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.
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)
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).
IELTS maps directly to CEFR levels. An IELTS 7.0 corresponds to CEFR C1 (Advanced). IELTS 5.5–6.5 maps to B2 (Upper-Intermediate).
Most European universities state their language requirements in CEFR terms. If a programme requires C1, you need IELTS 7.0.
🇺🇸IELTS vs TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT by ETS is scored on a scale of 0–120. Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by the vast majority of universities.
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.
📊IELTS vs PTE Academic
PTE Academic is scored on a scale of 10–90. It has gained significant traction for Australian immigration.
An IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to PTE 65–72. For Australian immigration, PTE 65 earns the Proficient English points bonus.
PTE is entirely computer-scored, offering fast results (1–2 business days).
🇬🇧IELTS vs Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency)
Cambridge English qualifications use the Cambridge English Scale (80–230).
An IELTS 7.0 is roughly equivalent to a C1 Advanced certificate with a score of 185–199.
A key difference is that Cambridge certificates do not expire, while IELTS results are valid for two years.
🦉IELTS vs Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10–160 and can be taken online from home in under an hour.
An IELTS 7.0 is approximately equivalent to Duolingo 120–129. Duolingo is notably cheaper (around $65).
Acceptance is not universal: many immigration authorities do not accept Duolingo.
🇨🇦IELTS vs CLB (Canadian Language Benchmarks)
The Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is used exclusively by IRCC. CLB levels range from 1 to 12.
For Canada Express Entry, the minimum is CLB 7, which corresponds to IELTS 6.0 in each band on General Training.
CLB uses your lowest individual band score for each skill independently. Improving your weakest band has the biggest impact on CRS 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.
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.
For professional registration (medicine, nursing, engineering, teaching), requirements are set by each professional body and often specify IELTS Academic with minimum individual band scores.
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.
IELTS has the broadest acceptance worldwide — recognized by over 12,000 institutions in more than 140 countries for both academic and immigration purposes.
Before choosing a test, verify acceptance with every institution and authority you plan to submit scores to.
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.
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.
Use the conversions in this guide as reliable starting points for understanding where your IELTS score places you on other scales.
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.
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