All You Need to Know about CEFR Level and IELTS Score Conversion

Kasturika Samanta

6 min read

Updated On Jul 19, 2024

CEFR Level and IELTS Score Conversion
What is CEFR Level?
What is IELTS?
Why Compare CEFR to IELTS?
How to Find Out Your CEFR Level?
How to Improve CEFR Level?
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CEFR level and IELTS band score are the top ways to test a non-native English speaker’s language skill. While CEFR is a standardized framework used to describe and measure language proficiency, IELTS exam is a standardized test which is designed to measure four basic English language skills – Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing – for non-native English speakers.

This post will explain how to convert IELTS scores into CEFR levels, what each CEFR level means, and how using this information can help you study for the test.

CEFR Level and IELTS Score Conversion

The CEFR levels and IELTS scores can be correlated to give a sense of an individual’s language proficiency in Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Here’s a general conversion between IELTS and CEFR levels:

CEFR Level	Corresponding IELTS Band Score	Language Proficiency Level
C2	9.0	Expert User
C2	8.5	Expert User
C1	8.0	Very Good User
	7.5	Good User
	7.0	Good User
B2	6.5	Competent User
	6.0	Competent User
	5.5	Modest User
	5.0	Modest User
B1	4.5	Limited User
B1	4.0	Limited User
A2	3.5	Extremely Limited User
A2	3.0	Extremely Limited User
A1	2.5	Intermittent User
A1	2.0	Intermittent User
N.A.	1.5	Non-user
N.A.	1.0	Non-user
N.A.	0.5	Did not attempt test
N.A.	0.0	Did not attempt test

Benefits of the IELTS to CEFR Level Conversion Table

The IELTS to CEFR level conversion table is useful for:

Students and Test Takers: Helps in understanding their English proficiency level, setting study goals, and meeting application requirements for universities and visas.
Educational Institutions: Assists in setting admission criteria and evaluating applicants’ English language skills.
Employers: Provides a standard measure to assess the language proficiency of job candidates.
Immigration Authorities: Facilitates the assessment of language proficiency for visa and residency applications.

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What is CEFR Level?

The CEFR full form is Common European Framework of Reference. It is a six-point scale (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) that ranges from A1 (basic fluency) to C2 (native-fluency level).

It was created to replace the old way of describing language competencies, such as ‘Beginner’, ‘Intermediate’, and ‘Advanced’.

Teachers and learners around Europe use the CEFR levels to interpret and compare different levels of language skill.

Primary aims of the CEFR test according to the Council of Europe

What Do CEFR Level Mean?

The CEFR levels are determined by ‘can-do’ descriptions that aid in the following classification of foreign language learners’ proficiency:

CEFR Level	Expertise Level	CEFR Level Meaning
CEFR Level C2	Proficient	Users can interpret and summarise any study material that is simple to understand. They can communicate clearly in difficult situations.
CEFR Level C1	Skilled/Advanced	Users can interpret complex conversations or texts. They can explain complicated subjects in professional, social, or formal settings. They can write thorough texts about complex themes.
CEFR Level B2	Independent/ Upper Intermediate	Users can compose texts on a variety of topics. They can understand major concepts using complicated texts. They can discuss concepts naturally with native speakers.
CEFR Level B1	Intermediate	User can understand and communicate about family, friends, work, and leisure activities. They can explain travel requirements in a few paragraphs based on interests, goals, and experiences.
CEFR Level A2	Elementary	Users can interpret regularly used terms and idioms in everyday circumstances such as shopping, work, and so on. They can provide simple instructions. They can discuss diverse interests and needs.
CEFR Level A1	Beginner	Users can comprehend and use simple terms. They can identify themselves and provide or request personal information.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a global language test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.

Universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies widely recognize and accept it across the globe. The test is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

The IELTS exam evaluates four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is available in two versions:

IELTS Academic: Intended for those applying for higher education or professional registration.
IELTS General: Suitable for those migrating to English-speaking countries for secondary education, training programs, or work experience.

Test scores range from 0 to 9, with each score corresponding to a specific level of English proficiency. Let’s learn what each of them means in the table below.

Band score	Skill level	Description
Band 9	Expert user	Use the language effectively and accurately in a variety of contexts. Understand what they read and hear. Express themselves clearly and fluently.
Band 8	Very good user	User has a strong command of the language. Excels in handling complex and detailed arguments.
Band 7	Good user	User has a functional command of the language. Handles complex language well. Understands detailed reasoning.
Band 6	Competent user	User has an effective command of the language. Comprehends and uses fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5	Modest user	User has a partial command of the language. Copes with overall meaning in most situations, Likely to make many mistakes Able to handle basic communication in your own field.
Band 4	Limited user	User has a basic command of the language, with some understanding of the overall meaning in most situations. Makes frequent mistakes. Handles basic communication within your field.
Band 3	Extremely limited user	User is able to express and comprehend basic concepts in familiar situations. There are frequent communication issues.
Band 2	Intermittent user	User struggles significantly with understanding both spoken and written English.
Band 1	Non-user	User’s ability to use the language is extremely limited, with only a few isolated words at their disposal.
Band 0	Did not attempt the test	None of the questions were answered.

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Why Compare CEFR to IELTS?

Comparing CEFR levels with IELTS levels involves aligning language proficiency levels for effective assessment.

IELTS offers scores in the form of bands ranging from 0 to 9. To make a meaningful comparison, it is important to identify the CEFR level and equate it with IELTS.

For instance, a B2 level English IELTS score typically correlates with an IELTS band score range of 5.5 to 6.5. This level indicates an upper-intermediate command of English, suitable for everyday communication and basic professional tasks. On the other hand, C1 level English IELTS score is associated with an IELTS score range of 7.0 to 8.0, demonstrating effective operational proficiency and the ability to use English fluently in academic and professional contexts.

By understanding how CEFR levels correlate with IELTS level scores, individuals can make informed decisions about education, career paths, and language skill development.

How to Find Out Your CEFR Level?

Taking a carefully designed, standardized test is the best way to determine your CEFR level. The EF SET is the best option for English. It is the first test linked with the CEFR and is free. It will take you fifty minutes to finish the test and determine your CEFR level.

The CEFR equivalence is now provided on the majority of widely used English assessment exams, like

IELTS
TOEFL exam: Similar to IELTS, TOEFL scores can be aligned with CEFR levels.
Cambridge English Exams: Exams like the Cambridge English: First (FCE), Advanced (CAE), and Proficiency (CPE) are specifically designed to match B2, C1, and C2 levels respectively.

For assessments in other languages, contact the official European language teaching organization, such as the Goethe Institute for German, the Alliance Française for French, or the Instituto Cervantes for Spanish.

The CEFR equivalencies are provided by non-European language tests, including the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test.

How to Improve CEFR Level?

Improving your CEFR level involves a structured approach. Take a look at the top 5 tips to improve both your CEFR level and IELTS scores.

Regular Practice: Engage in daily language practice. This includes reading books, newspapers, and articles; writing essays or journals; listening to podcasts, songs, and news; and speaking with native speakers or in language exchange programs.
Language Courses: Enroll in structured language courses that follow the CEFR guidelines. These courses offer a comprehensive curriculum tailored to your current level and help you progress systematically.
Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests or IELTS online tests to evaluate your progress. For instance, if you’re aiming for a B2 level English IELTS score, practice with tests designed for B2 proficiency.
Feedback and Correction: Seek feedback from teachers or language partners over free demos. Constructive criticism is essential for improving your skills, especially for IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing.
Advanced Resources: Utilize advanced learning resources appropriate for your target level. If you aim for a C1 level English IELTS score, focus on complex texts and advanced grammar for IELTS exercises.

By understanding the CEFR meaning, how to convert CEFR level to IELTS scores, and how to improve them, candidates can better gauge their current proficiency and identify areas for improvement.

So, whether you are preparing for university admission, a job application, or immigration, this understanding can help you make informed decisions and enhance your language learning journey.