diff --git a/parquet-column/src/main/java/org/apache/parquet/io/ColumnIO.java b/parquet-column/src/main/java/org/apache/parquet/io/ColumnIO.java
index 43416e44ae..7fe2641cfe 100644
--- a/parquet-column/src/main/java/org/apache/parquet/io/ColumnIO.java
+++ b/parquet-column/src/main/java/org/apache/parquet/io/ColumnIO.java
@@ -71,11 +71,17 @@ public String getName() {
     return name;
   }
 
-  int getRepetitionLevel() {
+  /**
+   * Returns the maximum repetition level for this column
+   */
+  public int getRepetitionLevel() {
     return repetitionLevel;
   }
 
-  int getDefinitionLevel() {
+  /**
+   * Returns the maximum definition level for this column
+   */
+  public int getDefinitionLevel() {
     return definitionLevel;
   }