Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)

TOEFL® Junior™ scores are mapped to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) so you can use them for international benchmarking of your students’ English proficiency levels.

The CEFR is a widely-used tool for understanding different stages of language learning. It covers six proficiency levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, with C2 being the highest level. The performance descriptors for each section of the TOEFL Junior tests are adapted from the CEFR level descriptors to reflect the TOEFL Junior test content and the age of the test takers.

Overall Score Levels

The following table shows the TOEFL Junior Comprehensive overall score levels, overall performance descriptors and CEFR profiles.

Overall Score Level Overall Performance Descriptor CEFR Profile
  These descriptors represent performance in middle schools which use English for instruction. A typical student at this level: A typical student at this level achieved these section-level CEFR scores:
6
Excellent		 Consistently demonstrates the skills needed to communicate successfully at a high level in complex interactions and while using complex materials. B2 for all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing)
5
Advanced		 Often demonstrates the skills needed to communicate successfully at a high level in complex interactions and while using complex materials. B1 or B2 for Reading and Listening; B1 for Speaking and Writing
4
Competent		 Demonstrates the skills needed to communicate successfully in some complex situations and in most simple interactions and while using basic materials. B1 for Reading and Listening; B1 or A2 for Speaking and Writing
3
Achieving		 Usually demonstrates the skills needed to communicate successfully in simple interactions and while using basic materials. A2 or B1 for Listening; A2 for Reading, Speaking and Writing
2
Developing		 Occasionally demonstrates the skills needed to communicate successfully in simple interactions and while using basic materials. A2 for Reading and Listening; below A2 for Speaking and Writing
1
Beginning		 Demonstrates some basic language skills but needs to further develop those skills in order to communicate successfully. Below A2 for all sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing)

Section Score Levels

The table below shows the TOEFL Junior Comprehensive Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing section scores mapped to their respective CEFR levels. The possible CEFR levels are below A2, A2, B1 and B2.

Sections CEFR Level A2 CEFR Level B1 CEFR Level B2
Reading Comprehension 143–150 151–156 157–160
Listening Comprehension 143–149 150–156 157–160
Speaking 8–10 11–13 14–16
Writing 6–9 10–12 13–16

TOEFL Junior Certificates of Achievement

The TOEFL Junior program offers certificates of achievement based on a student's overall score level. It's one way to provide students and parents with a sense of accomplishment.

See also: