White Cord or Raw Cord signifies that rather than being seen as inexperienced, capoeiristas are seen as being full of growth potential. At this level capoeiristas must know how to ginga, and how to do basic esquivas, fakes, and kicks, and be able to sing along with the group. Capoeiristas that come from another group must go through the first cord, so that they have some time to adapt to the group.

A White/Yellow Cord holder is expected to know the basic foundations of capoeira. Knowing the ginga, esquivas, passagens, kicks, and basic ground moves are essential. With this cord there must be an increased familiarity with the music and an elementary ability to play instruments, such as the pandeiro and the atabaque.

A White/Orange Cord holder is expected to master all the basic foundations of capoeira. They should be comfortable singing some songs and playing instruments: the pandeiro, atabaque and a little of the berimbau. Students must demonstrate a basic understanding of the capoeira game as well have a basic knowledge of the movements, such as kicks and ground techniques.

A White/Red Chord holder should demonstrate a basic understanding of the capoeira game and they are expected to master all basic and some advanced movements, such as basic acrobatics, trauma kicks, ground moves and techniques. They must be able to blend these elements together in the game. Capoeiristas are also expected to know many songs and play instruments: the pandeiro, atabaque and a little of the berimbau.

A White/Blue Cord holder is considered an intermediate level capoeirista. This capoeirista is expected to have a deeper understanding of the capoeira game including the different games of Banguela and São Bento Grande. They are now are expected to utilize their knowledge of basic to advanced kicks, incorporate acrobatics, ground movements, and takedowns. They need to combine all these elements for a well rounded game. Capoeiristas are also expected to know many songs and how to play all the instruments, which includes basic rhythms on the berimbau.

Capoeiristas at the intermediate/advanced level begin to help teaching the lower levels. A White/Green Cord holder is expected to fully incorporate a large variety of advanced movements, combinations of ground moves and acrobatics along with take downs in the capoeira game. Capoeiristas should also be capable of singing solos during a roda and playing all instruments: berimbau, pandeiro, atabaque, and agogô.

A White/Purple Cord holder is considered an advanced level capoeirista. At this level, they are expected to have a deeper understanding of Banguela, Angola and São Bento Grande utilizing their knowledge of basic and advanced kicks, acrobatics, ground movements, and takedowns. They are also expected to have a large repertoire of songs and they can play any instrument.

Graduado is the highest children's Cord. Capoeiristas under 16 years old can earn the title of Graduado when they demonstrate excellent skills in playing Banguela, Angola and São Bento Grande games. They also need to demonstrate strong musical skills. When a child turns 16 years old they will receive the equivalent adult cord level based on their experience.