If you’ve recently gotten your SPM results and did a double take when you saw your CEFR English Level, you’re not alone.
A lot of students and parents are scratching their heads wondering how someone can score an A in SPM English but still get something like a C for CEFR.
So what’s going on here? Is it a mistake? Is the CEFR grade more important? And what does it even mean?
Let’s break it down.
First of all, what is CEFR?
CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Fancy name, but it basically just means a global standard used to measure how well someone actually uses a language, not just writes it in an exam.
It’s used across Europe and many other countries, and Malaysia decided to adopt it too. Now, it’s fully integrated into our school system from the textbooks we use to the English curriculum and, yes, even the SPM results slip.
So why do I have 2 grades for English now?
On your SPM slip, you’ll now see:
- Your SPM English grade, which is based on the exam (like essays, grammar, comprehension).
- Your CEFR English level, which tells you how well you can use English in real life, like speaking, listening, understanding conversations, and so on.
So even if you’re great at writing essays and acing grammar tests, your CEFR level might not be as high if your spoken English or listening skills aren’t as strong. It’s like scoring well in theory but still needing practice in real situations.
How do CEFR grades work?
Here’s where it gets a bit confusing, CEFR grading is the opposite of what we’re used to.
- A1 is the lowest level (basic)
- A2 is still basic, but a bit better
- B1 is intermediate
- B2 is upper intermediate
- C1 is advanced
- C2 is expert level, like near-native fluency
So if your CEFR result says A2, that doesn’t mean you failed, it just means your current English ability is at a basic level, especially in practical use.
Wait, but I’ve been learning English since Standard 1?
True, and that’s where the school curriculum comes in. Since Malaysia adopted the CEFR system, all our English textbooks are now based on it, and they build students up gradually year by year.
Here’s how the CEFR levels match up with school years:
- Year 1: Aiming for A1
- Year 2: A1 low
- Year 3: A1 mid
- Year 4: A1 high
- Year 5: A2 low
- Year 6: A2 high
- Form 1: A2 review
- Form 2: A2 high
- Form 3: B1 low
- Form 4: B1 mid
- Form 5: B1 high
So if your CEFR level in SPM is A2, it basically means your real-life English skills are around Year 6 to Form 2 level.
Is that a bad thing?
Not at all. It’s just a signal of where your strengths are and what you can improve. Think of the CEFR as a progress tracker, not a punishment.
Also, the CEFR level is super useful if you plan to study or work overseas, because many universities and employers actually ask for it. It shows how well you can communicate, not just sit for an exam.
So what should students and parents do?
The most important thing is not to panic. Now that Malaysia is using CEFR, it’s just one more tool to understand where students stand and how to help them improve.
And if you’re still in school? Try to practice English in everyday situations; talk to your friends in English, watch English shows, read books, listen to podcasts.
It’s not just about exams anymore. The more you use English, the better your CEFR level will be by the time you hit Form 5.
TL;DR?
Getting an A in SPM English but a low CEFR grade isn’t a mistake. The two grades are measuring different things.
One is about exam performance, the other is about real-life English skills. Now that Malaysia’s using CEFR, it’s a great opportunity to build stronger, more practical language skills and not just memorise essay formats.
So don’t stress. Learn, practice, and grow. English is a journey, not just a paper.
