IELTS to CEFR Score Conversion: Check the Score Equivalence and Band Descriptors
Highlights:
- The Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a series of descriptions of abilities that can be applied to any language.
- The CEFR helps set the global standard for language-level proficiency
- The CEFR is becoming more prominent in how institutions consider language ability requirements.
- IELTS 7–8 corresponds to CEFR level C1, which is the most widely accepted level for admission to universities in English-speaking countries.
Many top-ranked universities require a minimum CEFR level of B2. According to the official IELTS website, the 5.5–6.5 band score generally corresponds to B2. So, achieving that CEFR IELTS level on your test indicates you can comfortably handle academic studies in English. You must know the CEFR level and IELTS score comparisons: it gives a clear picture of your English proficiency, beyond just a number. You can simply check the conversions of IELTS and CEFR levels from the official website.
Your performance across the four IELTS sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, can influence how your score translates to the CEFR framework. A strong performance in all sections of IELTS syllabus strengthens your overall proficiency. Knowing the CEFR IELTS level conversion linked to your target score helps you set achievable goals for your preparation.
- The CEFR categorizes language proficiency into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
- Some institutions might have slightly higher score requirements for specific CEFR levels.
- Each level is defined by specific statements, that showcase what you can achieve at that level in various communication situations.
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Why is the CEFR Required?
The terms "beginning," "intermediate," and "advanced" are very ambiguous. This is present among teachers of the same language. As a result, one can see how ambiguous it would be to compare languages. The CEFR was created for this purpose, to a standardized scale that makes comparing language fluency simple.
- The scale of fluency goes from A1 (least fluent) to C2 (native-level fluency). This is broken down in depth in the infographic below.
- The CEFR level IELTS score is very different from each other. Consequently, Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) decided to map the correlation between IELTS band scores and CEFR fluency levels.
- There cannot be a one-to-one mapping across tests, since they use distinct scoring systems.
- The forms of the tests are entirely different.
CEFR Level IELTS Comparison
CEFR is used for measuring different languages across the world. There are set performance descriptors like C1 level English IELTS score, C2, and more which are compared to the IELTS scores. Universities and colleges are recommended to study the IELTS score descriptors and the attached DVD to completely understand the assessment of marks in relation to the ability of the test-takers. This way, they will be able to comprehend the IELTS CEFR equivalent scores. In the table below, candidates can easily understand the meaning of terms like IELTS B2 level, CEFR B2 IELTS, IELTS C1 score, and IELTS B1 score. CEFR level IELTS further helps to find out the global value of their score:
| IELTS Score | CEFR | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | C2 | Expert User |
| 8.5 | Very Good User | |
| 8.0 | C1 | |
| 7.5 | Good User | |
| 7.0 | ||
| 6.5 | B2 | Competent User |
| 6.0 | ||
| 5.5 | Modest User | |
| 5.0 | B1 | |
| 4.5 | Limited User | |
| 0.0 – 4.0 | A2 and A1 | Extremely Limited/Intermittent/Non Use |
Note on CEFR level IELTS overlapping: IELTS band scores can span fluency bands in several cases. For instance, 6.5 is in between a B2 level English IELTS score and a CEFR level C1 IELTS. Depending on the B2 English level IELTS of assurance they seek, an institute may count 6.5 as CEFR level B2 IELTS band score or C1. Now, many candidates with a band of 6.5 may be fluent in C1. Some, though, could fall just short of it. Therefore, a university may map C1 to a band of 7 rather than 6.5 if it needs a high level of assurance. This rule differs across universities.
IELTS CEFR Equivalence
Establishing a CEFR IELTS equivalent is quite a task because the latter’s framework is not clearly defined. Cambridge ESOL has been struggling since the 1990s to create a defined relationship among all its assessment products, which also includes CEFR to IELTS. IELTS to CLB Calculator helps candidates to measure the score equivalency. The main difference between CEFR level IELTS is - IELTS is not a level-based exam and involves scoring on a 9 band scale. Candidates while comparing should also consider the differences in pattern, concept, motive, and population.
CEFR Level A1
- Comprehend and employ simple terms
- Identify yourself and provide or request personal information
- Talk about common, everyday subjects.
CEFR Level A2
- Interpret commonly used phrases in everyday contexts like going shopping or to work,
- Provide and comprehend simple directions
- Discuss desires and requirements.
CEFR Level B1
- Converse about and comprehend talks including family, friends, work, and leisure-related issues.
- Possess the ability to articulate travel needs
- Write brief paragraphs describing your interests.
- Briefly describe and comprehend experiences, aspirations, ideas, and happenings
CEFR Level B2
- Compose a thorough document on a variety of themes
- Comprehend the major concepts in a complicated text or recording
- Engage in natural discussions with native speakers.
CEFR Level C1
- Comprehend convoluted talks or messages
- In professional, social, or formal settings, explain difficult concepts with little or no hesitation.
- Writing formal, in-depth texts about difficult subjects
CEFR Level C2
- Comprehend what you read or hear in nearly every circumstance.
- Summarize data from several sources to provide a presentation that is easy to understand.
- In challenging circumstances, express yourself clearly.
Why Compare CEFR and IELTS?
For students who have applied to European colleges and institutes that accept the CEFR levels, comparisons are frequently unavoidable. It is required since it is frequently crucial to comprehend the connections and compare scenarios between CEFR level IELTS results. According to the official guidelines, the CEFR has always been intended to be a widely-used tool for reflection, communication, and empowerment. The process of converting IELTS results into the correct CEFR levels is simple.
You should use the rule of thumb that an IELTS score of 7.5 is equivalent to the CEFR level C1. Similar to how 4.5 on the IELTS scale corresponds to the CEFR B1 level. The mean band scores recorded on the Test Report Form, rather than the band scores for particular modules, are the IELTS utilized for comparison with the CEFR level. CEFR scale is like a framework that defines the learning ability of the candidates at different levels. The CEFR level IELTS comparison helps test-takers in knowing their performances based on different difficulty levels.
FAQs
Ques: What is CEFR?
Ans: The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is a framework that describes levels of language proficiency. It outlines what learners can understand and do at each level.
Ques: How does IELTS relate to CEFR?
Ans: IELTS scores don't directly translate to CEFR levels. However, there's a general correlation between the two. Understanding this conversion helps your IELTS score submission in terms of real-world language ability.
Ques: What is the IELTS score range for CEFR A1?
Ans: There's no official IELTS score range for A1. It represents learners with very basic English understanding and achieved a minimum IELTS score under 4.0 band
Ques: What is the IELTS score range for CEFR A2?
Ans: The general range for A2 is IELTS band score of 4-5 bands. You can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases if you achieve CEFR A2 level.
Ques: Can I use the conversion to know the exact CEFR level from my IELTS score?
Ans: The conversion is a general guide. Your actual proficiency in IELTS score might be slightly higher or lower than the indicated CEFR level.
Ques: How can I use the conversion effectively?
Ans: Use it to understand the general language ability associated with your target IELTS score. This helps set realistic goals and tailor your learning for your desired university.
Ques: Should I focus on a specific IELTS band score to reach a desired CEFR level?
Ans: Focus on developing all your English skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking to achieve a well-rounded proficiency that reflects a good statement of your target CEFR level.
Ques: Do universities use the CEFR to IELTS conversion?
Ans: Some universities do, but many universities have their own specific IELTS score requirements. Always check the university's website for detailed score requirements.
Ques: Where can I find the official IELTS CEFR descriptions?
Ans: You can find them on the Council of Europe website, or you can visit any IELTS official website for CEFR and IELTS level descriptors
Ques: How can I improve my IELTS score to reach a higher CEFR level?
Ans: Use official IELTS resources, and practice tests, and focus on all four skill areas. Consider enrolling in a preparation course for guidance to maximize your IELTS score.
Comments
Yes, universities and colleges are recommended to study the IELTS score descriptors and the attached DVD to completely understand the assessment of marks concerning the ability of the test-takers like you. This way they will be able to comprehend the IELTS CEFR equivalent scores. Both IELTS and CEFR scales are used worldwide as a common metric for measuring foreign language learners’ proficiency.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) organizes language proficiency in six levels, A1 to C2 (A1 for beginners, up to C2 for those who have mastered a language), which can be regrouped into three broad levels: Basic User, Independent User, and Proficient User, and which can be further subdivided according to the needs of the local context.
CEFR C1 is equivalent to an IELTS score between 7 and 8. It means that you are a “proficient user” of the language, i.e. you can perform complex tasks related to work and study and you can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. With this score, you have a high chance of getting admitted to certain top universities.
IELTS indicator will be a helpful way of IELTS preparation as the opted tests will be marked by the official examiners of IELTS. IELTS indicator will help you experience a real-exam-like environment from your home. IELTS indicator is like a complete assessment of the preparation level. It is like personalized coaching for IELTS from the IELTS examiners that can be opted from their comfort zone.
If you are scoring within the CEFR B2 IELTS range, then you have a thin chance of getting admitted to certain top universities in the UK. An IELTS C1 score is equivalent to a range of 7 to 8. If you are obtaining a CEFR C1 score, then you have a high chance to get admission to top universities. CEFR levels C1 and C2 are the highest levels of proficiency described by the CEFR framework.
A band score of 8 in IELTS will be classified under CEFR level C1. CEFR levels start at A1 and A2 (basic English ability and high basic English ability). The next level up is B1 and B2 (independent and high independent English use). And the highest levels of English proficiency in CEFR are C1 and C2 (proficient English use and advanced proficient English use).
The comparison is necessary because understanding the relationships and comparative scenarios between IELTS and CEFR scores is often imperative. It can provide a starting point for interpreting and comparing different language qualifications and is increasingly used as a way of benchmarking language ability around the world. It is not difficult to convert IELTS scores into their corresponding CEFR levels. You should go by a rule of thumb where the IELTS 7.5 band score equates to the C1 level in the CEFR.