Cambridge to IELTS Score Converter 2026

160 is the pass mark for B2 First (Grade C, CEFR B2). In Cambridge's comparison it corresponds to IELTS 5.0, which runs from 154 to 161 on the Cambridge English Scale. IELTS 5.5 starts at 162, IELTS 6.0 at 169 and IELTS 6.5 at 176, so your exact B2 First score matters more than your grade.

If you need IELTS 6.0 or 6.5, look at your Cambridge English Scale score rather than just your grade: 169–175 corresponds to IELTS 6.0 and 176–184 to IELTS 6.5. Expect some IELTS-specific preparation — particularly for the Writing and Speaking formats, which differ substantially from the Cambridge exam structure.

180 is the pass mark for C1 Advanced (Grade C, CEFR C1). In Cambridge's comparison it corresponds to IELTS 6.5, which runs from 176 to 184. IELTS 7.0 starts at 185 and IELTS 7.5 at 191, so C1 Advanced scores from 180 to 199 cover IELTS 6.5 to 7.5.

A C1 Advanced score of 185 or above lines up with IELTS 7.0, a common requirement for competitive postgraduate programmes. One practical difference: your Cambridge certificate does not expire, while an IELTS result is generally accepted for two years.

200 is the pass mark for C2 Proficiency (Grade C, CEFR C2), the highest CEFR level. The Cambridge comparison used on this page covers IELTS 5.0 to 7.5, so treat the C2 rows in the table (IELTS 8.0 and above) as a match by CEFR level rather than a score-by-score conversion. A C2 Proficiency pass exceeds the English requirement of almost all university programmes.

If you hold a C2 Proficiency certificate and need an IELTS score, be aware that IELTS 8.0 and above requires exceptional performance across all four sections, completed in one test of about 2 hours 45 minutes.

176 is the lowest Cambridge English Scale score that corresponds to IELTS 6.5 in Cambridge's comparison. It is still CEFR B2 — C1 starts at 180 — so on B2 First it is a Grade B, and on C1 Advanced it is below the pass mark and earns a B2 certificate.

IELTS 6.5 is a common minimum for university programmes. The IELTS 6.5 range runs from 176 to 184 on the Cambridge English Scale; reaching 185 moves you into the IELTS 7.0 range.

Validity period: Cambridge certificates never expire — once you pass, your qualification is recognised for life. IELTS scores expire two years after the test date. This is the most significant practical difference between the two. If you need proof of English for a specific application within a two-year window, IELTS works. If you want a permanent qualification, Cambridge is the better investment.

Exam structure: Cambridge exams are level-specific: you choose B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency based on your estimated ability. If you underperform, you may receive a certificate at a lower level or fail entirely. IELTS is a single test that assigns a band score based on your performance — there is no pass or fail, and the same test covers the full ability range from 4.0 to 9.0.

UK recognition: Cambridge qualifications have strong recognition in the UK and across Europe, particularly for education and employment. IELTS has broader global acceptance for immigration purposes and is the dominant English test for visa applications in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK (via UKVI). For US university admissions, both are widely accepted, though IELTS has slightly broader coverage.

Test format: Cambridge exams use a variety of task types including Use of English (grammar and vocabulary in context), which IELTS does not test separately. IELTS Writing requires a 250-word essay and a data description (Academic) or letter (General Training), while Cambridge Writing tasks vary by exam level. Cambridge Speaking is conducted with another candidate present, while IELTS Speaking is a one-on-one interview with an examiner.

IELTS is the better choice when you need results for immigration. Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand immigration authorities specify IELTS (or PTE/CELPIP) for visa applications. Cambridge qualifications are generally not accepted for immigration purposes in these countries. If your goal is permanent residency or a work visa, IELTS is almost always the required test.

Professional registration bodies in healthcare, engineering, and law in Australia, Canada, and the UK frequently specify IELTS by name. Nursing boards, medical councils, and engineering accreditation bodies typically require a recent IELTS score rather than a Cambridge certificate. Always check your specific professional body's requirements before booking any test.

IELTS also offers greater flexibility for candidates who are unsure of their level. Because IELTS assigns a band score across the full range, you do not need to choose an exam level in advance. With Cambridge, choosing the wrong level (e.g., sitting C1 Advanced when you are at a B2 level) risks failing the exam entirely.

Cambridge is the better choice when you want a permanent qualification. If you are not working to a specific deadline and want proof of your English level that will remain valid indefinitely, a Cambridge certificate provides lifelong recognition. This is particularly valuable for career development, where you may need to demonstrate English proficiency years after the original test.

For UK education, Cambridge qualifications have strong recognition. Many UK schools, colleges, and universities accept Cambridge certificates for admissions, and they are well-known across European education systems. If you are applying to UK institutions and do not need IELTS specifically for visa purposes, Cambridge may carry more weight with admissions officers who are familiar with the qualification.

Cambridge is also a better fit if you want to demonstrate general English level rather than meeting a specific score requirement. The certificate grades (A, B, C) provide a clear indication of your ability level that employers understand without needing to interpret a numerical band score. For job applications within Europe, a Cambridge certificate is often preferred over an IELTS score.

If you hold a Cambridge certificate and now need an IELTS score, your core English skills are already strong. Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and listening ability transfer directly between the two exams. The main adjustment is learning IELTS-specific task formats and timing constraints.

The biggest difference is the Speaking section. Cambridge Speaking is conducted with another candidate, and you interact with both the examiner and your partner. IELTS Speaking is a one-on-one interview lasting 11-14 minutes. You need to practise sustaining extended monologues (Part 2) and discussing abstract topics in depth (Part 3) without the support of a conversation partner.

IELTS Writing also differs significantly. Cambridge Writing tasks are level-specific and include various text types (essays, reports, reviews, proposals). IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 requires you to describe data from a chart, graph, or diagram, while Task 2 is a formal essay. IELTS General Training Task 1 is a letter. The 60-minute time limit for both IELTS writing tasks is tighter than many Cambridge candidates expect.

For Reading and Listening, the skill requirements are very similar, but IELTS uses question types like True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and sentence completion that may be unfamiliar if you have only prepared for Cambridge exams. Spend time learning these IELTS-specific question formats rather than drilling general comprehension skills you already have.