Proficiency levels
How Mango Compares to ACTFL and CEFR
The Mango Proficiency Scale helps track learner progress to clearly identify their skill level and track specific achievements as they progress through the Mango learning system.
How the scale lines up with ACTFL and CEFR
Mango's most popular language courses (French, Latin American Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Levantine Arabic, German, Russian, and Mandarin Chinese) provide five units of robust content that takes learners to a Skilled 3 proficiency level and effectively challenge learners at a proficiency level similar to ACTFL Intermediate High or CEFR B1.
| Mango Proficiency Scale | (Similar to) CEFR* | (Similar to) ACTFL** |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner 1, Beginner 2 | A1 | Novice Low, Novice Mid, Novice High |
| Skilled 1, Skilled 2 | A2 | Intermediate Low, Intermediate Mid |
| Skilled 3 | B1 | Intermediate High |
| Pro 1, Pro 2, Pro 3 | B2 | Advanced Low, Advanced Mid, Advanced High |
| Master 1 | C1 | Superior |
| Master 2 | C2 | Distinguished |
*Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For comparative and educational purposes only. No association or affiliation with Mango Languages.
**The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). For comparative and educational purposes only. No association or affiliation with Mango Languages.
Where each level sits in a Mango course
The Mango Proficiency Scale helps learners track specific achievements across proficiency levels as they progress through their language courses. These achievements include: listening, reading, speaking, and culture.
| Mango Proficiency Scale | Mango course content | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier | Level | Unit | Chapters |
| Beginner | Beginner 1 | Unit 1 | Chapters 1–4 |
| Beginner 2 | Unit 2 | Chapters 1–10 | |
| Skilled | Skilled 1 | Unit 3 | Chapters 1–9 |
| Skilled 2 | Unit 4 | Chapters 1–9 | |
| Skilled 3 | Unit 5 | Chapters 1–9 | |
Past Skilled 3
Where the scale goes next
To achieve higher levels of proficiency (Pro 1 – Master 2), Mango offers additional language resources that provide opportunities for self-learning and language immersion, such as Mango Live, Mango Reader, and Mango’s Specialty Courses. By using these tools to engage with authentic content, learners can effectively craft their own learning pathway.
Disclaimer
"The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) guidelines" and "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Levels" are the property and/or marks of their respective owners and have no official association with Mango Languages or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. Neither ACTFL nor CEFR have in any way endorsed, sponsored, or otherwise agreed to partner or be associated with Mango Languages, or the Mango Languages Proficiency Scale, and no such partnership or association is intended or implied.
The scale
The Mango Proficiency Scale
Mango's course content runs from Beginner 1 to Skilled 3, each level with what a learner can do by the end of it. The ACTFL and CEFR levels beside each one are what it is similar to, not an official equivalence or rating, and compare to those standards as of 2019.
Beginner
Beginner 1
ACTFL Novice Low · CEFR A1
By the end of this level, the learner will be able to have conversations in which they exchange basic information about themselves or someone else, and engage in pleasantries and small talk.
Greet people and say goodbye
Express gratitude and exchange replies
Engage in small talk about the weather and seasons
Share likes and dislikes
Provide basic information about themselves and others, such as names, countries of origin, ages, addresses, dates and languages spoken, and ask for the same in return
Provide their phone number and email address
Beginner 2
ACTFL Novice Mid–High · CEFR A1
By the end of this level, the learner will be able to confidently navigate everyday situations, such as shopping, asking for help or directions, and making plans with friends and acquaintances.
Find their way around town
Negotiate transactions and use currency
Order meals and buy tickets
Ride a taxi
Ask for and offer help
Describe ailments
Communicate understanding
Describe places and people
Talk about hobbies
Skilled
Skilled 1
ACTFL Intermediate Low · CEFR A2
By the end of this level, the learner will be able to participate in everyday exchanges and successfully perform routine tasks that require an understanding of how the society functions.
Get to know new people
Talk about culture, routines, hobbies, and plans for the future
Cook a local specialty
Discuss chores
Schedule activities depending on the weather
Communicate shopping needs
Visit the bank and the post office
Make plans for the weekend
Describe tourist attractions
Describe a person's physical and personality traits
Skilled 2
ACTFL Intermediate Mid · CEFR A2
By the end of this level, the learner will be able to comprehend advanced subject matter and express feelings and opinions using more complex sentence structures.
Talk about history and historical figures
Schedule appointments
Discuss health needs
Understand detailed instructions
Express feelings
Describe a past event
Talk about education
Describe dietary preferences
Talk about sports and hobbies
Explain personal care and grooming habits
Discuss movies
Express opinions
Skilled 3
ACTFL Intermediate High · CEFR B1
By the end of this level, the learner will be able to maneuver intricate situations and have formal and informal discussions in social and professional settings.
Rent a house
Enroll in school
Explain rules and policies regarding flights
Discuss past and future career plans
Express opinions about world issues
Provide more information about lifestyles and ambitions
Progress at every level
Select a language and you'll open a new world as you make progress on your language learning journey.