Equivalencia TOEIC® / MCER: conversión puntuación-nivel

What Is the CEFR?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an international standard created by the Council of Europe to describe language skills in a uniform way. It defines 6 levels of language proficiency, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery).

Adopted in over 40 countries, the CEFR has become the global reference for evaluating and comparing language skills. It is used by universities, companies, certification bodies, and governments to define clear and comparable language requirements.

The six CEFR levels are grouped into three categories:

• A1 and A2: Basic user
• B1 and B2: Independent user
• C1 and C2: Proficient user

ETS, the organization that created the TOEIC®, has established an official correspondence between TOEIC® scores and CEFR levels, making it possible to translate a TOEIC® score into an internationally recognized proficiency level. For an overview of TOEIC® levels, see our TOEIC® scores and levels guide.

TOEIC® / CEFR Conversion Table

Here is the official correspondence table between TOEIC® Listening and Reading scores and CEFR levels. This grid includes the minimum thresholds per section (Listening and Reading) required to reach each level.

To achieve a given CEFR level, you must meet both thresholds (Listening and Reading) in addition to the total score. For example, to achieve B2, a total of 785 is not enough: you also need at least 400 in Listening and 385 in Reading. To understand how the raw score is converted to a scaled score, see our TOEIC® score conversion guide.

What Each Level Means in Practice

Beyond the numbers, each CEFR level corresponds to concrete English language skills. Here is what you can do at each level.

A1 — Beginner

At A1 level, you understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very simple phrases. You can introduce yourself, ask basic questions about someone (where they live, what they do) and answer the same type of questions. Communication remains limited, provided the speaker talks slowly and clearly.

A2 — Elementary

At A2 level, you understand isolated sentences and frequently used expressions related to immediate areas (personal information, work, shopping, local environment). You can communicate in routine and predictable situations, such as asking for directions or ordering at a restaurant.

B1 — Intermediate

At B1 level, you can manage most situations encountered while traveling or in a standard professional environment. You can produce simple, coherent speech on familiar topics, give your opinion, and describe experiences. This is the threshold from which you are considered autonomous in basic interactions.

B2 — Upper Intermediate

The B2 level marks fluent and spontaneous communication in a professional context. You understand the main ideas of complex texts, can argue, negotiate, and participate in meetings in English with ease. This is the most commonly required level by schools and companies in France. To learn more, see our dedicated guide to the B2 level on the TOEIC®.

C1 — Proficient

At C1 level, you have a fine command of the language and understand nuances and implicit meanings. You can use the language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. You produce clear, well-structured, and detailed texts on complex subjects. Discover our complete guide to the C1 level on the TOEIC®.

The CEFR in the Workplace

In France, the CEFR has become a key standard for recruiters. Job postings increasingly mention the expected CEFR level explicitly, making the correspondence between your TOEIC® score and your CEFR level particularly strategic for your career.

Requirements vary by position type:

• Positions with occasional international interactions (B1): sales assistant, support technician, logistics coordinator. A TOEIC® score of 550+ is generally sufficient for these roles.
• Internationally-oriented positions (B2): project manager, engineer, consultant, marketing manager. B2 level (785+ on the TOEIC®) is the minimum requirement at most large companies and consulting firms. See our detailed B2 level guide for more information.
• Executive roles and English-speaking environments (C1): director, senior executive, expatriate, international negotiator. C1 level (945+ on the TOEIC®) demonstrates advanced proficiency, allowing you to lead meetings, write complex reports, and negotiate in English without difficulty. Discover our C1 level guide on the TOEIC®.

Many sectors have specific requirements: finance and consulting almost systematically require a minimum B2, while international technology companies and audit firms frequently demand C1. Top business schools also make degree completion conditional on achieving a TOEIC® score corresponding to B2 (minimum 785 points).

How to List Your Level on a Resume

A TOEIC® score alone does not always speak to recruiters. To maximize the impact of your certification, always pair your score with its CEFR equivalent. Here is the recommended format:

English: B2 level (TOEIC® 825/990, March 2026)

This format offers three advantages:

• The CEFR level is immediately understood by all recruiters, even those unfamiliar with the TOEIC® scoring system.
• The detailed score allows TOEIC®-savvy recruiters to assess your exact position within the level range.
• The date indicates how recent your certification is (the TOEIC® is valid for 2 years).

Where to place this information on your resume?

• In a dedicated "Languages" or "Language Skills" section, ideally after "Education" or "Experience."
• If your target position requires strong English skills, you can also mention it in your resume headline (e.g., "Project Manager – Certified B2 English").
• For junior profiles, placing languages near the top of the resume can compensate for limited experience and catch the recruiter's attention.

When should you update your score? The TOEIC® is valid for 2 years. If your certification is approaching its expiration date, consider retaking the test. A recent score carries much more weight than an older one. Prepare effectively with our TOEIC® preparation guide, or test your current level for free.

Other Tests and Their CEFR Equivalences

The TOEIC® is not the only English test that can be mapped to the CEFR. Here is a comparison table of the main internationally recognized tests. If you are deciding between the TOEIC® and the TOEFL®, see our TOEIC® vs TOEFL® comparison.

Key points to remember:

• The TOEIC® L&R only covers comprehension (listening and reading) and caps at C1 level. It is particularly suited to professional contexts.
• The TOEFL iBT assesses all four skills (comprehension and production, spoken and written) and goes up to C2. It is mainly required for university admissions in English-speaking countries.
• IELTS also assesses all four skills and is recognized by universities and immigration services worldwide.
• Cambridge exams (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE) certify a specific level and are valid for life, unlike the TOEIC® and TOEFL® (valid for 2 years).

For a complete analysis of your score and its interpretation, see our TOEIC® score interpretation guide as well as our TOEIC® score conversion grid.

Why the CEFR Matters

The CEFR has become an essential reference in many areas. Here is why knowing your CEFR level is important:

• Schools and universities: most business and engineering schools in France require a minimum B2 level (785 on the TOEIC®) to award the degree.
• Companies: recruiters use the CEFR to assess candidates' language skills. A B2 or C1 level is often required for internationally-oriented positions.
• Immigration: several countries require a minimum CEFR level for visa or nationality applications (for example, B1 for naturalization in France).
• Erasmus and international mobility: university exchange programs generally require a B1 or B2 level in the language of instruction.
• University degrees: many universities make degree completion conditional on certifying a B2 level in English.

Common Misconceptions to Avoid

Several misconceptions exist about the correspondence between TOEIC® and CEFR. Here are the main ones to be aware of:

• C2 level does not exist on the TOEIC® L&R: the maximum score of 990 only corresponds to C1 level. The TOEIC® Listening and Reading cannot certify C2 level. To achieve that, you would need to take a test that also assesses speaking and writing.
• The TOEIC® measures comprehension, not production: the TOEIC® L&R only evaluates listening and reading comprehension. It does not test your ability to speak or write in English. Your actual CEFR level in production may differ from what your TOEIC® score indicates.
• The correspondences are approximate: the TOEIC® score thresholds associated with each CEFR level are statistical estimates. Two candidates with the same score may have different skill profiles. Use these correspondences as an indicator, not as absolute truth.

How to Progress from One Level to the Next

Moving to the next CEFR level requires regular investment. Here is a realistic estimate of the time needed based on your starting level, assuming regular practice (3 to 5 sessions per week):

The higher you go, the harder it is to gain points. The progression from B2 to C1 is particularly demanding, as it requires a fine understanding of nuances and implied meanings. For a structured preparation plan, see our TOEIC® preparation guide, or test your level directly with our free TOEIC® practice test.

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