Common European

Framework of
Reference (CEFR)

Cambridge
English
Scale

Cambridge
English:
Key

Cambridge
English:
Preliminary

Cambridge
English:
First

Cambridge
English:
Advanced

Cambridge
English:
Proficiency

Cambridge
English:
Business
Preliminary

Cambridge
English:
Business
Vantage

Cambridge
English:
Business
Higher

IELTS*

Cambridge
English
Scale
230

230

Grade A

Proficient user

220

C2

210

Grade A
200

C1

190

Grade A

Independent user
Basic user

A2

Distinction

Grade C

Merit

150

Distinction

130

Below

A1

110

Pass

Level B1

Grade A

8.0

Grade B

7.5

Grade C

7.0

Grade B
Level B2
Distinction

Pass

Pass

Grade C

Level B2

6.0

200
190
180
170

5.5
5.0

Level B1

210

4.5

160
150

4.0
140

Merit
Level A2

Level A2

130
120

Level A1

110

100

100

90

90

80

80

IELTS is mapped to, but will not be reported on the Cambridge English Scale

Level C1

Merit

120

A1

Grade C

9.0
8.5

6.5

170

140

Grade A

Grade B

160

B1

Grade C

Grade B

180

B2

220

Grade B