Written by Gabriela Estrada

Do you know your language level? Knowing how proficient you are in English or French can determine how soon you will reach C1 level, as this classification is one of the highest when it comes to demonstrating knowledge of a language other than your native language.

Reaching level C1 is an ambitious goal that requires dedication and effort. The time needed to achieve it can vary greatly depending on several factors, what are they? Read with me this blog of our language school, Planeta Immiland, and find out what you need to achieve C1 level in English or French. Let's get started.

What proficiency indicates C1 level in a language?

Level C1 in a language indicates advanced proficiency. A person with this level can understand complex texts, communicate fluently and spontaneously without effort, and use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. This level is internationally recognized and can be certified through exams such as IELTS for English and TEF for French.

What do I need to know in order to reach level C1?

To reach C1 level, it is essential to have a solid foundation in the language. This includes:

• Master grammar and vocabulary, i.e. have a thorough knowledge of grammatical rules and a wide and varied lexicon.

• Have a good command of oral and written comprehension, which demonstrates the ability to understand complex texts and conversations in different contexts.

• Mastering oral and written expression, which is demonstrated by the ability to communicate fluently and accurately in both formal and informal situations.

What are the factors that influence rapid progress to C1 level?

Progress towards C1 level depends on several factors, some of them are:

• The student's initial level

Students with an intermediate level (B1 or B2) can advance faster than beginners.

• Frequency and consistency

Regular and consistent study is essential. Daily practice and immersion in the language accelerates learning. Some students speak English or French at a B1 level, but do not use it frequently, they are certainly fluent in conversation, but they do not have a rich enough vocabulary or good pronunciation, therefore, reaching C1 level requires them to make an additional effort to improve these aspects and they are precisely the ones that can lead them to advance much further.

• Study methods

Using a variety of resources, such as taking classes with well-qualified and certified native or bilingual teachers, using audio-visual materials and practical exercises, joining conversation clubs or enrolling in specialized courses with tutors who can offer small group classes and individual sessions are good strategies for achieving C1 level, all of which contribute to learning.

How many hours on average are required to reach level C1?

In terms of hours, a student can improve his or her language level if he or she dedicates at least 3 hours a day to learning. To reach C1 level in English or French, it is estimated that between 400 and 450 hours of full intensive study are required. This time is based on the teaching methodology of our language school, Planeta Immiland, and may vary depending on the student's initial level, the frequency and consistency of study, as explained above, and the learning methods used.

There are also those who can reach C1 level in an accelerated way by investing 3 hours a day in a specialized course, which we call in our school: accelerated program, which consists of intensive courses of English or French for academic or migratory purposes. 

Planeta Immiland offers these programs. The most requested by people who require an advanced level in English is the ADVANCED ACCELERATED PATHWAY PROGRAMwhich is completed in 6 weeks. As I mentioned before, it will always depend on the student's initial level. The more solid the student's knowledge of the language, the faster he/she will pass to the C1 level.

Benefits of having C1 level

After so much effort, investment of time and money comes the reward. English and French speakers are privileged beings in the academic and professional world in Canada, since they are taken into account as a priority to boost the economic and expansive market of the companies. Having a C1 level of English or French offers:

• Career opportunities, as a C1 level opens doors to well-paying jobs, both domestically and internationally. Canadian companies highly value advanced language skills.

• Access to higher education. The C1 level allows entry to study programs in English or French-speaking universities, as well as scholarships and research opportunities. In Canada, English and French are taken into account as a mandatory requirement for study, as they are the official languages of the country.

• Confidence and competence. Achieving level C1 improves the ability to participate in conferences, international events, and facilitates communication in travel and social situations.

How can level C1 be formally demonstrated?

A person who is proficient in English or advanced French has in his or her educational file a valuable resource that he or she must be able to demonstrate in a formal and certified manner, which is why the C1 level is so closely related to the demanding IELTS (English) and TEF (French) tests, which internationally recognize the level of proficiency in each linguistic competence.  

Reach level C1 with Planeta Immiland

Planeta Immiland Education is the first immigration-focused language school for Canada. Our courses are both virtual and face-to-face. We offer live participatory classes with a maximum of 10 students per group and a highly trained multicultural team, willing and committed to help you throughout your learning process until you reach the advanced level you desire.

You can visit our website: https://www.planeta-immiland-education.com/ to explore each of our courses and get updated with the best tips and valuable data that we share through this blog.

I hope this topic complements your knowledge about the importance and benefits of achieving C1 level language skills. Thanks for reading - see you in a future Planet Immiland blog!

With love,

Planeta Immiland Education