PTE Academic scores from 10 to 90. CEFR describes proficiency in six levels from A1 to C2. Both measure the same underlying language ability — they simply use different scales. Knowing how to convert between them helps you understand exactly where you stand.
The Official PTE to CEFR Mapping
| PTE Score | CEFR Level | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 85–90 | C2 | Mastery |
| 76–84 | C1 | Advanced |
| 59–75 | B2 | Upper-Intermediate |
| 36–58 | B1 | Intermediate |
| 30–35 | A2 | Elementary |
| 10–29 | A1 | Beginner |
Why the Mapping Is Approximate
CEFR boundaries are not numerically fixed — the CEFR itself is a qualitative framework describing what a person can do, not a number on a scale. When Pearson aligns PTE to CEFR, they use statistical modelling based on large samples of test-takers who also completed CEFR-calibrated tasks. The result is a probabilistic match: most people scoring 59–75 on PTE perform at B2 on CEFR tasks, but outliers exist in both directions.
Common Benchmark Requirements in PTE Terms
- UK Student Visa (UKVI): typically PTE Academic UKVI 59 overall, 59 in each skill (≈ B2)
- Australian Skilled Migration (most subclasses): PTE 65 overall, 65 in each component
- New Zealand Skilled Migrant: PTE 50 overall (≈ B1+)
- University undergraduate entry: typically PTE 55–65 (≈ B2)
- University postgraduate entry: typically PTE 65–79 (≈ B2–C1)
- Top 50 global universities: typically PTE 79+ (≈ C1)
Using CEFR to Prepare for PTE
If you know your CEFR level from a CEFR test or from our free LingoLevel assessment, you can instantly map where you stand on the PTE scale and how far you are from your target score. A B1 speaker targeting Australian migration (PTE 65) has roughly 7–15 PTE score points to close — about one CEFR level of improvement.
See also: What Is CEFR, What Is PTE Academic, and PTE vs IELTS.