CEFR Level Converter
Comprehensive Score Mapping Across International Tests, Professional Credentials & High School Systems
1. Understanding the CEFR Framework
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international benchmark for measuring language proficiency from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Mastery). It provides a universal baseline used by universities, employers, aviation authorities, healthcare boards, and immigration departments.
- Basic User (A1–A2): Routine social interactions, simple instructions, and basic personal background exchange.
- Independent User (B1–B2): B1 enables general independent communication; B2 is the universal minimum threshold for higher education admissions and corporate roles.
- Proficient User (C1–C2): C1 represents full operational fluency in academic, technical, and executive environments; C2 represents complete native-equivalent mastery.
2. Master CEFR Conversion Table
Compare score bands across major academic, immigration, specialty, and secondary school systems:
| CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE | Cambridge | CELPIP / CLB | TOEIC | OET / ICAO | IB / IGCSE / AP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 114 – 120 | 86 – 90 | C2 Proficiency (CPE) | CLB 10–12 | 945 – 990 | ICAO Level 6 / OET A | IB HL 7 / AP 5 |
| C1 | 7.0 – 8.0 | 95 – 113 | 76 – 85 | C1 Advanced (CAE) | CLB 9 | 785 – 940 | ICAO Level 5 / OET B | IB HL 5–6 / IGCSE A*–A / AP 4 |
| B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 72 – 94 | 59 – 75 | B2 First (FCE) | CLB 7 – 8 | 550 – 780 | ICAO Level 4 / OET C+ | IB SL 5–7 / IGCSE B–C / AP 3 |
| B1 | 4.0 – 5.0 | 42 – 71 | 43 – 58 | B1 Preliminary (PET) | CLB 5 – 6 | 225 – 545 | ICAO Level 3 / OET C | IB SL 3–4 / IGCSE D–E |
| A2 | 3.0 – 3.5 | — | 30 – 42 | A2 Key (KET) | CLB 4 | 120 – 220 | ICAO Level 2 / OET D | IGCSE F–G |
| A1 | 1.0 – 2.5 | — | 10 – 29 | — | CLB 1 – 3 | 10 – 115 | ICAO Level 1 / OET E | — |
3. Key Institutional Requirements
Target thresholds across different sectors:
- B2 Level Undergraduate Studies: Requires IELTS 6.0–6.5, TOEFL 80–90, or PTE 59–65.
- C1 Level Postgraduate / Medicine / Law: Requires IELTS 7.0–7.5, TOEFL 100+, OET Grade B (350+), or IB HL English 6+.
- ICAO Level 4 Aviation Operations: Mandatory operational minimum for international pilot privileges.
- CLB 9 (C1) Canada Express Entry: Yields maximum CRS points for Canadian permanent residency.
4. Explore Qualification Guides
Academic & Higher Education
Immigration & Professional
Corporate & Modular
Need help mapping your current score to a required CEFR level?
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