, daily voice notes, live group discussions
- Learners can narrate and describe in paragraphs, handle unexpected situations.
- Learners speak fluently and precisely in extended discourse about abstract and professional topics.
- Near-native ability in persuasive, academic, and highly formal contexts. Rarely achieved without full immersion.
ACTFL Speaking Focus: (Simplified Summary)
Level
- Novice Low
- Novice Mid
- Novice High
- Intermediate Low
- Intermediate Mid
- Intermediate High
- Advanced Low
- Advanced Mid/High
- Superior
- Distinguished
What You Can Do
- Say isolated words and simple memorized phrases.
- Ask/answer basic questions, give simple info.
- Handle simple tasks like ordering food, making plans.
- Create full sentences, handle short conversations.
- Talk about routine topics using strings of sentences.
- Participate in conversations with minor errors, can handle some complications.
- Narrate past, present, and future. Handle a range of topics and social situations.
- Speak in organized paragraphs. Handle abstract ideas with clarity.
- Discuss complex topics, present arguments, persuade.
- Speak with precision, sophistication, and nuance across any topic or situation.
ACTFL “Can-Do (Simplified Summary)
Level
- Novice Mid
- Novice Mid
- Intermediate Low
- Intermediate Mid
- Intermediate High
- Advanced Low
- Superior
Sample Can-Do Statements
- I can introduce myself. I can name items I see.
- I can ask for directions. I can order food at a restaurant.
- I can talk about my daily routine. I can describe a past event.
- I can explain my opinion. I can talk in detail about work or travel plans.
- I can participate in unexpected conversations. I can support my ideas clearly.
- I can tell stories with detail. I can describe a situation from start to end.
- I can present arguments. I can discuss pros and cons of a law or social issue.
ACTFL Modes of Communication
- ACTFL distinguishes 3 types of communication, all of which your curriculum should support:
Mode
- Interpersonal
- Presentational
- Interpretive
Definition
- Two-way interaction
- One-way spoken/written communication
- Understanding what is heard or read
Example Task
- Have a conversation with a partner
- Give a speech or record a video
- Watch a video and answer questions
ACTFL vs CEFR Mapping (Approximate)
ACTFL
- Novice Low–Mid
- Novice High
- Intermediate Low
- Intermediate Mid
- Intermediate High
- Advanced Low
- Advanced Mid
- Advanced High
- Superior
- Distinguished
CEFR Equivalent
- A1
- A2
- B1-
- B1
- B1+ to B2
- B2
- B2+ to C1
- C1
- C2-
- C2