English Hints

Test yourself

Find out your English level and see exactly which topics to work on. Free, no sign-up, results explained.

  • 360 questions in the bank
  • A random selection for every attempt

Level tests

  • Quick check

    A1–B2

    A fast read on where you are. Sixteen questions across the core topics.

    • 16 questions
    • ~6 min
    Open test

  • English level test

    A1–B2

    The standard test. Twenty-eight questions across a broad range of topics, with a full breakdown.

    • 28 questions
    • ~11 min
    Open test

  • Full level test

    A1–B2

    The most precise result. Fifty-six questions, broad topic coverage, in depth.

    • 56 questions
    • ~25 min
    Open test

What these tests measure

These are Use of English tests: every question checks your grammar and vocabulary through multiple-choice questions, the same skill area most placement papers call "Use of English." They do not test listening, speaking or free writing, so treat the result as a precise read on that one skill, not a full four-skills assessment.

How the level is worked out

Each question is tagged with a CEFR level. You are credited with the highest level where you answered at least 70% correctly and passed every level below it. The full ladder is shown with your result, so you can see how the number was reached.

Frequently asked questions

  • What does a CEFR level mean?

    CEFR is the A1–C2 scale that schools, universities and employers worldwide use to describe English ability. English Hints reports a level from A1 to B2 using the same descriptors, so the result means the same thing here as it does on a course syllabus or a job listing.

  • Is the test free?

    Yes. All three tests are free, with no account, sign-up or payment. Take any of them as many times as you like.

  • How long does it take?

    The quick check takes about six minutes for sixteen questions, the standard test about eleven minutes for twenty-eight, and the full test about twenty-five minutes for fifty-six. Each test's own page states its time estimate before you start.

  • How accurate is the result?

    It measures grammar and vocabulary only, not listening, speaking or writing, so treat it as a precise estimate of that one skill rather than an official placement test. Based on simulated results, the quick check (16 questions) names your exact level about 60% of the time and is within one level about 90% of the time; the standard test (28 questions) about 70% and 95%; and the full test (56 questions) about 85% and 99%. These are simulation-based estimates, not guarantees — take the longer test when the extra precision is worth the extra time.

  • What should I do with my result?

    Your result page lists the topics you scored weakest on and links directly to the grammar card behind each missed question, where one exists. Study those cards, then retake the test later to see whether the gaps have closed.