CEFR Exams



The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) framework is used to assess language proficiency across six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Several English exams are aligned with the CEFR to measure proficiency at these levels. Below is a list of widely recognized English exams and their corresponding CEFR levels:

  1. Cambridge English Qualifications:
    • A2 Key (KET): Aligns with CEFR A2.
    • B1 Preliminary (PET): Aligns with CEFR B1.
    • B2 First (FCE): Aligns with CEFR B2.
    • C1 Advanced (CAE): Aligns with CEFR C1.
    • C2 Proficiency (CPE): Aligns with CEFR C2.
  2. IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
    • Band 4.0–5.0: Roughly aligns with CEFR B1.
    • Band 5.5–6.5: Roughly aligns with CEFR B2.
    • Band 7.0–8.0: Roughly aligns with CEFR C1.
    • Band 8.5–9.0: Roughly aligns with CEFR C2.
  3. TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
    • Score 24–45: Roughly aligns with CEFR B1.
    • Score 46–93: Roughly aligns with CEFR B2.
    • Score 94–109: Roughly aligns with CEFR C1.
    • Score 110–120: Roughly aligns with CEFR C2.
  4. Pearson PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
    • Score 30–42: Aligns with CEFR B1.
    • Score 43–58: Aligns with CEFR B2.
    • Score 59–75: Aligns with CEFR C1.
    • Score 76–85+: Aligns with CEFR C2.
  5. TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication):
    • Listening & Reading (225–545): Roughly aligns with CEFR B1.
    • Listening & Reading (550–785): Roughly aligns with CEFR B2.
    • Listening & Reading (790–945): Roughly aligns with CEFR C1.
    • Speaking & Writing scores also align but vary by institution.
  6. Trinity College London Exams:
    • ISE (Integrated Skills in English):
      • ISE Foundation: Aligns with CEFR A2.
      • ISE I: Aligns with CEFR B1.
      • ISE II: Aligns with CEFR B2.
      • ISE III: Aligns with CEFR C1.
      • ISE IV: Aligns with CEFR C2.
    • GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English): Grades 1–12 align with CEFR A1–C2.
  7. Aptis (British Council):
    • Scores are directly mapped to CEFR levels A1–C2, depending on performance across reading, writing, listening, and speaking components.
  8. OET (Occupational English Test):
    • Primarily for healthcare professionals, with grades (A–E) roughly aligning as follows:
      • Grade B: CEFR C1.
      • Grade C+: CEFR B2.

Each exam has a specific focus (e.g., academic, professional, or general communication), and score-to-CEFR mappings may vary slightly depending on the testing organization’s guidelines. For precise alignments, check the official websites of these exams, such as Cambridge, IELTS, or TOEFL, which provide detailed CEFR correlation charts.