Native SpeakerSpeaking Practice
How the levels compare
Three common ways of describing a level of English, side by side. Each row is roughly equivalent, never exact.
| CEFR | IELTS | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| C2 | 8.5–9.0 | 160 |
| C1 / C2 | 8.0 | 150–155 |
| C1 | 7.0–7.5 | 130–145 |
| B2 | 6.0–6.5 | 105–125 |
| B1 / B2 | 5.5 | 95–100 |
| B1 | 4.0–5.0 | 55–90 |
| A1–A2 | below 4.0 | 10–50 |
- CEFR is the European scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Employers and colleges in Ireland usually ask for a CEFR level.
- IELTS gives a band from 1 to 9 in half steps.
- Duolingo English Test gives a score from 10 to 160 in steps of 5.
Two levels in one row means the score sits on the border between them. The tests measure English in different ways, so a score on one can only suggest a score on another. Always check which test and score your college or employer asks for.
Speaking Practice does not give you a level yet. Your scores here are for one answer on one day.
Sources: IELTS and the CEFR and the Duolingo English Test score comparison, checked November 2026.
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