For university applications, career changes, or professional development, understanding how your IELTS score compares to other major English proficiency tests like TOEFL, TOEIC, Eiken, and Versant is strategically important. This guide provides reliable conversion charts and benchmarks based on official data from public bodies such as Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and test developers like ETS.
※Disclaimer: Since each test has different assessment methods and content, these conversions are intended as a general guide only. Always refer to the official requirements published by the specific institution or employer for final determination.
What You'll Find in This Article
Common Framework: A cross-comparison of IELTS and other tests using the CEFR.
TOEFL: Conversion for 'Overall' and 'Individual Skills' based on official ETS research.
TOEIC: Skill-based benchmarks for L&R/S&W using CEFR mapping.
Eiken: The relationship between Eiken CSE scores and the CEFR.
Versant: How this speaking-focused test corresponds to CEFR levels.
1. At a Glance: IELTS and Other Test Score Conversion Chart (CEFR-Based)
When comparing various English proficiency tests, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) serves as the most reliable international benchmark. Based on comparative data published by official bodies, we have compiled a table showing how IELTS band scores correspond to other major tests.
Table A: CEFR-Based Overall Score Conversion Chart (Approximate)
CEFR | IELTS (Overall) | TOEFL iBT | TOEIC L&R | Eiken (Level) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
C2 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 115 – 120 | Eq. to 990 | – |
C1 | 7.0 – 8.0 | 94 – 114 | Eq. to 945 – 990 | Grade 1 |
B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 46 – 93 | 785 – 940 | Grade Pre-1 to Grade 1 |
B1 | 4.0 – 5.0 | 31 – 45 | 550 – 780 | Grade 2 to Grade Pre-1 |
A2 | Below 3.5 | Below 30 | Below 550 | Below Grade Pre-2 |
Source: Compiled based on data from Japan's MEXT, IELTS official sources, and ETS publications.
Key Takeaways:
- IELTS 7.0 is equivalent to around 95 on the TOEFL iBT, 945 or higher on the TOEIC, and the Eiken Grade 1 level.
- IELTS 6.0 corresponds to a TOEFL iBT score of 60-78, a TOEIC score of 740-820, and the Eiken Grade Pre-1 level.
2. TOEFL iBT and IELTS Conversion (Official Data)
The conversion between IELTS and TOEFL iBT is the most frequently referenced for university applications, especially for studying abroad. A highly reliable 'official conversion table' has been published based on joint research conducted by ETS (the developer of TOEFL) and the IELTS partners.
Table B: IELTS Overall ↔ TOEFL iBT Total (Official)
IELTS (Overall) | TOEFL iBT (Total) |
|---|---|
9.0 | 120 |
8.5 | 115 – 119 |
8.0 | 110 – 114 |
7.5 | 102 – 109 |
7.0 | 94 – 101 |
6.5 | 79 – 93 |
6.0 | 60 – 78 |
5.5 | 46 – 59 |
Source: ETS "Compare TOEFL iBT Scores".
An IELTS score of 6.5, a common requirement for many undergraduate programs abroad, is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of 79-93 (generally in the high 80s).
Table C: IELTS Individual Skills ↔ TOEFL Sections (Official)
ETS also provides a detailed score comparison for each of the four skills. This is useful when checking requirements for a specific skill (e.g., Writing).
IELTS (Band) | Reading (0-30) | Listening (0-30) | Speaking (0-30) | Writing (0-30) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
7.5 | 25 | 24 | 26 | 28 |
7.0 | 22 - 24 | 22 - 23 | 24 - 25 | 27 |
6.5 | 19 - 21 | 19 - 21 | 22 - 23 | 23 - 24 |
6.0 | 16 - 18 | 16 - 18 | 19 - 21 | 19 - 21 |
5.5 | 12 - 15 | 12 - 15 | 17 - 18 | 14 - 17 |
Source: Based on official ETS data.
For example, to achieve a 6.5 in IELTS Writing, you would need a score of around 23 in the TOEFL Writing section.
3. TOEIC and IELTS Conversion (via CEFR)
The TOEIC test specializes in business English and its format differs significantly from IELTS. While there is no official direct conversion chart, it is possible to compare proficiency levels via the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Table D: TOEIC L&R Score and IELTS Benchmark
IELTS (Band) | TOEIC L&R (Approx.) | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
7.0 – 7.5 | 945+ | C1 |
6.0 – 6.5 | 785+ | B2 |
4.0 – 5.0 | 550+ | B1 |
Source: Conversion data based on CEFR standards.
Key Takeaways:
- If you are aiming for an IELTS 6.5, a TOEIC score in the high 800s to nearly 900 serves as a useful benchmark.
- However, since IELTS includes productive skills (Writing and Speaking), it is not uncommon for test-takers with high TOEIC L&R scores to struggle with their IELTS score, and vice versa.
4. Eiken and IELTS Conversion (CSE Score & Grade)
The Eiken Test (Test in Practical English Proficiency) is a highly respected English proficiency test in Japan, and its alignment with the CEFR is clearly defined.
Table E: Eiken Grade/CSE Score and IELTS Benchmark
IELTS (Band) | Eiken (Grade) | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
7.0 | Grade 1 (Pass to High Score) | C1 |
6.0 – 6.5 | Grade Pre-1 (Pass) to Grade 1 | B2 |
4.0 – 5.0 | Grade 2 to Grade Pre-1 | B1 |
Below 3.5 | Below Grade Pre-2 | Below A2 |
Source: Based on CEFR comparison tables from MEXT and the Eiken Foundation of Japan.
Key Takeaways:
- Passing Eiken Grade 1 is equivalent to an IELTS score of approximately 6.5 to 7.0.
- Eiken Grade Pre-1 is considered equivalent to an IELTS score of about 5.5 to 6.0, which corresponds to the B2 level—a foundational requirement for university study abroad.
5. Versant and IELTS Conversion
Versant is an AI-powered speaking test often used to measure conversational English skills in a business context. While there is no direct comparison data with IELTS, an approximate conversion can be inferred from the CEFR alignment chart published by Pearson.
Table F: Versant Score and IELTS Benchmark
IELTS (Band) | Versant Score | CEFR |
|---|---|---|
6.5 – 7.0 | 69 – 78 | C1 |
5.0 – 6.0 | 58 – 68 | B2 |
3.5 – 4.5 | 47 – 57 | B1 |
Source: Based on Versant official materials and CEFR mapping.
Important Note:
Versant primarily measures listening and speaking abilities. Its assessment criteria differ from the academic reading and writing skills tested in IELTS. Therefore, this conversion should be considered a benchmark centered mainly on speaking proficiency.
6. Strategic Use for University Applications, Employment, and Career Changes
University Applications (Study Abroad & Domestic Admissions)
- Study Abroad: For undergraduate programs, a standard requirement is typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 (around 80 on TOEFL iBT).
- Domestic Admissions: An increasing number of Japanese universities offer English test exemptions or bonus points for applicants with Eiken Grade Pre-1 or an IELTS score of 5.5–6.0 or higher.
Employment, Career Changes, and Professional Development
- Domestic Japanese Companies: The TOEIC (L&R) test remains the most common standard. Key benchmarks are often 600 (equivalent to Eiken Grade 2 / IELTS 4.5) and 730 (equivalent to Eiken Grade Pre-1 / IELTS 5.5).
- Multinational Companies & International Roles: For positions requiring practical English skills, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a TOEIC score of 800 or higher is often expected.
