The CEFR provides a common basis and a common language for the elaboration of language syllabuses, curriculum guidelines, textbooks, teacher-training programmes, and for relating examinations and qualifications to one another. It allows the different partners involved in planning and delivering language provision and in assessing language progress and proficiency, to co-ordinate and situate their efforts.
The CEFR is in effect a common reference tool across languages (the description is non-language specific) developed with the aim of promoting coherence in provision across different languages and ensuring coherence and transparency through the different stages of language learning in the various sectors of education.
The following table gives an indication of how the Ascentis Anglia ESOL International Examination levels relate to the CEF levels. This does not necessarily mean that there is an exact equivalence between the levels given. The table also includes equivalences with IELTS.
| Ascentis Anglia ESOL International Qualifications | Common European Framework | IELTS |
| Level 3 – (C2) – Masters Level | C2 - MASTERY | 7.5-8.5 |
| Level 2 (C1) – Proficiency Level | C1 - EOP | 6.0-7.5 |
| Level 1 (B2) – Advanced Level | B2 - VANTAGE | 4.5-6.0 |
| Entry 3 (B1) – Intermediate Level | B1 - THRESHOLD | 3.0-4.5 |