Levels and Placement Tests
See the chart below for a detailed outline of the new course outlines for 22/23 by level to enable you to make an informed choice on the right course for you.
| Course Level | This course is suitable for learners... | Ability/Destination |
| Beginners Stage 1 | Total beginner. You have never studied the language, or you may have studied a language some time ago | Basic User A1 - Beginner Simple and routine tasks. Simple and direct exchange of familiar and routine matters. (Equivalent to Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) |
| Beginners Stage 2 | You have previously studied the language for a short course (between 15-30 hours); or for those with very basic knowledge of the language. | Basic User Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) A1 - Beginner Simple and routine tasks. Simple and direct exchange of familiar and routine matters. |
| Post Beginners Stage 1 | You have previously studied the language on a short course(s) basis (30-60 hours or pre-GCSE level). You need to work on a number of practical topics and learn to use past and present tenses. | Basic User Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) A1 - Beginner Simple and routine tasks. Simple and direct exchange of familiar and routine matters. |
| Post Beginners Stage 2 | You have previously studied the language for a longer course of between 60-80 hours; or for those who completed GCSE some time ago or completed a CEFR A1 qualification in the language. You need to revise essential grammatical structures and past and future tenses. | Basic User CEFR A2 - Elementary Dealing with practical everyday demands. Managing simple routine exchanges. |
| Lower Intermediate Stage 1 | You have previously studied the language at a higher level (a minimum of 60 hours/2 years on RHACC courses in one language; or for those who completed GCSE recently (grade A-C). You will need further work and practice on grammar along with past and future tenses to increase your confidence. | Basic User CEFR A2 - Elementary Dealing with practical everyday demands. Managing simple routine exchanges. |
| Lower Intermediate Stage 2 | You have previously studied the language on a longer course/at a higher level or have recently achieved a GCSE (grade A*) or completed an CEFR A2 qualification in the language. | Independent User CEFR B1 Minimum level to work abroad. Deal with most situations likely to occur while travelling or at work. |
| Intermediate Stage 1 | You have previously studied the language for up to three consecutive years at RHACC; you may have studied on a longer course (and will feel comfortable with past and future tenses. | Independent User CEFR B1 Minimum level to work abroad. Deal with most situations likely to occur while travelling or at work. |
| Intermediate Stage 2 | You may have studied on a longer course (up to 280 hours). You will feel comfortable with past and future tenses. Intermediate Conversation classes are for those who wish to focus more on everyday conversation. |
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| Post Intermediate |
You previously studied the language for four consecutive years at RHACC; or for those recently achieved AS/A2 or completed a CEFR B1 qualification in the language.
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Independent User CEFR B2 Access to Universities abroad. |
| Advanced - Grammar & Conversation | You have previously studied the language at degree level, or you have been studying at RHACC or another centre for at least 6 years (or to a minimum of five hundred hours of study); or for those who have completed a CEFR B2 (or C1) qualification in the language. You are likely to be a fluent speaker and wish to focus on advanced grammar. Any Lower advanced conversation classes currently held at RHACC are a continuation of the intermediate conversation courses with a stronger emphasis on cultural aspects of the language. | Proficient User CEFR C1 Access to Universities abroad. |
Self Assessment Tests
