EF SET and IELTS Score Comparison | Generated by AI
Question: How do EF SET and IELTS scores compare?
Answer:
The EF SET (EF Standard English Test) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) both measure English proficiency and align with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), but they differ significantly in format, skills assessed, cost, and acceptance.
Score Equivalence (Approximate)
EF SET provides an official approximate mapping to IELTS bands based on CEFR alignment and correlation studies. Note that there is no exact or official conversion between tests—equivalences are estimates only, as they measure slightly different aspects.
| CEFR Level | EF SET Score (0-100) | Approximate IELTS Band |
|---|---|---|
| A1 (Beginner) | 1–30 | 1.0–3.0 |
| A2 (Elementary) | 31–40 | 3.5–4.0 |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 41–50 | 4.5–5.5 |
| B2 (Upper Intermediate) | 51–60 | 6.0–6.5 |
| C1 (Advanced) | 61–70 | 7.0–8.0 |
| C2 (Proficient) | 71–100 | 8.5–9.0 |
Your EF SET certificate will display the equivalent IELTS band range alongside your score.
Key Differences
- Skills Tested:
- Standard EF SET Certificate: Reading and Listening only (receptive skills).
- IELTS: All four skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking (productive skills included).
- Format:
- EF SET: Fully online, adaptive (questions adjust to your level), 50 minutes, no proctoring.
- IELTS: In-person (or computer-based), fixed questions, includes face-to-face speaking interview, about 2 hours 45 minutes.
- Cost:
- EF SET: Completely free.
- IELTS: Paid (typically $200–300 USD, depending on location).
- Reliability and Correlation:
- Studies by EF show strong positive correlations between EF SET scores (reading/listening) and IELTS overall bands, indicating comparable accuracy for measured skills.
- Acceptance:
- IELTS: Widely accepted for university admissions, visas, immigration, and professional registration worldwide (over 11,000 organizations).
- EF SET: Primarily for self-assessment, CV/LinkedIn enhancement, or informal use; not typically accepted for official purposes like visas or most university admissions.
In summary, EF SET is a convenient, free tool for gauging reading and listening proficiency with reliable IELTS approximations, while IELTS is the gold standard for comprehensive, officially recognized certification.
References:
- EF SET English Score and CEFR Equivalency
- EF English Tests Score Comparison
- EF SET IELTS Correlation Study Report
- Wikipedia: EF Standard English Test
- TutorSpeak: EF SET vs IELTS Comparison