The IELTS nine-band scale is known worldwide. It’s clear and straightforward levels help universities, government offices, and other groups decide how good someone's English needs to be for things like getting into school, getting a visa, and many other reasons.
But did you know that IELTS is also aligned with independent international standards? Let’s make you familiar with the same and help you know how the CEFR level in IELTS works.
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IELTS and the CEFR level – General information
International English Language Testing System IELTS and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are two prominent standards for assessing proficiency in the English language. IELTS is a widely recognised test that evaluates individuals' abilities in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking in English, catering primarily to those seeking education, immigration, or professional registration in English-speaking countries.
The CEFR, on the other hand, is a broad framework used across Europe and beyond to describe language proficiency at six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient user). While IELTS provides specific scores to reflect an individual's language skills, the CEFR offers a descriptive scale to detail one's proficiency, making it possible to align IELTS scores with CEFR levels. This alignment helps educational institutions, employers, and organisations worldwide to understand and compare language competencies accurately.
What is the CEFR level?
The CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It was developed by the Council of Europe in the 1990s and first published in 2001. It is the world’s most widely used tool for describing the levels of foreign language ability.
The CEFR is used all over the world – ‘European’ refers to the origin of the framework, but it doesn’t mean that it’s only used in Europe or only for European languages! For example, many governments around the world set CEFR level B1 as an objective for language learning either for the end of secondary education or for university graduates.
It breaks down language proficiency into six levels, these levels are:
A1 - Beginner
A2 - Elementary
B1 - Intermediate
B2 - Upper-intermediate
C1 - Advanced
C2 - Proficient
The CEFR levels are used widely in Europe and increasingly around the world for setting language course levels, language proficiency tests, and job requirements.
IELTS band score – 0-9 scale
Understanding the relationship between the band score of IELTS and CEFR levels is crucial if you are required to convert your IELTS results to the CEFR for different contexts, such as employment, educational, or organisational purposes.
The IELTS evaluates English language proficiency across a nine-band scale, covering four key areas – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here are the score bands and their relevant proficiency levels:
9 - Expert
8 - Very good
7 - Good
6 - Competent
5 - Modest
4 - Limited
3 - Extremely limited
2 - Intermittent
1 - Non-user
0 - Test not attempted
How does CEFR describe what learners know and can do at each level?
The CEFR outlines the knowledge and capabilities of language learners at various stages, from the foundational A1 level to the highly advanced C2 level, which is roughly equivalent to achieving a band 9 in the IELTS exam.
Crucially, the CEFR emphasises the development of practical language skills—such as description, presentation, and negotiation over the collection of vocabulary or grammar. It provides a clear understanding of how these abilities enhance as learners advance through their language education.
Moreover, the framework details six proficiency levels, offering "Can Do" statements for each. These statements specify the expected competencies of learners at every stage.
The IELTS, with its focus on assessing real-world English language proficiency, aligns well with the CEFR's practical orientation. It evaluates you through different tasks, including:
Interpreting complex graphs and charts
Understanding implied meanings in listening exercises
Synthesising information from multiple texts
Presenting and defending arguments during Speaking interviews
How to compare CEFR levels with IELTS band scores?
Here is an overview of how you can compare your IELTS band scores with CEFR levels:
CEFR level | IELTS band score | Level of proficiency |
|---|---|---|
C2 | 8.5 - 9.0 | Proficient user: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments, and accounts in a coherent presentation. |
C1 | 7.0 - 8.0 | Advanced: Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. |
B2 | 5.5 - 6.5 | Upper intermediate: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. |
B1 | 4.0 - 5.0 | Intermediate: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise while traveling in an area where the language is spoken. |
A2 | 3.0 - 3.5 | Elementary: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. |
A1 | 2.0 - 2.5 | Beginner: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know, and things they have. |
Note: It's important to note that this table provides a general guide. Different institutions may interpret the scores slightly differently based on their specific requirements.
Why compare CEFR levels with IELTS?
Comparing the CEFR and IELTS is useful for several reasons, particularly in the contexts of education, employment, and immigration. Here's why such a comparison is important:
Global mobility: Many individuals study or work abroad, and both CEFR and IELTS serve as recognised standards for assessing language proficiency. Understanding how IELTS scores correspond to CEFR levels helps individuals and institutions translate language qualifications across different countries and systems.
Educational admissions: Universities and colleges worldwide use these frameworks to set admission requirements for courses taught in English. By comparing CEFR and IELTS, educational institutions can establish consistent language proficiency requirements for international students.
Employment opportunities: Employers, especially in multinational companies or those requiring a high level of English proficiency, often reference CEFR levels or IELTS scores in job descriptions. Understanding the comparison allows job seekers to present their language qualifications in the terms most familiar to potential employers.
Immigration and integration: Many countries require proof of language proficiency for visa applications or citizenship tests. By comparing CEFR levels with IELTS scores, immigration authorities and applicants can better understand the language requirements for various types of visas or residency rights.
In essence, comparing CEFR and IELTS helps bridge the gap between different systems of language proficiency assessment, ensuring that individuals can accurately represent their language skills in a variety of international contexts.
Hope this blog helps you understand all about the relationship between CEFR and IELTS. Additionally, if you want to know or book an IELTS test, you can get in touch with your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. They will help you with all your queries.