# TOEFL CEFR Levels: Which One Do You Need?

A quick lookup for what CEFR level universities, employers, and visa programs actually ask for.

## Why TOEFL uses CEFR now

The 2026 TOEFL redesign aligned its 1–6 band scale to CEFR (the Common European Framework of Reference) — the same A1–C2 system used across Europe and increasingly worldwide by universities, employers, and immigration programs to describe language ability, independent of any one test. So when a program asks for "CEFR B2" or "CEFR C1," it's asking for a general proficiency level, not a TOEFL-specific number.

## Quick lookup

- **CEFR C2** → TOEFL band 6.0

- **CEFR C1** → TOEFL band 5.0–5.5

- **CEFR B2** → TOEFL band 4.0–4.5

- **CEFR B1** → TOEFL band 3.0–3.5

- **CEFR A2** → TOEFL band 2.0–2.5

Full descriptors — what you can actually do at each level — are in our [band scores explained](https://toefl-exam-prep.com/blog/toefl-band-scores-explained) guide.

## Where "CEFR level required" shows up

- **University admissions:** most schools now list either a TOEFL band or a CEFR level (or both) — increasingly, "B2 or above" is the phrasing for general undergraduate admission.

- **Employer/professional certification:** some international employers and licensing bodies specify a CEFR floor (commonly B2) for roles requiring workplace English.

- **Visa and immigration programs:** several countries' skilled-worker visas set a CEFR (or IELTS-equivalent) minimum rather than a TOEFL-specific number.

## If your target lists a CEFR level, not a TOEFL number

Use the lookup above to find your target band, then check whether your program accepts TOEFL directly for that CEFR requirement — most do, since ETS designed the new scale specifically for this kind of cross-test comparison. When in doubt, confirm with the institution before you register for the exam.

## Find your current level

A free diagnostic gives you both your estimated TOEFL band and its CEFR equivalent in about 15 minutes.