IELTS uses a 9-band scale from 1 (Non User) to 9 (Expert User). Unlike CEFR, which uses descriptive labels, IELTS scores are numbers — which makes them harder to interpret without context. This guide explains exactly what each band means in practice, which scores universities and employers require, and how bands map to CEFR levels.
The IELTS Band Scale
| Band | IELTS Label | CEFR | What you can do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert User | C2 | Full operational command of English — appropriate, accurate, fluent with complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very Good User | C1 | Fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good User | C1 | Operational command with occasional inaccuracies. Generally handles complex language well; understands detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent User | B2 | Generally effective command despite inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest User | B1/B2 | Partial command — copes with overall meaning in most situations, though likely to make many errors. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. |
| 4 | Limited User | A2/B1 | Basic competence — limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited | A2 | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent User | A1 | No real communication possible except for the most basic information. Great difficulty understanding English. |
| 1 | Non User | Below A1 | Essentially no ability to use the language beyond a few isolated words. |
Band 6.0 — The Most Common Target
Band 6.0 is the most widely required score in the world. It corresponds to CEFR B2 — solid upper-intermediate ability. At Band 6, you can:
- Understand the main content of complex texts on concrete and abstract topics
- Communicate with reasonable fluency in professional settings on familiar topics
- Write clear arguments with some errors that do not impede understanding
Band 6.0 is required for: most UK undergraduate degrees, Australian student visas, UK Skilled Worker visas (English language requirement), many nursing and allied health registration programmes.
Band 7.0 — The Professional Threshold
Band 7.0 marks the transition from B2 to C1. At this level you can:
- Follow fast-paced academic lectures and complex professional discussions
- Write well-structured essays and reports with minor errors
- Express nuanced opinions and arguments fluently in speech
Band 7.0 is required for: Russell Group universities (UK), most Australian universities, UK Tier 2 skilled worker visas in regulated professions, medical and dental registration (General Medical Council, AHPRA).
Band 7.5–8.0 — Advanced Academic and Professional
Band 7.5–8.0 (CEFR C1–C2) is required for elite academic programmes and senior professional roles. At Band 8 you can handle demanding academic texts, produce professional-quality writing, and follow complex argumentation without effort.
Required for: PhD programmes at research-intensive universities, senior roles in international organisations (UN, EU institutions), academic publishing and conference presentations.
IELTS Band to CEFR Conversion
| CEFR Level | IELTS Band | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | < 3.0 | Beginner |
| A2 | 3.0 – 3.5 | Elementary |
| B1 | 4.0 – 5.0 | Intermediate |
| B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 | Upper Intermediate |
| C1 | 7.0 – 8.0 | Advanced |
| C2 | 8.5 – 9.0 | Mastery |
Want to know your predicted IELTS band before you pay for the official exam? Try our free AI IELTS Band Predictor — adaptive test, all 4 sections, results in 10–30 minutes.
Also useful: CEFR Levels A1–C2 Complete Guide and IELTS vs CEFR: Full Conversion Table.