Test Score Guide
Understanding Your English Test Score
When you take an English test, you receive a score that usuWhen you take an English test, you receive a score. This score is often paired with a label indicating your English level, such as "beginner" or "advanced". Many systems around the world categorize English proficiency, and each test may align with one of these systems either implicitly or explicitly. Some leveling systems are designed specifically for a particular test, while others are general frameworks used across multiple tests.ally corresponds to a specific English level, such as "beginner" or "advanced". There are many systems worldwide that categorize these levels, each with its own set of standards and tests. Some tests have their built-in leveling systems, while others adhere to broader, theoretical frameworks like the CEFR.
iStoria Test Scores
To accurately determine your English level, it’s best to take a well-designed assessment. The English Skill Navigator of iStoria is a great option as it provides a reliable measurement across all levels, from beginner to proficient, following the CEFR standard. Unlike other tests that may only measure specific levels, the iStoria test covers the full range of English skills. You can use your iStoria score as a credential on your CV or LinkedIn profile. Tracking your scores over time helps you monitor your progress consistently.
Why Knowing Your English Level Matters?
Knowing your English level is crucial for various reasons. For university admissions and visa applications, a certified English level is often required. In the job market, having a certified English level can make you stand out. More importantly, for any English learner, understanding your current level and tracking your improvement over time is essential. It’s the only way to know if your efforts in learning English are paying off.
Converting Between Different English Levels
While it's challenging to directly compare scores from different tests, the table below provides an approximation. If you've taken one test, it can give you an idea of how you might score on another.
| CEFR1 | iStoria | TOEFL iBT2 | IELTS3 | TOEIC (R&L) Total Score4 | Cambridge English Scale5 | Global Scale of English66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| pre-A1 | 0 - 20 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 80 - 99 | n/a |
| A1 Beginner | 21 - 30 | n/a | n/a | 120 - 220 | 100 - 119 | 22 - 29 |
| A2 Elementary | 31 - 40 | n/a | n/a | 225 - 545 | 120 - 139 | 30 - 42 |
| B1 Intermediate | 41 - 50 | 42 - 71 | 4.0 - 5.0 | 550 - 780 | 140 - 159 | 43 - 58 |
| B2 Upper Intermediate | 51 - 60 | 72 - 94 | 5.5 - 6.5 | 785 - 940 | 160 - 179 | 59 - 75 |
| C1 Advanced | 61 - 70 | 95 - 120 | 7.0 - 8.0 | 945 - 990 | 180 - 199 | 76 - 84 |
| C2 Proficient | 71 - 100 | n/a | 8.5 - 9.0 | n/a | 200 - 230 | 85 - 90 |
- The classification levels (A1-Beginner through C2-Proficient) are from the CEFR. Score comparisons are based on individual test provider's websites using the CEFR as the main benchmark for comparison.
- Compare TOEFL® Scores: https://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/scores/compare/
- IELTS and the CEFR: https://www.ielts.org/ielts-for-organisations/common-european-framework
- Mapping ETS’ tests onto the CEFR: https://www.etsglobal.org/us/en/content/common-european-framework-reference-languages
- Cambridge English Scale Score Converter: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/scale-score-converter/
- Pearson GSE Converter: https://www.english.com/gsescoreconverter/
Why Understanding Your English Level Is Important?
The system you use to describe your English skills is often determined by external requirements. Whether it’s for a job, academic program, or immigration, you might be asked to take a specific English test. Depending on your goals and where you live, you might be more familiar with one system over another. For instance, a TOEFL score is commonly recognized in the USA, while a CEFR level is often used for visas to the UK. Knowing how these systems translate can be very useful for meeting various requirements.