IELTS Score Equivalency
How does your IELTS band score compare to other English proficiency tests? This guide maps IELTS scores to six major scoring systems — CEFR, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, Duolingo English Test, and the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) — so you can understand your level across all widely accepted tests.
Score conversions between English proficiency tests are approximate because each test uses different formats, scoring scales, and assessment criteria. However, official concordance data from ETS, Pearson, Cambridge, and Duolingo provides reliable benchmarks. Below, we break down how IELTS band scores translate to each system, what the practical differences are, and how to choose the right test for your goals.
6
Scoring Systems Compared
B1–C2
CEFR Levels Mapped
4.0–9.0
IELTS Band Range Covered
200+
Countries Using These Tests
🇪🇺IELTS vs CEFR (Common European Framework)
IELTS 9.0 is approximately equivalent to CEFR C2 (Mastery).
IELTS 8.0–8.5 is approximately equivalent to CEFR C2 (Mastery).
IELTS 7.0–7.5 is approximately equivalent to CEFR C1 (Advanced).
IELTS 5.5–6.5 is approximately equivalent to CEFR B2 (Upper-Intermediate).
IELTS 4.0–5.0 is approximately equivalent to CEFR B1 (Intermediate).
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is the international standard for describing language proficiency. It uses six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery) and is used across Europe and increasingly worldwide to benchmark English ability.
IELTS maps directly to CEFR levels, making it straightforward to understand where your band score places you. An IELTS 7.0 corresponds to CEFR C1 (Advanced), the level most universities and professional bodies consider evidence of strong English competency. IELTS 5.5–6.5 maps to B2 (Upper-Intermediate), which meets the minimum threshold for many immigration programmes and undergraduate admissions.
Most European universities state their language requirements in CEFR terms. If a programme requires B2, you need at least IELTS 5.5; if it requires C1, you need IELTS 7.0. The UK Skilled Worker Visa requires B1 (IELTS 4.0–5.0), while professional registration bodies in healthcare typically require C1 (IELTS 7.0+).
🇺🇸IELTS vs TOEFL iBT
IELTS 9.0 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 118–120.
IELTS 8.5 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 113–117.
IELTS 8.0 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 110–112.
IELTS 7.5 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 102–109.
IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 94–101.
IELTS 6.5 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 79–93.
IELTS 6.0 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 60–78.
IELTS 5.5 is approximately equivalent to TOEFL 46–59.
TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) by ETS is the most common English test in the United States and is scored on a scale of 0–120. Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by the vast majority of universities in English-speaking countries, so the choice often comes down to format preference and which test your target institution prefers.
A key difference is scoring granularity: IELTS uses half-band increments (6.0, 6.5, 7.0) while TOEFL uses a continuous 0–120 scale. This means TOEFL can differentiate more finely between test takers at similar levels. An IELTS 7.0 corresponds roughly to TOEFL 94–101, while IELTS 6.5 maps to TOEFL 79–93.
For university admissions, most institutions that require IELTS 6.5 will accept TOEFL 79–90, and those requiring IELTS 7.0 typically accept TOEFL 94–100. However, these conversions are approximate — always check each institution’s official requirements, as some universities set their own equivalency thresholds.
📊IELTS vs PTE Academic
IELTS 9.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 89–90.
IELTS 8.5 is approximately equivalent to PTE 83–88.
IELTS 8.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 79–82.
IELTS 7.5 is approximately equivalent to PTE 73–78.
IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 65–72.
IELTS 6.5 is approximately equivalent to PTE 58–64.
IELTS 6.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 50–57.
IELTS 5.5 is approximately equivalent to PTE 42–49.
PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is scored on a scale of 10–90 and is fully computer-based, including the speaking section. It has gained significant traction for Australian immigration (accepted by the Department of Home Affairs) and is increasingly accepted by universities worldwide.
PTE Academic is known for fast results (typically 1–2 business days compared to 13 days for IELTS) and fully automated scoring. An IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 65–72, while IELTS 6.5 maps to PTE 58–64. For Australian immigration, PTE 65 (equivalent to IELTS 7.0 each) earns the Proficient English points bonus.
One advantage of PTE is that because it is entirely computer-scored, there is less perceived subjectivity in the speaking and writing assessments. However, this also means the test rewards certain response patterns that work well with automated scoring, which may differ from the examiner-assessed approach IELTS uses for Speaking and Writing.
🇬🇧IELTS vs Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency)
IELTS 9.0 is approximately equivalent to Cambridge C2 CPE: 230+ (Grade A).
IELTS 8.0–8.5 is approximately equivalent to Cambridge C2 CPE: 200–229 (Grade A/B).
IELTS 7.0–7.5 is approximately equivalent to Cambridge C1 CAE: 185–199 (Grade A/B).
IELTS 6.5 is approximately equivalent to Cambridge C1 CAE: 176–184 (Grade C).
IELTS 5.5–6.0 is approximately equivalent to Cambridge B2 FCE: 160–175 (Grade A/B).
Cambridge English qualifications (C1 Advanced, formerly CAE, and C2 Proficiency, formerly CPE) use the Cambridge English Scale (80–230). Unlike IELTS and TOEFL, Cambridge exams result in a certificate with a grade (A, B, C) and a score on the Cambridge Scale, which maps directly to CEFR levels.
An IELTS 7.0 is roughly equivalent to a C1 Advanced certificate with a score of 185–199 (Grade A or B). IELTS 6.5 corresponds to the lower end of C1 Advanced (Grade C, score 176–184). Scores above 200 on the Cambridge Scale indicate C2 level, equivalent to IELTS 8.0+.
A key difference is that Cambridge certificates do not expire, while IELTS results are valid for two years. This makes Cambridge qualifications attractive for long-term proof of English, though some immigration authorities and universities specifically require a test result dated within two years. Most UK and European universities accept Cambridge English alongside IELTS.
🦉IELTS vs Duolingo English Test
IELTS 8.5–9.0 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 145–160.
IELTS 7.5–8.0 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 130–144.
IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 120–129.
IELTS 6.5 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 110–119.
IELTS 6.0 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 100–109.
IELTS 5.5 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 90–99.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is scored on a scale of 10–160 and can be taken online from home in under an hour. It gained significant adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person testing was disrupted and has since been accepted by over 4,500 institutions worldwide.
An IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to a Duolingo score of 120–129, while IELTS 6.5 maps to Duolingo 110–119. The Duolingo test uses an adaptive format — questions get harder or easier based on your performance — which differs from the fixed-difficulty structure of IELTS.
Duolingo is notably cheaper (around $65 compared to $250+ for IELTS) and offers results within 48 hours. However, acceptance is not universal: many immigration authorities do not accept Duolingo, and some universities still prefer IELTS or TOEFL. If you are applying for both university and immigration, check that your test is accepted for both purposes before choosing Duolingo.
🇨🇦IELTS vs CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
IELTS 8.0+ (L:8.5 R:8.0 W:7.5 S:7.5) is approximately equivalent to CLB CLB 10.
IELTS 7.5 (L:8.0 R:7.0 W:7.0 S:7.0) is approximately equivalent to CLB CLB 9.
IELTS 7.0 (L:7.5 R:6.5 W:6.5 S:6.5) is approximately equivalent to CLB CLB 8.
IELTS 6.0 (L:6.0 R:6.0 W:6.0 S:6.0) is approximately equivalent to CLB CLB 7.
IELTS 5.0 (L:5.0 R:4.0 W:5.0 S:5.0) is approximately equivalent to CLB CLB 5.
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) system is used exclusively by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to assess language proficiency for immigration purposes. CLB levels range from 1 to 12, and your IELTS General Training scores are converted to CLB levels based on each individual band (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) rather than the overall score.
For Canada Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker), the minimum requirement is CLB 7, which corresponds to IELTS 6.0 in each band on the General Training module. However, higher CLB levels earn significantly more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. CLB 9 (IELTS L:8.0, R:7.0, W:7.0, S:7.0) can earn up to 136 CRS points for a single applicant — often the deciding factor in receiving an Invitation to Apply.
An important distinction is that CLB uses your lowest individual band score to determine the overall CLB level for each skill independently. This means your CLB level for each skill may differ. For example, you might score CLB 9 in Listening but CLB 7 in Writing. The CRS points are calculated separately for each skill, so improving your weakest band has the biggest impact on your immigration points.
Which English Test Should You Take?
The best English proficiency test for you depends on your specific goal — university admission, immigration, or professional registration — and the requirements of your target institution or government authority.
For university admissions, IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are the most widely accepted globally. IELTS is preferred by UK, Australian, and European universities, while TOEFL has traditionally been stronger in the US. PTE Academic is increasingly accepted, especially in Australia. Duolingo is accepted by many institutions but not all, and Cambridge exams offer the advantage of non-expiring certificates.
For immigration, your options depend on the country. Canada accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP, and PTE Core. Australia accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, and Cambridge. The UK requires IELTS for UKVI taken at an approved SELT centre. New Zealand accepts IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. Check your target country's official immigration authority for the current list of accepted tests.
For professional registration (medicine, nursing, engineering, teaching), requirements are set by each professional body and often specify IELTS Academic with minimum individual band scores. OET (Occupational English Test) is an alternative accepted by many healthcare regulators in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Do Universities and Immigration Accept All Tests Equally?
No. While there is significant overlap, each institution and immigration authority maintains its own list of accepted English tests with specific minimum scores. A test accepted for university admission in one country may not be accepted for immigration in another.
IELTS has the broadest acceptance worldwide — recognized by over 12,000 institutions in more than 140 countries for both academic and immigration purposes. TOEFL iBT has similarly broad university acceptance but is less commonly accepted for immigration. PTE Academic has strong acceptance in Australia and growing recognition elsewhere. Duolingo is accepted by thousands of universities but has limited immigration acceptance.
Before choosing a test, verify acceptance with every institution and authority you plan to submit scores to. If you are applying for both university and immigration (for example, studying in Canada with plans to apply for PR afterward), ensure one test satisfies both requirements to avoid taking multiple exams.
How Accurate Are Score Conversions?
Score conversions between English proficiency tests are statistical approximations, not exact equivalencies. They are based on concordance studies that compare the performance of large groups of test takers who sat multiple exams. This means conversions are reliable at a population level but may not perfectly predict an individual's score across tests.
Each test assesses English differently. IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face interview scored by a trained examiner; PTE Speaking is recorded and scored by AI; TOEFL Speaking is recorded and scored by a combination of AI and human raters. These format differences mean that some test takers perform significantly better on one test than another, even at the same underlying English level.
Use the conversions in this guide as reliable starting points for understanding where your IELTS score places you on other scales. However, if a specific score on a different test is critical for your application, take a practice test for that specific exam rather than relying solely on converted scores.
Improve Your IELTS Score
Whether you are aiming for IELTS 6.5 (TOEFL 79, PTE 58, CEFR B2) or IELTS 7.5 (TOEFL 102, PTE 73, CEFR C1), targeted practice is the most effective way to reach your target band. We are building focused training tools to help you improve each skill area.
Writing Training — Practice Task 1 and Task 2 with AI-powered feedback on coherence, vocabulary, grammar accuracy, and task achievement. Speaking Practice — Simulate IELTS Speaking interviews across all three parts with feedback on fluency, pronunciation, and lexical resource. Grammar, Reading, and Listening — Build sentence structures for Band 7+, improve speed and accuracy across all question types, and train your ear for natural-speed speech.
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