Helping students prepare for high-stakes exams like the TOEFL can be both exciting and overwhelming. As teachers, we are not just drilling grammar, we are aligning our lessons with global standards. That is where the CEFR framework comes into play. But should students have a particular CEFR level to sit for this exam?

While there isn’t an expected CEFR level for the TOEFL, ETS (the test makers) do provide a CEFR mapping for their scores. This helps institutions determine if a student’s English level meets their needs. In this post, we will break that down and give you teaching tips to match your course content to the right CEFR level.

CEFR to TOEFL iBT Score Conversion

ETS has already done the research for us by linking TOEFL iBT scores to CEFR levels through a concordance study. It’s not a one-to-one match, but more of a “statistical best guess.” However, it provides us a useful frame of reference when planning.

Here is a quick look at how TOEFL iBT scores generally align with CEFR levels:

These ranges are just the beginning. The key is knowing what your students actually need to achieve.

What CEFR Levels Are Typically “Expected” for TOEFL?

Even though TOEFL does not require a specific CEFR level, universities and employers do. Their expectations vary depending on what the student is applying for. So it is essential to check their requirements first.

Here are some typical CEFR expectations:

• Undergraduate Studies: B2, or 72-94 in TOEFL.
• Graduate Studies (Master’s/PhD): C1, or 95-113 in TOEFL.
• Professional Licensure/Certification: B2/C1, 72-113 in TOEFL.
• Exchange Programs/Short-Term Courses: B1/B2, or 42-94 in TOEFL.

What is the key here? Avoid guessing and simply find out. Help your students ask their institutions what level they need, and plan backwards from there. With this handy guide, you can now use CEFR-aligned materials and convert the scores to TOEFL accordingly to target their goals more effectively. 

Conclusions

There’s no single “expected CEFR level” for TOEFL—it depends on who your student is and what they are aiming for. Your job as a teacher is to help them connect those dots strategically.

Being proactive as an educator means guiding students through this maze with confidence. The more clearly you understand the CEFR framework, the more powerfully you can teach.

Try using Text Inspector’s Analyze tool to check if your materials match your students’ CEFR targets. For more insights, check out our related posts and keep your lessons on point.