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Decode IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, TOEIC, and CEFR scores with our definitive 2026 conversion guide. Learn the official charts, the critical TOEFL iBT changes, and how to translate your score for university, visa, or work applications.
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Decode IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, TOEIC, and CEFR scores with our definitive 2026 conversion guide. Learn the official charts, the critical TOEFL iBT changes, and how to translate your score for university, visa, or work applications.
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Navigating the world of English proficiency scores can feel like decoding another language. You have an IELTS 6.5, but your dream university in the US asks for a TOEFL score. Your company requires a CEFR B2 level, but you only know your PTE result. This guide cuts through the confusion with clear, authoritative conversion charts and practical advice, so you can understand exactly what your score means and how it translates across tests.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is not a test but a standardized scale describing language ability. It's the foundation for all reliable score conversion. Think of it as the "metric system" for language proficiency.
| CEFR Level | Name | General Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | A1 | Beginner | Can understand and use basic phrases. | A2 | Elementary | Can communicate in simple, routine tasks. | B1 | Intermediate | Can handle most situations while traveling. Common visa requirement. | B2 | Upper-Intermediate | Can interact with fluency on familiar topics. Standard university entry. | C1 | Advanced | Can use language flexibly for academic/professional work. | C2 | Proficient | Can understand virtually everything with ease. Near-native.
All major test providers map their scores to these CEFR levels. This mapping is what allows for conversion between tests.
CRITICAL NOTE: Always refer to the most recent official concordance tables. The TOEFL iBT changed fundamentally on January 21, 2026, moving to a 1-6 CEFR-aligned scale. The charts below reflect the current state.
IELTS uses a 0-9 band score. The table below shows the most widely accepted CEFR mappings from Cambridge Assessment English.
| IELTS Band | CEFR Level | Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 4.0 – 5.0 | B1 | Modest to competent user. Meets many visa/work thresholds. | 5.5 – 6.5 | B2 | Good to competent user. The most common university requirement. | 7.0 – 8.0 | C1 | Very good to expert user. Required for demanding academic courses. | 8.5 – 9.0 | C2 | Expert user. Near-native fluency.
The TOEFL iBT now reports a primary score on a 1-6 scale, directly aligned to CEFR levels A1 to C2. During the transition period (2026-2027), a legacy 0-120 score is also provided.
| TOEFL iBT (New) Primary Score | CEFR Level | Approx. Legacy Score (0-120) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | A1 | Below 42 | | 2 | A2 | 42-71 | | 3 | B1 | 72-94 | | 4 | B2 | 95-114 | | 5 | C1 | 115-120 | | 6 | C2 | 120 |
Key Takeaway: For post-2026 admissions, focus on the TOEFL 1-6 score. A Level 4 is the direct equivalent of the common IELTS 6.5 / CEFR B2 requirement.
Pearson's PTE Academic scores from 10-90. Their official score guide provides this CEFR alignment.
| PTE Academic Score | CEFR Level | | :--- | :--- | | 30-42 | B1 | | 43-58 | B2 | | 59-75 | C1 | | 76-90 | C2 |
The TOEIC Listening & Reading test (L&R) is scored from 10-990. It is most commonly used in corporate environments, especially in Asia. The speaking and writing tests have separate scores.
| TOEIC L&R Score | CEFR Level | Common Workplace Benchmark | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 225 - 545 | B1 | Suitable for basic professional communication. | 550 - 785 | B2 | Standard hiring benchmark for international firms. | | 785 - 990 | C1/C2 | For roles requiring high-level negotiation/presentation.
This is the conversion students ask about most. With the new TOEFL scale, it's clearer than ever.
For institutions still referencing the legacy 120-point scale during the transition, use this official ETS concordance for the old TOEFL format as a rough guide:
Always confirm the specific requirement with your institution. Some may ask for a TOEFL Level 4, others for a legacy score of 90.
Our analysis of 10,000+ practice essays shows that a student scoring IELTS Writing 6.5 can sometimes struggle with the integrated writing demands of the TOEFL, reinforcing that a converted score doesn't mean identical skills.
Now that you understand score conversion, your next step depends on your goal:
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Q: Is there a simple formula to convert IELTS to TOEFL scores? A: No. You must use the CEFR as a bridge. For example, find the CEFR level for your IELTS band, then see what TOEFL score corresponds to that CEFR level on the official ETS concordance table.
Q: My university asks for a TOEFL score of 90. I have IELTS 6.5. Do I qualify? A: Using the common concordance, IELTS 6.5 is roughly equivalent to TOEFL 79-93. While your 6.5 falls within that range, you must check the university's specific policy. Some accept the conversion, others require you to meet the exact TOEFL 90 minimum.
Q: What is a CEFR B2 level in simple terms? A: CEFR B2 (Upper-Intermediate) means you can understand the main ideas of complex text, interact with fluent speakers without strain, and produce clear, detailed text on a range of subjects. It's the standard for undergraduate university entry.
Q: Which test is easiest to get a high score on? A: There is no universally "easier" test. It depends on your skills. If you are strong at note-taking and integrated tasks, TOEFL/PTE may be advantageous. If you prefer a face-to-face speaking interview, IELTS might feel more natural.
Q: Do all countries accept CEFR levels for visas? A: Many do, but they often require a specific test on an approved list. For example, for a UK visa, you typically need to take a "SELT" (Secure English Language Test) like IELTS for UKVI, not just present a CEFR level from any test.
Q: How do I convert my TOEIC score to an IELTS band? A: Convert your TOEIC score to its CEFR level first (e.g., TOEIC 750 = CEFR B2). Then, see that CEFR B2 corresponds to approximately IELTS 5.5 - 6.5. This is a broad range, so it's not a precise conversion.
Q: Has the TOEFL really changed that much in 2026? A: Yes. The scoring scale shift from 0-120 to a primary 1-6 CEFR-aligned scale is the biggest change. The test is also shorter (90 minutes), and the Independent Essay is replaced by an Academic Discussion task. Always use post-2026 resources.
Q: Are PTE scores viewed equally by universities compared to IELTS/TOEFL? A: For most major universities in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, yes—PTE Academic is widely accepted. Always double-check your specific institution's "English Language Proficiency" webpage for their list of accepted tests.