English C1 (Advanced)
Summary of the English C1 (Advanced) test
The English proficiency test (C1) evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of the English language at the C1 level of the CEFR framework. This test helps you hire employees with advanced English communication skills to ensure they can participate in demanding professional and social interactions.
Covered skills
Grammar and vocabulary
Forming complete sentences
Reading comprehension
Listening comprehension
Use the English (proficient/C1) test to hire
Editors, writers, content creators, customer success managers, sales representatives, project managers, consultants, and other employees who need to be proficient in English to perform well in their roles.
About the English proficiency test (C1)
The English Proficiency (C1) test assesses English communication skills at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The test rates candidates in grammar and vocabulary, sentence composition, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension, touching on four key areas:
Reading: The candidate’s ability to accurately comprehend complex, technical texts
Writing: How well an applicant creates structured and error-free writing
Speaking: The ability to convey thoughts and ideas verbally on any topic
Listening: Comprehension of spoken English, including various accents, idioms, and expressions.
Employees with C1 English language proficiency can clearly and effectively discuss ideas, plans, and goals with customers and colleagues. They can create well-structured reports, presentations, webinars, and other materials in English to help promote the company.
Using this English proficiency test for job applicants ensures your new hires can uphold high standards in external and internal communications. Effective communication in the workplace is crucial because 72% of leaders believe it contributes to employee productivity.
This English test for employment provides a bias-free approach to identifying top candidates with the language skills necessary to support your business’s growth. It also helps you open up your pipeline to nontraditional candidates who might have learned English via Duolingo and informal work experience rather than via expensive language courses and examinations (i.e., IELTS, Cambridge English exams, TOEFL IBT).
The test is made by a subject-matter expert
TestGorilla’s tests are created by subject matter experts. We assess potential subject-matter experts based on their knowledge, ability, and reputation.Before being published, each test is peer-reviewed by another expert, then calibrated using hundreds of test takers with relevant experience in the subject.
Our feedback mechanisms and unique algorithms allow our subject-matter experts to constantly improve their tests.
John G.
Trained linguist John Galindo (MA in Linguistics) has been teaching English as a second language (ESL) to adults for over six years and is currently an Instructor of English at a University in Osaka, Japan.
With expertise in linguistic analysis and speech acoustics, John focuses his teaching on perfecting his students’ writing and pronunciation skills. John works as a freelance linguist, providing Executive Language Coaching, linguistic analysis, and language assessment materials to his clients.
Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha coefficient = .82
Face validity: Candidates rated this test as accurately measuring their skills (average score of 4.03 out of 5.00).
Criterion-related validity: Candidates with higher scores on this test received higher average ratings from the hiring team during the selection process (r = .30, N = 866).
For an in-depth look at interpreting test results, please take a look at our Science series articles: How to interpret test fact sheets (part 1): Reliability, and How to interpret test fact sheets (part 2): Validity.
For an explanation of the various terms, please refer to our Science glossary.
Reliability and validity | Sufficient data available | Analyses and checks conducted | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
Reliability | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Content validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Face validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Construct validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Criterion-related validity | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Group differences | |||
Age differences | Pending | Pending | Pending |
Gender differences | ✔ | ✔ | Acceptable |
Ethnicity differences | Pending | Pending | Pending |
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Why are English C1 skills important to employers?
Assessing English C1 communication skills is important to employers because it shows how potential employees can navigate advanced communication tasks, such as delivering detailed project updates, understanding complex instructions, and contributing to strategic discussions.
Using an English proficiency test for job applicants helps employers identify individuals with the language proficiency needed to thrive in professional environments. This is crucial for high-volume hiring and when recruiting remote workers from different parts of the world where English is a foreign language.
Confirming advanced language skills with an English C1 (Advanced) test can result in higher productivity, smoother collaboration, and a more cohesive remote work environment.
For instance, Click&Boat, a boat rental platform, uses test results from our English proficiency assessment tests when hiring new customer service agents. This strategy has helped the company hire top performers who are 30% more productive than the rest of the team.
What job roles can you hire with our English proficiency skills test?
Our English proficiency test (C1) can help you identify candidates who excel in various roles that demand strong English language skills. That includes:
Editors: Advanced language skills support accuracy in editing and proofreading, ensuring the quality of written content
Writers: An English proficiency assessment test confirms writers can create clear and compelling articles, blog posts, and documents that successfully convey complex ideas to diverse audiences
Content creators: A great English assessment test for job applicants helps hire content creators who can develop dynamic multimedia content that resonates with viewers and drives engagement
Customer success managers: An English test for work verifies that candidates can communicate well to solve problems, offer support, and maintain professional relationships
Sales representatives: Strong language proficiency helps workers make more persuasive presentations and build rapport that drives sales
Project managers: Candidates who score well on the English proficiency test practice more efficient communication, which keeps projects on track
Consultants: The English C1 (Advanced) test confirms candidates can deliver strategic guidance and recommendations to provide valuable insights
Create a multi-measure assessment: 4 tests to pair with the English proficiency test (C1)
You can combine up to five different tests in an assessment for a more comprehensive candidate evaluation. This holistic approach helps you make more informed hiring decisions and ensures your new team members have the right level of English as well as the right skills, traits, and mindset.
Improve your hiring process by combining the English C1 (Advanced) test with these four complementary tests:
Communication Skills test: Measures a candidate’s ability to handle common workplace communication scenarios, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and team collaboration. This test ensures that your hires can effectively communicate across departments, build strong professional relationships, and maintain a positive work environment.
Culture Add test: Identifies how well an applicant aligns with your organization’s values and whether they can bring fresh perspectives that complement your team. This test ensures new hires can adapt to and enhance your existing company culture while contributing positively to the team’s success
Negotiation test: Gauge how a job seeker handles difficult discussions, influences others, and uses their persuasion skills. This test is particularly useful if you’re hiring salespeople, consultants, or other professionals who need to use their English language skills to communicate with clients and discuss sensitive issues like pricing.
Problem Solving test: Evaluate candidates’ ability to analyze complex information and use critical thinking in the decision-making process. Combining this test with the English C1 (Advanced) test ensures you hire people who aren’t just fluent speakers but also sharp thinkers.
Note: We haven’t included any role-specific skills tests here because they depend on the position you’re hiring for. However, we highly recommend you add at least one in your five-test assessment to ensure your candidates possess the right skills for the job.
FAQs
View a sample report
The English C1 (Advanced) test will be included in a PDF report along with the other tests from your assessment. You can easily download and share this report with colleagues and candidates.