| CEFR Level | Manchester Exam Score Range |
|---|---|
| A1 (Beginner) | 0–100 |
| A2 (Elementary) | 101–200 |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 201–320 |
| **B2 (Upper-Intermediate) | 321–400 |
| C1 (Advanced) | 401–500 |
| C2 (Proficient) | 501–600 |
This table shows approximate equivalencies across Manchester Exam scores, IELTS bands, and TOEFL iBT scores, using CEFR levels as a common reference. For B2 specifically, IELTS 5.5–6.5 is considered equivalent, and TOEFL iBT 72–94
| CEFR Level | Manchester Score Range | IELTS Band Range | TOEFL iBT Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 (Beginner) | 0–100 | < 3.0 | < 20 |
| A2 (Elementary) | 101–200 | 3.0–3.5 | 20–31 |
| B1 (Intermediate) | 201–320 | 4.0–5.0 | 42–71 |
| **B2 (Upper-Intermediate) | 321–400 | 5.5–6.5 | 72–94 |
| C1 (Advanced) | 401–500 | 7.0–7.5 | 95–113 |
| C2 (Proficient) | 501–600 | 8.0–9.0 | 114–120 |
Note: IELTS and TOEFL equivalencies are approximate, based on official IELTS.org and ETS mappings. Band 6.5 on IELTS and TOEFL iBT 95 are often treated as the borderline between B2 and C1.
The Manchester Exam defines B2 (321–400) as a distinct achievement band to reflect the substantial increase in linguistic complexity between B1 and B2, in line with international standards. Within this range, we distinguish Low B2 (321–340), representing candidates who have just surpassed the threshold and can manage core academic and professional tasks with some limitations; Solid B2 (341–360), indicating a consistent and reliable command of language across varied contexts; and High B2 (361–400), reflecting candidates approaching C1 proficiency who demonstrate strong independence, accuracy, and fluency in extended discourse. This sub-band differentiation ensures that the B2 range both preserves its role as a significant benchmark of achievement and provides admissions officers and educators with a nuanced view of candidate readiness within the upper-intermediate spectrum.
*The Manchester Exam overall score samples indicate one point that would fall within the corresponding TOEFL iBT score ranges.
**Highlighting in blue indicates score comparisons with the highest degree of confidence.
Although institutions use a variety of Manchester Exam scores for admissions, the exam typically recommends a minimum overall score of 360 out of 600 for undergraduate programs and 400 out of 600 for graduate programs.
If programs adopt a score of 360 or above, the Manchester Exam does not recommend cut scores for individual skill areas. If scores below 360 are adopted, the Manchester Exam recommends cut scores for each of the individual skills at 50 or 55.
Please refer to our white paper for further information and clarification.
