For university applications, job hunting, or career changes, it is strategically important to understand how your IELTS score corresponds to other English proficiency tests (TOEFL, TOEIC, Eiken, Versant). This article provides reliable conversion tables and guidelines based on public and official data from sources like Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) and ETS (the test developer).
*Note: As each test has different evaluation methods and content, these conversions are only estimates. Always refer to the official requirements published by the institution or employer for final decisions.
What You'll Learn in This Article
Common Framework: A cross-comparison of IELTS and other tests using the CEFR.
TOEFL: Conversion for 'Overall' and 'By the Four Skills' based on official ETS research.
TOEIC: Skill-based estimates 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 multiple English proficiency tests in Japan, the most reliable framework is the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Based on comparative data published by MEXT and other official bodies, we have compiled a table showing the approximate equivalents for each IELTS band score.
Table A: CEFR-Based Overall Score Conversion Chart (Approximate)
CEFR | IELTS (Overall) | TOEFL iBT | TOEIC L&R | Eiken (Approx. Grade) |
C2 | 8.5 – 9.0 | 115 – 120 | 990 Equivalent | – |
C1 | 7.0 – 8.0 | 94 – 114 | 945 – 990 Equivalent | Grade 1 |
B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 46 – 93 | 785 – 940 | Pre-1 to Grade 1 |
B1 | 4.0 – 5.0 | 31 – 45 | 550 – 780 | Grade 2 to Pre-1 |
A2 | 3.5 or below | 30 or below | 550 or below | Pre-2 or below |
Source: Compiled based on data from MEXT, official IELTS sources, and published ETS data.
Key Points:
- An IELTS 7.0 is roughly equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of around 95, a TOEIC score of 945 or higher, and the Eiken Grade 1 level.
- An 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. For these two tests, a joint study by ETS (the developer of TOEFL) and the IELTS partners has produced a highly reliable 'official conversion table'.
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"13.
The 'IELTS 6.5' required by many undergraduate programs abroad is equivalent to a TOEFL iBT score of '79–93 (generally in the high 80s)'.
Table C: IELTS by Skill ↔ TOEFL by Section (Official)
ETS also provides a detailed score comparison for each of the four skills. This is useful for 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: From 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)
TOEIC specializes in business English and has a very different test format from IELTS. While there is no official direct conversion table, it is possible to compare proficiency levels via the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
Table D: TOEIC L&R Score and IELTS Equivalents
IELTS (Band) | TOEIC L&R (Approx.) | CEFR |
7.0 – 7.5 | 945 or higher | C1 |
6.0 – 6.5 | 785 or higher | B2 |
4.0 – 5.0 | 550 or higher | B1 |
Source: Conversion data based on CEFR standards.
Key Points:
- If you are aiming for an IELTS 6.5, a TOEIC score in the high 800s to nearly 900 serves as a general benchmark.
- However, since IELTS includes output skills (Writing and Speaking), it is not uncommon for someone with a high TOEIC L&R score to struggle with their IELTS score, or vice versa.
4. Eiken and IELTS Conversion (CSE Score & Grade)
Eiken (Test in Practical English Proficiency) is highly regarded in Japan, and its correspondence with the CEFR is clearly defined.
Table E: Eiken Grade/CSE Score and IELTS Equivalents
IELTS (Band) | Eiken (Approx. 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 |
3.5 or below | Grade Pre-2 or below | A2 or below |
Source: From MEXT and the Eiken Association's CEFR comparison chart.
Key Points:
- Passing Eiken Grade 1 is equivalent to an IELTS score of approximately 6.5–7.0.
- Eiken Grade Pre-1 is considered equivalent to an IELTS score of about 5.5–6.0, which corresponds to the foundational level (B2) 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 estimate can be made from the CEFR correspondence table published by Pearson.
Table F: Versant Score and IELTS Equivalents
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: From official Versant materials and CEFR mapping.
Note:
Versant primarily measures 'listening and speaking' abilities. Its evaluation criteria differ from the academic reading and writing skills assessed by IELTS, so this conversion should be considered a rough guide centered 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 IELTS 6.0–6.5 (around TOEFL iBT 80).
- Domestic Admissions: An increasing number of Japanese universities offer exemptions or bonus points on entrance exams 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: TOEIC (L&R) remains the mainstream test. 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 Business Roles: As practical English skills are required, an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher or a TOEIC score of 800 or higher is often valued.
