Different exam types and CEFR correlation

TOEFL and CEFR correlation

TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic Module Scores

Score Comparison Tool
Drag the slider to the TOEFL iBT Total Score (or enter it in the box below) to
see the IELTS Overall Band Score.
Overview
ETS developed the score comparison tool to help score users make
educated admissions decisions by allowing them to compare TOEFL iBT
scores to IELTS Band Scores. The data is based on the analysis of 1,153
individuals who took both the TOEFL test and the IELTS academic test.

Comparison Tables
Based on the research reports that link TOEFL iBT scores to IELTS scores,
ETS developed these comparison tables to help you make informed
admissions decisions.
ETS does not endorse using the tables to calculate cut scores. Institutions
wishing to set cut scores should study the two tests and work with test
results to set cut scores that are appropriate to meet their specific needs.
TOEFL
Score

IELTS Band

031

04

3234

4.5

3545

4659*

5.5

6078*

7993*

6.5

94101*

102109*

7.5

110114

115117

8.5

118120

TOEFL
Reading
02

IELTS
Reading
04

TOEFL
Score

IELTS Band

031

04

4.5

47*

812*

5.5

1318*

1923*

6.5

2426*

2728*

7.5

29*

29*

8.5

30

TOEFL
Listening

IELTS
Listening

02

04

4.5

46

711*

5.5

1219*

2023*

6.5

2426*

27*

7.5

28*

29*

8.5

30

TOEFL
Speaking

IELTS
Speaking

011

04

1213

4.5

1415*

1617*

5.5

1819*

2022*

6.5

23*

2425*

7.5

2627*

2829*

8.5

TOEFL
Listening

IELTS
Listening

02

04

30

TOEFL
Writing

IELTS
Writing

011

04

1213

4.5

1417*

1820*

5.5

2123*

2426*

6.5

2728*

29

7.5

30

30

8.5

30

*Indicates score comparison ranges with the highest degree of confidence. The data is based on the
analysis of 1,153 individuals who took both the TOEFL test and the IELTS academic module.

The table indicates the IELTS band scores we expect to be achieved at

the threshold of each particular CEFR level.

IELTS and CEFR correlation

Comparison of CEF levels and scores for the various

exams
The following gives an approximate comparison between the different exams. The exams all use
the Common European Framework (CEF) proficiency levels.
Click here for a free test to check your level:
http://www.examenglish.com/leveltest/index.php

A2

Cambridge English Key (KET)

PTE General Level 1
PTE Academic 30-42

B1

Cambridge English Preliminary (PET)

BEC Prelim
IELTS 4-4.5
TOEFL iBT 57-86
TOEIC 550
PTE General Level 2

PTE Academic 43-58

Trinity ISE I

B2
Cambridge English First (FCE)
BEC Vantage
IELTS 5-6.5
TOEFL iBT 87-109
Michigan ECCE
PTE General Level 3
PTE Academic 59-75
Trinity ISE II

C1

Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

BEC Higher
IELTS 7-8
TOEFL iBT 110-120
TOEIC 880
PTE General Level 4
PTE Academic 76-84

C2

Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)

IELTS 8.5-9
Michigan ECPE
PTE General Level 5
PTE Academic 85+

Levels

Level test
CEFR Levels

What is the

TOEIC test like?

There are two separate parts to the TOEIC test. You can do one or both parts.

1. The Listening and Reading test is a paper and pencil test that takes 2.5 hours and is taken at
a test centre.
2. The Speaking and Writing test is an online test that is taken in a test centre and takes 90
minutes. The Speaking and Writing test is a new test which is only available in some countries.
What about scores?
The TOEIC Reading and Listening gives a score between 10 and 990:

905 - 990 International Proficiency

785 900 Working Proficiency Plus

605 780 Limited Working Proficiency

405 600 Elementary Proficiency Plus

255 400 Elementary Proficiency

185 250 Memorised Proficiency

10 180 No Useful Proficiency

TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests are scored out of 200.