The Five CASAS Levels Explained: From Beginning to Advanced
The CASAS STEPS Reading and Listening tests are designed to measure your English progress step by step. Whether you are just beginning to learn English or preparing for college and career, there is a CASAS level that matches your skills. In this guide, we explain the five CASAS levels (A through E), how many questions they include, how much time you have, and who each level is for. We also show how the CASAS levels connect to NRS levels and scale scores, which schools use to measure progress.
What is CASAS?
CASAS stands for the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System. It is a nationally recognized testing system approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Labor for use in adult education programs. CASAS focuses on real-life English skills that learners need for work, daily life, and higher education. Learn more at the official site: CASAS.org.
Level A: Beginning Literacy and Low Beginning
Who it’s for: Students just starting English or with very basic literacy.
- Reading test: 33 questions, up to 30 minutes.
- Listening test: 33 questions, up to 28 minutes.
- Question types: Picture prompts, comprehension, and “next line” conversations. All questions are repeated.
- Scale score range: about 150–180.
- NRS Level: 1 (Beginning ESL Literacy).
This level builds the foundation of English — the basics of reading words, understanding very simple sentences, and recognizing everyday vocabulary.
Level B: High Beginning
Who it’s for: Students who can handle simple sentences and short conversations.
- Reading test: 36 questions, up to 50 minutes.
- Listening test: 36 questions, up to 45 minutes.
- Question types: Comprehension and “next line” conversations. Picture prompts disappear, but questions are still repeated.
- Scale score range: about 181–200.
- NRS Level: 2 (Low Beginning ESL).
At this level, learners can manage daily interactions like shopping, asking directions, or filling out simple forms.
Level C: Low Intermediate
Who it’s for: Students who can read and understand short texts and participate in conversations with some support.
- Reading test: 36 questions, up to 75 minutes.
- Listening test: 39 questions, up to 52 minutes.
- Question types: Comprehension and “next line,” with questions repeated.
- Scale score range: about 201–210.
- NRS Level: 3 (High Beginning ESL).
Students at Level C can read short passages, answer questions with details, and follow along in conversations about everyday life.
Level D: High Intermediate
Who it’s for: Students who can understand longer texts and more complex listening situations.
- Reading test: 36 questions, up to 75 minutes.
- Listening test: 39 questions, up to 56 minutes.
- Question types: Comprehension and “next line,” with questions repeated.
- Scale score range: about 211–220.
- NRS Level: 4 (Low Intermediate ESL).
This level challenges students with more detail, inference, and vocabulary. It’s often where learners begin preparing for job readiness and advanced ESOL coursework.
Level E: Advanced
Who it’s for: Students preparing for college, training programs, or entering the workforce.
- Reading test: 36 questions, up to 75 minutes.
- Listening test: 39 questions, up to 38 minutes.
- Question types: Comprehension and “next line.” At this level, questions are not repeated, making it more challenging.
- Scale score range: about 221–250+.
- NRS Level: 5–6 (High Intermediate to Advanced ESL).
Students at Level E are expected to read articles, workplace documents, and academic passages with little difficulty. Listening tasks reflect real workplace and academic communication.
Why the Levels Matter
CASAS levels are carefully matched to real-life language use. Being placed in one level helps your school know where to start your instruction. Moving up from one level to the next shows measurable growth in your reading and listening ability. From Level A to Level E, the tests measure progress toward everyday communication, workplace success, and academic readiness.
Final Thoughts
CASAS is more than a test — it is a roadmap of your English progress. Each level gives you a chance to demonstrate your skills and take one step closer to your personal, educational, or career goals.
At CASASTEPS.com, you can practice for every level A–E for free. Whether you’re just beginning or preparing for advanced opportunities, we’re here to help you succeed with Reading practice and Listening practice designed for CASAS STEPS.