The Cambridge English Scale (CEFR)
How Cambridge English reports results
The Cambridge English Scale is used to report results for our qualifications and tests. The scores provide a detailed understanding of the candidate’s level. They are also consistent across the different exams, making it easy to compare results and understand progress from one level to the next.
The Cambridge English Scale was built on our existing results reporting and years of research, and has been designed to complement the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Benefits
- Detailed understanding of results – candidates receive a score for each skill (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) plus Use of English in certain exams. They also get an overall score for the exam on the Cambridge English Scale.
- Straightforward and consistent – results across our exams report on the same scale.
- Easy to compare performance – the alignment of our exams to the CEFR, to IELTS and to each other is clear. Results on the scale also give a greater insight into candidate progression from one exam to the next.
For guidance on converting practice test scores to Cambridge English Scale scores, download our guide for teachers: The Cambridge English Scale explained.
Comparing scores
There may be times when it is useful to know how a CEFR level, IELTS band score or old standardised score compares to a Cambridge English Scale score.
Our score converter tool can help you. Simply select what type of score you’d like to convert from, input the value and the tool will tell you what the equivalent Cambridge English Scale score is. You can also use the tool to convert from scores on the Cambridge English Scale back to CEFR Levels, IELTS band scores or old standardised scores.