What is the CEFR Level in IELTS- Your Guide

Before gaining insights into the IELTS band score and the CEFR level, one should know that IELTS aspirants often require their scores converted to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to bring clarity to the reviewer’s table (employer, organization, and schools). The IELTS marks an individual’s English language competency on a scale of nine bands and comprises four sections, namely Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. 

The score bands and their corresponding skill levels are the following: 

• 9- Expert
• 8- Very Good
• 7- Good
• 6- Competent
• 5- Modest
• 4- Limited
• 3- Extremely Limited 
• 2- Intermittent
• 1- Non-User
• 0- Did not take the test

CEFR Test

The CEFR English test is a popularly acknowledged framework for language proficiency worldwide. The CEFR was assembled by the Council of Europe, back in the 1990s as part of a bigger initiative to spark collaborations amongst language teachers throughout Europe. 

The Council was driven by its aim of providing better clarity for institutions and employers who wished to assess the language proficiency levels of candidates. The testing framework is intended for assessment and teaching alike. In this context, it is worth mentioning that CEFR is not linked to any specific language test and encompasses several can-do statements with a list of functions that aspirants can execute with the foreign language at any proficiency level. For instance, one of the statements for the B1 level is Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Teachers and employers may use such statements for assessing candidates with a view to filling up the knowledge gaps.

What is the CEFR level?

This is a scale with six points(A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2) in total, beginning from A1 (basic user) and going up to C2 (proficient user) for those with mastery over any language. CEFR is also used for other language tests throughout Europe and not only for IELTS. It is used for the conversion of scores in TOEFL as well. 

Thus CEFR exam or CEFR levels bypass terms such as intermediate, beginner, or even advanced which are not accurate indicators of proficiency in a language. The CEFR was made to ensure more standardized scales for determining fluency in languages with indicators that are more reliable. Here are some other objectives of the CEFR Test: 

1. Helps in backing the continued development and demonstration of progress for language learners at an individual level
2. Helps in the definition of can-do and positive descriptors which are suited to learner needs, interests, and age
3. Helps in the development of teaching material while enabling more cooperation amongst those teaching various types of languages
4. It also boosts standardized assessment, teaching, and learning
5. It enables comparability for various types of certifications
6. The CEFR seeks to encourage individuals in the field of language including learners to embark on reflection for questions like those recommended in Notes for the user with regard to the analysis of various teaching or learning situations
7. It also helps entities define what they want learners to achieve and how to do the same.

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How to Compare CEFR with IELTS

Here is a table that will give you an idea of the comparison and how to do it:

Why Compare CEFR and IELTS? 

Comparisons are often inevitable for students who have applied to European universities and institutions accepting CEFR levels. It is necessary because understanding the relationships and comparative scenarios between IELTS and CEFR scores is often imperative. The CEFR was always meant to be a commonly-used mechanism for reference and also for reflection, communications, and empowerment as per the official guideline. 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. Similarly, 4.5 as the IELTS band score will equate to the B1 level in the CEFR. The IELTS used for comparison with the CEFR level is the mean band scores reported on the Test Report Form and not the band scores for individual modules.

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