Notable Provisions on the Purpose and Content of the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework, and Its Compatibility with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – Key Points for Those Intending to Establish a Foreign Language Training Center:
The Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners (hereinafter referred to as “the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework” or “VLPF”) is used for the following purposes:
- Serving as a uniform basis for assessing Vietnamese proficiency of foreigners.
- Providing a foundation for developing teaching programs and plans; compiling or selecting learning materials; and establishing assessment and testing criteria at different levels of study and training.
- Assisting teachers and lecturers in selecting and implementing teaching content, methods of instruction, testing, and assessment in order to support learners in meeting the requirements of training programs.
- Helping learners understand the content and requirements of each level of Vietnamese proficiency and self-assess their own competence.
- Facilitating cooperation and educational exchange, as well as recognition of diplomas and certificates with countries that use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Compatibility Between the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework and CEFR
The VLPF was developed with reference to, and by applying, the CEFR, in combination with the actual conditions of teaching, learning, and using Vietnamese for foreigners. The VLPF is divided into 3 levels (Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced) and 6 proficiency bands (from Band 1 to Band 6), corresponding to CEFR levels from A1 to C2, as follows:
| VLPF | CEFR |
| Elementary | Band 1 → A1 |
| Band 2 → A2 | |
| Intermediate | Band 3 → B1 |
| Band 4 → B2 | |
| Advanced | Band 5 → C1 |
| Band 6 → C2 |
Content of the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework
General Descriptions
- Elementary
- Band 1: Understands and uses familiar language structures; can use basic vocabulary to meet concrete communication needs: introducing oneself and others; providing basic information such as place of residence, family, and acquaintances. Can engage in simple interaction if the interlocutor speaks slowly, clearly, and is cooperative.
- Band 2: Understands common sentences and structures related to basic needs (family, shopping, directions, employment). Can exchange information on familiar, routine matters and describe simple aspects of themselves, their environment, and immediate needs.
- Intermediate
- Band 3: Understands the main ideas of clear, standard speech and texts on familiar topics at work, school, or leisure. Can handle most situations encountered in Vietnamese-speaking environments; can write simple texts on familiar topics and describe experiences, events, wishes, and briefly justify opinions or plans.
- Band 4: Understands the main ideas of moderately complex texts on a variety of subjects, including discussions related to one’s professional field. Can interact fluently and naturally with native speakers; can write clear, detailed texts on diverse topics, expressing opinions and presenting pros and cons of various options.
- Advanced
- Band 5: Recognizes and understands implicit meaning in long, complex texts across a wide range of topics. Can express themselves fluently, spontaneously, and precisely without difficulty; uses language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes; can write clear, well-structured, detailed texts on complex subjects, with effective use of cohesive devices.
- Band 6: Easily understands nearly all spoken and written texts. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments in a coherent manner; expresses themselves very fluently and precisely, with the ability to distinguish subtle shades of meaning in complex situations.
Legal Basis
- Circular No. 17/2015/TT-BGDĐT promulgating the Vietnamese Language Proficiency Framework for Foreigners.
