CEFR level IELTS scores are used by the IELTS aspirants to bring clarity to their respective reviewers like employers, organizations, and schools. CEFR or Common European Framework for Reference of Language scales are used worldwide to measure foreign language learners’ proficiency. Both CEFR level IELTS have different methods of measuring the skills of candidates. CEFR scale is like a framework that defines the learning ability of the candidates at different levels. CEFR level IELTS comparison is discussed below to help candidates in knowing their performances based on different difficulty levels.

Why is the CEFR Required? 

The terms "beginning," "intermediate," and "advanced" are very ambiguous. This is present among teachers of the same language. As a result, one can see how ambiguous it would be to compare languages. The CEFR was created for this purpose, to a standardized scale that makes comparing language fluency simple.

The scale of fluency goes from A1 (least fluent) to C2 (native-level fluency). This is broken down in depth in the infographic below.

The CEFR level IELTS is very different from each other. Consequently, Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) decided to map the correlation between IELT band scores and CEFR fluency levels. Since they started working on this topic in the 1990s, Cambridge Assessment English has had to cope with a number of issues.

Here are some of the difficulties the CAE encountered:

• There cannot be a one-to-one mapping across tests since they use distinct scoring systems.
• The forms of the tests are entirely different.

IELTS CEFR Equivalence

Establishing a CEFR IELTS equivalent is quite a task because the latter’s framework is not clearly defined. Cambridge ESOL has been struggling since the 1990s to create a defined relationship among all its assessment products which also includes CEFR to IELTS. IELTS to CLB Calculator helps candidates to measure the score equivalency. The main difference between CEFR level IELTS is - IELTS is not a level-based exam and involves scoring on a 9 band scale. Candidates while comparing should also consider the differences in pattern, concept, motive, and population.

CEFR Level A1

• Comprehend and employ simple terms
• Identify yourself and provide or request personal information
• Talk about common, everyday subjects.

CEFR Level A2

• Interpret commonly used phrases in everyday contexts like going shopping or to work,
• Provide and comprehend simple directions
• Discuss desires and requirements.

CEFR Level B1

• Converse about and comprehend talks including family, friends, work, and leisure-related issues.
• Possess the ability to articulate travel needs
• Write brief paragraphs describing your interests.
• Briefly describe and comprehend experiences, aspirations, ideas, and happenings

CEFR Level B2

• Compose a thorough document on a variety of themes
• Comprehend the major concepts in a complicated text or recording
• Engage in natural discussions with native speakers.

CEFR Level C1

• Comprehend convoluted talks or messages
• In professional, social, or formal settings, explain difficult concepts with little or no hesitation.
• Writing formal, in-depth texts about difficult subjects

CEFR Level C2

• Comprehend what you read or hear in nearly every circumstance.
• Summarize data from several sources to provide a presentation that is easy to understand.
• In challenging circumstances, express yourself clearly.

Why Compare CEFR and IELTS?

For students who have applied to European colleges and institutes that accept the CEFR levels, comparisons are frequently unavoidable. It is required since it is frequently crucial to comprehend the connections and compare scenarios between CEFR level IELTS results. According to the official guidelines, the CEFR has always been intended to be a widely-used tool for reflection, communication, and empowerment. The process of converting IELTS results into the correct CEFR levels is simple.

Candidates should use the rule of thumb that an IELTS score of 7.5 is equivalent to the CEFR level C1. Similar to how 4.5 on the IELTS scale corresponds to the CEFR B1 level. The mean band scores recorded on the Test Report Form, rather than the band scores for particular modules, are the IELTS utilized for comparison with the CEFR level.

CEFR scale is like a framework that defines the learning ability of the candidates at different levels. The CEFR level IELTS comparison helps test-takers in knowing their performances based on different difficulty levels.