Employers, organisations and teachers worldwide use CEFR Level IELTS to compare students' language skills and scores with CEFR (Common European Framework of References for Languages). The IELTS in CEFR scale helps IELTS teachers, examiners and students to compare language skills and scores across various tests and qualifications. In other words, the CEFR scale serves as a framework for measuring foreign students' language proficiency at different levels and describes their learning ability.

According to the Common European Framework, CEFR is an international standard that describes a student's language ability using a six-point scale ranging from A1 (beginners) to C2 (advanced), with IELTS scores ranging from 0 (zero) to 9 (nine).

This post discusses CEFR Level IELTS comparison and how to interpret and overlap, which can be useful for you.

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Table of Contents

How to Compare CEFR with IELTS Scores?
Why Compare CEFR with IELTS?
What is the CEFR Level?
FAQs

How to Compare CEFR with IELTS Scores?

Refer to the table below to know the comparison between CEFR and IELTS scores. Here, each level is discussed subsequently.

CEFR Level	Language Proficiency Level	Corresponding IELTS Band Score
C2	Expert User	8.5 - 9.0
C1	Very Good User	8.0
C1	Good User	7.0 - 7.5
B2	Competent User	6.0 - 6.5
B2	Modest User	5.0 - 5.5
B1	Limited User	4.0 - 4.5
A2	Extremely Limited User	3.0
A1	Intermittent User	2.0
A1	Non - User	1.0
Result Availability (maximum)		13 working days
Score Validity		2 Years

CEFR Level A1
CEFR level A1 refers to a basic user. Can comprehend and use simple terms. Identify themselves and provide or request for personal information. Can talk about common everyday topics.

CEFR Level A2
CEFR level A2 is about a basic user who can interpret commonly used phrases and expressions in day-to-day contexts like shopping, work, etc. Can give simple directions. Discuss various desires and requirements.

CEFR Level B1
CEFR level B1 refers to an independent user who can comprehend and talk about family, friends, work and leisure activities. Can articulate travel needs, brief paragraphs based on interests, aspirations and experiences.

CEFR Level B2
CEFR level B2 is equivalent to an independent user who is capable of composing documents of various themes. Comprehend major concepts using complicated texts. Discuss naturally with native speakers.

CEFR Level C1
CEFR level C1 talks about a proficient user who can comprehend convoluted talks or messages. Explain difficult concepts in professional, social or formal situations. Write detailed texts about in-depth subjects.

CEFR Level C2
CEFR level C2 is assigned to a proficient user who can comprehend, summarise any data that is easy to understand. In challenging circumstances, they can express themselves clearly.

Likewise, IELTS (International English Language Test System) is an international standardised test with four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Non-native English speakers take this test to prove their language proficiency. Scores obtained out of 40 are converted to the band scale of 0 (zero) to 9 (nine).

Why Compare CEFR with IELTS?

If you’re planning to study in European universities, you must compare CEFR with IELTS. It is necessary to understand the relationships and comparative scenarios between IELTS and CEFR scores. Here’s why:

CEFR level uses more standardised scales to determine fluency in the English language.
In Europe, teachers, examiners and students compare language skills and scores from tests and qualifications with CEFR.
Since schools, colleges & universities find difficulty in measuring a student’s language proficiency based on the IELTS band (eg. 8.0 - 8.5), they interpret IELTS scores to CEFR levels.
Companies and other organisations prefer CEFR-level IELTS scores to measure a candidate’s language fluency.
As the IELTS 7.5 band score equates to the C1 level, and the 4.5 band score equates to the B1 level in the CEFR, IELTS users may know how much in IELTS will lead to achieving B1, B2 or above in CEFR.
CEFR level IELTS scores comparison eliminates vague terms like “Basic,” “Intermediate,” and “Advanced” with the help of accurate indicators.
Since CEFR stands for reflection, communication and empowerment, they convert IELTS scores recorded in the Test Report Form into the CEFR levels using a simple process.

What is the CEFR Level?

CEFR level is a scale with six points (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) ranging from A1 (basic fluency) to C2 (native-fluency level). It’s developed to replace the old way of describing language ability, like “beginner,” “intermediate,” and “advanced.” Teachers & learners across Europe use CEFR levels to interpret and compare different language proficiency levels with more reliable indicators. In addition, CEFR converts TOEFL and PTE scores.

The CEFR English test is a popularly acknowledged language standard initiated by the Council of Europe in the 1990s to help anyone involved in language teaching and testing. Companies and educational institutions use CEFR to compare language qualifications to other exams in their country. Since CEFR level IELTS is different from others, Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) mapped the correlation between IELTS band scores and CEFR fluency levels.

As per the Council of Europe, the main objectives of the CEFR test are as follows:

Promote plurilingualism and language diversification in the curriculum.
Develop the language curricula, positive ‘can-do’ statements and descriptors based on the learner’s interests, needs, and age group.
Design and develop notes, textbooks and other teaching materials.
Provide quality and success in the learning process, teaching and standardised assessment.
Support the development of the plurilingual profile of language learners.
Ensure transparency and the comparability of certifications.
Enable teacher education and build cooperation among teachers and educators of various languages.

CEFR Levels to IELTS score chart

From the above CEFR versus IELTS score chart, you can understand that an IELTS band score of 7.0 is equivalent to a CEFR level of C1. Similarly, an IELTS band score of 4.5 is equivalent to a CEFR level of B1.

Key Notes on Overlapping

By now, you would notice that some IELTS scores overlap on two scores of the CEFR chart. For instance, the IELTS band 6.5 is between B2 and C1 of CEFR. It indicates that when certain applicants have a band score of 6.5, some might fall under the C1 level, while others might have B2 level fluency based on their skills. However, the interpretation of scores varies depending on the expectations set by various universities. So, a top-tier university with high expectations always assigns C1 to band 7 rather than 6.5. Hence you are advised to double-check the university’s minimum language requirements and prepare accordingly.

To study or work in Europe, students must know “CEFR level IELTS.” CEFR level is an international framework that describes language proficiency. CEFR interprets IELTS scores through a six-point scale to bring clarity to the reviewers (employers, organisations and schools). Therefore, plan your IELTS preparation based on this CEFR-level IELTS score interpretation and start your journey abroad.

FAQs

1. What is the CEFR level in IELTS?

The CEFR level IELTS is an international standard that describes IELTS scores ranging from 0 (zero) to 9 (nine) along with six levels (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). The CEFR level (A1 to C2) is categorised into three levels: Basic User, Independent User and Prominent User. Many national language policy makers use CEFR to facilitate multilingualism and overall literacy.

2. What are the purposes of the CEFR?

The main purpose of the CEFR is to provide a common platform to elaborate language syllabuses, textbooks, examinations, curriculum guidelines etc., throughout Europe.

3. What are the benefits of CEFR Level IELTS comparison?

A recent survey carried out among Council of Europe member states revealed that the CEFR has helped some countries to develop strategic language policy documents and practical teaching materials. Moreover, the CEFR has facilitated the communicative approach to language teaching more action-oriented.

4. Is 6.5 IELTS B2 or C1?

The IELTS score 6.5 is bordering B2/C1. However, the actual level of language performance given in the result has not changed.

5. What CEFR level is IELTS 7?

The IELTS band score 7 is equivalent to C1 in CEFR level.

6. What is CEFR for 7.5 IELTS score?

As a rule of thumb, the IELTS score 7.5 is equivalent to the C1 level in the CEFR.

7. What is CEFR level in IELTS B2?

The B2 in CEFR level is equivalent to upper intermediate in IELTS. This means that “I am a confident English speaker.”

8. Is IELTS 7 B2 or C1?

According to the CEFR level IELTS conversion chart, a band score 7 is equivalent to B2.

9. What is CEFR level C1 in IELTS?

A candidate with a C1 in CEFR level compared to 6.5 or 7.0 in the IELTS band score.

10. Is CEFR level C1 good in IELTS?

CEFR level C1 is equivalent to 6.5 or 7 band score of IELTS. Hence, it is good. Similarly, candidates with a C1 Advanced grade C, scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR.