Level 9 Magician

I recently heard of a local group (that seemed to implode) that, amongst its members had someone claiming to be a Level 9 Magician.  I assume he he was talking about himself, not his favourite Dungeons and Gragons character.  Assuming we are taking reality and not delusion here, it makes me wonder who put this level system in, who grades it and at what level can you throw fire balls.