From A1 to C2: What Your CEFR Level Means in TOEFL Scores?

Are you looking to take the TOEFL, but don't know what the A1, B2, and C1 levels mean? Worry Not! Those levels are all related to the CEFR, an internationally recognised reference framework which describes the capacity one has to read, write, listen to, and use English effectively. 

TOEFL iBT scores are also often given alongside CEFR levels, so understanding that will help you understand your true proficiency, understand university admission criteria, and fulfil visa candidate eligibility requirements. In this blog, we'll demystify the CEFR–TOEFL score equivalency so you'll understand what your score really means and which scores to aim for.

Understanding CEFR 

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard used to measure English proficiency. It divides learners into six levels, from beginning (A1) to mastery (C2), to help test-takers understand their precise ability with the language.

A1 and  A2 Level: Basic User

B1 and  B2 Level:  Independent User

C1 and C2 Level: Proficient User

CEFR is widely adopted by universities, employers and immigration bodies to assess language skills. If you're preparing for TOEFL, it's important to know how your band score relates to CEFR levels.

Why You Should Know Your CEFR Level?

Your CEFR level is more than a guideline. It has a direct impact on overseas study, job applications and potential visa approvals. Knowing your CEFR level gives you an anchor point for planning your TOEFL preparation strategy and setting realistic targets for your scores. 

Your CEFR level helps in the following ways: 

• Creating a TOEFL preparation plan: Once you know if your level is in the A1–B1 range (basic–intermediate) or C1–C2 range (advanced), you will know which skill areas to develop your strategy around. 

• Meeting admissions and visa requirements: Many universities and immigration authorities align their English language requirements to CEFR levels, which have a corresponding TOEFL score range.

• Measuring your progress in language: CEFR provides a framework of levels to measure progress, ensuring you can move from beginner to proficient in a clear, step-by-step way.

CEFR vs TOEFL Score Scale

TOEFL scores can be mapped to CEFR levels, making it easier for students to see how their TOEFL test performance aligns with international benchmarks. Most universities abroad require a minimum TOEFL score in the B2 range (72–94). However, for postgraduate studies or highly competitive programs, a C1 level (95+) is generally expected.

 Here’s a quick reference guide to understand the TOEFL Score in terms of CEFR.

Let's understand each level of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) in detail and how it is used in the TOEFL exam.

What are the  A1 and A2 levels of English in TOEFL? 

A1 and A2 are the levels at the beginner stage in CEFR. The A1 and A2 English proficiency levels indicate that a student can only communicate basic levels of English, such as Greetings, on a day-to-day basis or simple questions. Although TOEFL does not publish scores below B1, as these scores are less suitable for exam criteria, they still matter to students at A1/A2 levels.

What are the B1 and B2 level English in TOEFL? 

B1 and B2 are the intermediate levels of English. At the B1 level, candidates can manage conversations related to travel or daily life. At the B2 level, students can express themselves more fluently, read complex texts, and write essays that are structured, all necessary skills for students who are studying abroad.

What are the  C1 and C2 level English in TOEFL?

C1 and C2 are the advanced and expert stages in English. At the C1 level, you can use English flexibly and effectively for academic, professional, or social purposes. At the C2 level, you have almost native-speaker level proficiency, able to engage in any deep analysis, interact fluently and spontaneously, and write on complex topics in a letter, essay or report.

Preparation Tips To Master English for the TOEFL

A score between 114–120 on the TOEFL places you at a C2 master level in English proficiency, which is near-native, and requires more than solid English. It requires higher-level strategies, skill and precision in academic preparation, and not only practice in all four sections of the TOEFL, but consistently as well. 

Here are some specific strategies to achieve the highest band scores in the TOEFL:

1. Develop a Long-Term Study Plan

Achieving a goal of TOEFL 114 or higher does not happen in 2-3 weeks. Your best bet is a 10-12 week plan with daily practice on all four sections of the exam (reading, listening, speaking, writing). Be sure to map your time so you give extra time to sections where you are struggling and regularly reinforce those sections where you are stronger.

2. Use Academic Material to Study

The TOEFL exam is set up around academic English, meaning lectures, research-based passages, and structured essays. When you work on reading, try to read journals, academic articles, and research papers and practice summarising them. For the listening part, listen to university lectures or TED talks and take notes on key points in a structured way.

3. Learn the scoring rubric for the TOEFL

All four sections of the TOEFL exam count equally towards your total score. Learn and practice what the examiners will be looking for regarding coherence, efficiency, vocabulary and task completion. To aim for a C2 level, you should be scoring:

Reading/Listening: 29–30

Speaking: 27+

Writing: 28–30

4. Use advanced vocabulary fluently

C2 English doesn't mean you know a lot of rare words, but that you can actually use them in context. Make a habit of using advanced connectors, academic vocabulary, and paraphrasing in your essays or speaking responses. Instead of memorising phrases, think about clarity and natural fluency.

5. Surround Yourself with English Every day.

Try to think in English, express your thoughts in English and consume lots of English words, not only academically but also in ordinary English papers (newspapers, articles, research papers, documentaries, etc.). This way, you will be immersing yourself in English, which will allow you to acclimate yourself to the reading passages in the TOEFL test and also the lecture style.

6. Utilise Mock Tests to Measure Improvement.

Take full-length TOEFL practice tests and replicate the conditions you will need to deal with on test day. Use a timer, be aware of your stamina (as it will be a long test), etc. When you have taken your practice test, carefully go over any mistakes you made and, if possible, have someone familiar with the test give you feedback so you can work on any weaknesses.

Suggested: TOEFL 114 in 4 Days? Devina Did It - Here’s How 

From the Desk of Yocket 

Before you get ready for the TOEFL, you should check your target university's English requirements against the CEFR. If they say B1 level is good, that is ok for basic comprehension and communication. However, most universities want to make sure you can complete academic work. Therefore, they would expect at least a B2 level or possibly C1. 

At Yocket Prep, we simplify that process, from TOEFL practice resources and free mock tests to expert admissions counselling to get you a CEFR level and TOEFL score to get into your dream university!