Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

CEFR

What is CEFR

CEFR Vs. IELTS

Background:
The Council of Europe began specifying "threshold levels" for English and French in the mid 1970s. As a part of this, the CEFR was released in 2001 and has now become a landmark for foreign language teaching.

Created in 1980s the IELTS is an International standardised test that has 4 sections L, R, W, S. Non native English speakers take this test to certify their mastery of the language.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are both systems for assessing English language proficiency, but they serve different purposes.

Key Differences

Nature: CEFR is a general framework describing language ability across different skills. CEFR is a Framework

Nature: IELTS is a standardized test designed to assess English Proficiency for academic and migration purposes. IELTS is a Test

Purpose: Provides General description of language ability standardized to determine fluency in English.
Purpose: Specific focus on Academic / Migration context

Scoring: CEFR uses descriptive scale and that's why it has become more prominent in how institutions assess language requirements.

Scoring: IELTS uses band score system. These are overall band scores
IELTS is Not a level based test — Cambridge Assessment

Co-Relation

While not a direct one to one mapping IELTS scores can be correlated with CEFR Levels

This document is a product of Crown English Centre UK, Mohali

CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It’s an internationally recognized system used to measure and describe language proficiency. It was developed by the Council of Europe and is followed worldwide, including by universities, language schools, and examination boards like Cambridge and IELTS. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Purpose:

CEFR provides a clear, standard way to assess how well someone can read, write, speak, and understand a language.

CEFR Levels:

A1 (Beginner): Can understand and use simple phrases; can introduce themselves.
A2 (Elementary): Can communicate in routine tasks and describe personal details.
B1 (Intermediate): Can handle travel situations and express opinions.
B2 (Upper Intermediate): Can interact fluently with native speakers and write clear text.
C1 (Advanced): Can understand complex ideas and use the language flexibly in professional or academic settings.
C2 (Proficient): Can express themselves precisely and effortlessly; near-native fluency.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Basic Structure: CEFR is a general framework describing language ability across six levels (A1–C2): A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.

Purpose: A descriptive framework for language proficiency, used across various languages — not just English.

Focus: Describes what a learner can do with the language at each level (e.g., understand instructions, write formal emails, or engage in complex discussions).

Application: Used for curriculum development, language learning materials, teacher training, universities, employers, and immigration authorities.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Basic Structure: IELTS is a specific test focusing on academic or general training English, producing scores on a 9-band scale.

Purpose: A standardized test designed to assess English language proficiency for academic and migration purposes.

Focus: Measures how well candidates can use English in real-life situations.

Application: Used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.