INDEX

This "ladder" should be used with caution. No two examinations or grading tests are comparable except in the most general way. For example, although the IELTS uses the same numbering system for levels as the English Speaking Union, an IELTS score of 7.5 is probably equivalent to an ESU 6.0-6.5. Thus, the result of one test cannot be transferred to another: a near-perfect TOEFL score does not automatically mean a pass in the Cambridge Proficiency.

LEVEL English Speaking Union IELTS
Skill description
Average study time *part-time (in hours)
**full-time (in weeks/months)
Cambridge
TOEFL
TOEIC

Level 9.
superior to most native-speakers

Level 8.
mistakes are rare, virtually bilingual
Cambridge Diploma
650

Level 7.
fully effective and confident few mistakes, consistent
upper intermediate-advanced
*10,000 hours
**two to three years
Cambridge Proficiency (pass)
575-600

Level 6.
confident in most situations, talks round problems
intermediate-upper intermediate
*5,000 hours
**12 to 18 months
Cambridge Advanced (pass)
525-550
(TOEIC 800)

Level 5.
independent and effective in common situations, usually succeeds in communicating
lower intermediate-intermediate
*2,500 hours
**six to nine months
Cambridge First Certificate (pass)
450-475
(TOEIC 600)

Level 4.
basic range, familiar situations, many mistakes
pre-intermediate-lower intermediate
*1,200 hours
**12 to 18 weeks
Cambridge PET
350-400

Level 3.
limited, frequently breaks down
beginner-pre-intermediate
800 hours
eight to nine weeks

Level 2.
basic needs, short and inaccurate
beginner
*400-500 hours
**four to five weeks

Level 1.
few phrases, common greetings
*50-100 hours*
**one week**

INDEX