Notes: Mapping of the TOEFL scores on the CEFR bands in the the ICNALE project is based on the data
presented in this file. However, this mapping is NOT effective now, as ETS has proposed a new mapping.
This file is presented FYI purpose only.
Back to ICNALE website http://language.sakura.ne.jp/icnale/

Mapping TOEFL iBT on the Common
European Framework of Reference®

Background

ETS’s Goal

The Common European Framework of Reference for
Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR)
provides a common basis for describing the skills
needed to reach different levels of language proficiency,and is used by language instructors, educators,curriculum designers and agencies working in the fieldof language development. The CEFR describes language
proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening ona six-level scale:

The Internet-based TOEFL® iBT (Test of English as aForeign Language™) measures the ability to use andcombine listening, reading, speaking and writing skills tocommunicate in an academic environment. The purposeof this mapping study was to identify the minimumscores on the TOEFL iBT corresponding to each level ofthe CEFR. Minimum scores were identified separately forspeaking, listening, writing and reading.

• A1 – A2 (Basic User)• B1 – B2 (Independent User)• C1 – C2 (Proficient User)
The CEFR provides a descriptive context that may be
used to interpret the meaning and practical significanceof scores on language tests. If a test score can be one of
the levels of the CEFR, what that score means and what
candidates with at least that score are likely to be able
to do becomes clear.

Standard-setting StudyStandard setting is the process by which a panelof informed experts makes score requirement
recommendations that correspond with the level ofknowledge, skill, proficiency, mastery or readinesscandidates need in order to be placed in a certain
category. The end result of standard setting is arecommended minimum score requirement, or cut
score. The minimum scores for each CEFR level in thisparticular study are presented as lower limits of thelevel for each modality.

www.ets.org/ell

Executive Summary

Results
The expert panel was able to make connections between
the construct of the test and the CEFR. The table below
presents the recommended score ranges and the minimumscore for each modality at each CEFR proficiency level.
The panel determined the TOEFL iBT Speaking sectionspans the widest range of proficiency (from A1 level to C1level) and the Reading section was the only section thatreached the C2 level. Overall, the results suggest that theTOEFL iBT is best used to discriminate at the B1 to C1
levels of the CEFR, which is consistent with the claimsof the test.

Test Section
TOEFL iBT Total 1
TOEFL iBT Reading
TOEFL iBT Listening
TOEFL iBT Speaking
TOEFL iBT Writing
1Total Score
Scale Range0 – 120
0 – 300 – 300 – 300 – 30

Interpreting Results
Institutions, English programs and learners can interpretthe recommended minimum scores on the TOEFL iBTby referring to the global descriptors and other tables inthe CEFR at www.ets.org/results/cefr.html. The results
represent the recommendations of informed experts
using recognized standard-setting approaches. However,they should be considered guidelines as ETS does notrecommend the use of rigid cut scores.

Technical Report
This standard-setting study was conducted by ETS
researchers Richard J. Tannenbaum, Ph.D., and E. Caroline
Wylie, Ph.D., in October 2006.

A18A213
11

Minimum Score
B1B2C157 – 86 87 – 109 110 – 12082228132126
192328172128TOEFL scores are reported in 1-point increments.

For information about this study:
Europe:	Call us at +33 1 40 75 91 06 or e-mail us at cef@etsglobal.org
All other locations: 	Call us at +1-609-683-2008 (U.S.) or e-mail us at TOEFLNews@ets.org

Copyright © 2008 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo, LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING. and TOEFL are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS) in theUnited States of America and other countries throughout the world. TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE is a trademark of ETS. 9622

C229

www.ets.org/ell

For this study, the panel consisted of 23 experts (Englishlanguage instructors, administrators or directors oflanguage programs and language testing experts) from 16
different European countries.