A C2 Proficiency qualification shows the world that you have mastered English to an exceptional level. It proves you can communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.
Level C1 corresponds to users who can express themselves fluently and spontaneously. They can use language flexibly and effectively for all purposes.
CEFR-level C2 (proficiency)
You can take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion and have a good familiarity with idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms. You can express yourself fluently and convey finer shades of meaning precisely.
Level C2 corresponds to proficient users of the language, i.e. those able to perform complex tasks related to work and study.
SKILLS AT LEVEL C1
He/she can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for the right expression. He/she can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes.
You can expect to encounter more complex, nuanced texts and questions in C2 Proficiency compared to C1 Advanced. However, both tests are at a high level and success in either qualification will be accepted as proof of English proficiency by most universities.
A C2 level of English is essentially a native level. It allows for reading and writing of any type on any subject, nuanced expression of emotions and opinions, and active participation in any academic or professional setting.
Fluency is defined as “being able to speak and write quickly or easily in a given language.” In general, when someone is considered fluent in a language, they have the ability to speak the language near perfect but could require more concentration and time to formulate in-depth thoughts and understand slang terms.
A C2 Proficiency qualification demonstrates that students have mastered English to an exceptional level, and are able to communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker.
In summary, C2 level is considered the highest level of proficiency in the CEFR framework, and it's considered as a near-native speaker level of proficiency, but not equivalent to the proficiency of a native speaker.
The C1 level would allow for full autonomy in a native English-speaking country. According to the official CEFR guidelines, someone at the C1 level in English: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning.
Advanced: CEFR Level C1.
Level B2: Basic Fluency
Reaching B2 is generally considered by most people as having basic fluency.
An almost dictionary-like definition of being fluent might be that you are fluent when your speaking ability allows you to talk freely, that you don't have to stop and think and don't hesitate when constructing sentences and that your speech, well, flows.
Fluent. A fluent language skill means you can read, write, and speak a language fluidly and without hesitation.
Native Speaker
This usually means that it dominated their youth and is therefore the language they do their thinking in (though there are some exceptions). A native speaker is more than fluent — they correctly and easily use their first language.
Can a non native speaker reach C2? No, not all native speakers speak their languages at C2 level. I am bilingual by myself, and I can understand everything, of course, written or spoken in my native languages.
C2 Proficiency
The last and the most demanding level of language proficiency is C2. Speakers can easily understand everything- from concrete to abstract topics, easily can lead any kind of conversation, and can express themselves with ease and spontaneously even in the most complex situations.
Language Levels: CEFR
In the minds of many, this is a good measure of fluency. Someone holding C2 level would have an active vocabulary of 10,000 and a passive vocabulary of around 20,000. That's in line with what information shows is the average for a native speaker to know.
In order to progress to C2 level, students need to work on their pronunciation and intonation to sound like native speakers. Additionally, they should be able to communicate effectively with native speakers on abstract topics and handle difficult conversations as well as discuss any topic without difficulty.
B1 is synonymous with good language skills. B2 is synonymous with very good/fluent language skills. C1 is synonymous with business fluent language skills. C2 is synonymous with (almost) native language level.
Level B2 corresponds to independent users of the language, i.e. those who have the necessary fluency to communicate without effort with native speakers.