IELTS CEFR Level

I want to know the relationship between IEL:TS and Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages (CEFR) so can you tell me?

[shikha]

Test users may find the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) helpful.

To help test users understand the relationship between IELTS band scores and the six CEFR levels, Cambridge English Language Assessment has conducted several studies to map the IELTS 9-band scale to the CEFR, drawing on the interrelationship between IELTS and other Cambridge English Language Assessment qualifications and the known relationship of these latter qualifications to the CEFR.

Making comparisons between scores on different tests is challenging because many of the current range of test products differ in their design, purpose, and format

The relationship of IELTS with the CEFR is complex as IELTS is not a level-based test, but rather designed to span a much broader proficiency continuum.

It also utilises a different 9-point band scoring system; thus, there will not be a one-to-one correspondence between IELTS scores and CEFR levels.

It is important to bear in mind the differences in test purpose, test format, test populations, and measurement scales when seeking to make comparisons.

The IELTS band scores referred to in the figure are the overall band scores, not the individual module band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

It is important to recognise that the purpose of this figure is to communicate the relationship between IELTS and the CEFR.

IELTS band scores have never aligned exactly with the CEFR transition points.

A C1 minimum threshold would fall between the 6.5 and 7 bands on the IELTS scale.

Therefore, whilst many 6.5 test takers would be at C1, a number will be marginally below.

So if an institution requires a high degree of confidence that an applicant is at C1, they may wish to set a requirement of 7, rather than 6.5.