The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
The CEFR is a widely applied and recognised global framework for learning and assessment which facilitates the comparison of language curricula, syllabuses and exams. In the context of language exams, the CEFR assists assessment providers, publishers, teachers, learners and other relevant stakeholders in setting consistent content and performance standards. The table below, for example, is a representation of how the CEFR can be used to compare the levels of LanguageCert exams against those of IELTS.
Language learners are categorised into three broad levels that are further broken down into two sublevels; Basic Users (A1, A2), Independent Users (B1, B2) and Proficient Users (C1, C2).
All exams developed by LanguageCert are aligned to the CEFR levels. In meeting these requirements, exam materials writers adhere to the highest international standards based on their extensive expertise, knowledge and understanding of the CEFR.
Alignment of the IESOL and SELT language qualifications to the CEFR
| LanguageCert International ESOL Exam (Listening, Reading, Writing) & (Speaking) |
LTE | CEFR | IELTS | |
| Exam Level | Score per skill | Scaled score | CEFR Levels | IELTS score bands |
| C2 Mastery SELT requirement per skill R, W, S: 33, L: 25 |
33 - 50 25 - 32 |
90 - 100 | C2 |
9.0 8.5 |
| C1 Expert SELT requirement per skill: 33 |
38-50 33-37 25-32 |
75 - 89 | C1 |
8.0 7.5 7.0 |
| B2 Communicator SELT requirement per skill: 33 |
38-50 33-37 25-32 |
60 - 74 | B2 |
6.5 6.0 5.5 |
| B1 Achiever SELT requirement per skill: 33 |
38-50 33-37 25-32 |
40 - 59 | B1 |
5.0 4.5 4.0 |
| A2 Access |
38-50 33-37 25-32 |
20 - 39 | A2 | |
| A1 Preliminary |
38-50 33-37 25-32 |
10 - 19 | A1 | |
- Overall Grades in the International ESOL are reported as Pass or High Pass. Listening, Reading, Writing (L, R, W) aggregate 75-100 points for Pass, and 101-150 for High Pass; Speaking 25-37 for Pass, and 38-50 for High Pass.
Note: International ESOL exams are also delivered as the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for UK visa and immigration purposes, and separate grading arrangements apply in SELT exams. - International ESOL Statements of Results report the scores in each skill for the Written exam (L, R, W) and the Spoken exam (S).
- SELT Test Reports report the scores for all 4 skills (L, R, W, S).
- Exact equivalences tend to be complex and challenging owing to differences in test design and purpose (Taylor, 2004). Illustrative comparisons in the table above are indicative only.
Sources for comparison with other AOs. Scores represent approximate overall aggregate band scores, not individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Individual websites should be consulted for detailed comparisons.
IELTS: ielts.org/ielts-for-organisations/common-european-framework
Version 2.0 20 April 2021