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Which English level actually opens the door?

A job interview, a university application, a work or study visa — each one has a real English threshold behind it. Here's what each level realistically unlocks, and the scores that go with it.

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English isn't tied to one destination

Unlike some languages that map to one country's visa system, English opens doors across dozens of countries and industries at once — a job interview in Dubai, a master's application in Canada, a remote role for a US company, a study visa in Ireland. The level you need depends on the door, not the country.

What level do you need?

There's no single universal threshold — it depends on the goal. As a rough guide:

Approximate score bands by test

Different tests use different scales. These are commonly published approximate ranges — exact cutoffs vary by year and by institution, so always check the official test provider and the specific requirement your target school, employer, or consulate has set.

CEFRIELTSTOEFL iBTCambridgeDuolingo
B1IELTS ~4.0-5.0TOEFL iBT ~42-71B1 Preliminary (PET)Duolingo ~60-95
B2IELTS ~5.5-6.5TOEFL iBT ~72-94B2 First (FCE)Duolingo ~100-125
C1IELTS ~7.0-8.0TOEFL iBT ~95-120C1 Advanced (CAE)Duolingo ~130-150

Where each level applies

  • Job interviews: most employers expect at least B2 for an independent, unsupervised role
  • University applications: most undergraduate and master's programs ask for B2, competitive programs often ask for C1
  • Work visas: most skilled-worker routes now ask for B2 — thresholds have been rising (the UK raised its skilled-worker English requirement from B1 to B2 in January 2026)
  • Study visas: many require a recognized test score roughly equivalent to B2 for a degree-level course
  • Working abroad day-to-day: B1 covers most daily life, B2 is where you stop feeling limited at work

What Lerniyo offers

  • A full A0-C1 path explained in Darija, so you understand the grammar, not just memorize it
  • Speaking practice from lesson one, with instant feedback
  • A mock exam built in the style of IELTS and Cambridge at every level

Lerniyo prepares your English to the level you need — it does not register you for IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or any visa or university application. Those steps happen directly with the test provider, the institution, or the consulate.

Test yourself along the way

Every level ends with a mock exam in the style of the real tests, so you always know roughly where you stand before you book an official one.

Lerniyo's exam is built in the style of internationally recognized exams (IELTS, Cambridge) — it is not an official registration with any of those institutes. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.

Frequently asked questions

Does Lerniyo issue IELTS or TOEFL certificates?

No. Lerniyo teaches you English and gives you a completion certificate for its own curriculum. IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, and Duolingo are separate, official tests you book and take directly with their providers.

Which level do I need for a work visa?

It depends entirely on the country and visa category — some skilled-worker routes ask for B1, others ask for B2 or a specific test score. Always check the current requirement with the consulate or immigration authority for your target country.

Is B2 enough for university?

For most undergraduate and many master's programs, yes — B2 (roughly IELTS 5.5-6.5 or TOEFL iBT 72-94) is the common minimum. Competitive programs and some subjects ask for C1. Always check the exact requirement on the university's own admissions page.

Can I reach B2 with Lerniyo alone?

Lerniyo takes you from A0 through C1 with structured lessons, speaking practice, and mock exams. Many learners also do extra listening practice with real English media alongside the app.

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