- Overall score
- 160
- Result
- Grade C
- CEFR level
- B2
Based on the score bands in Cambridge English's Statement of Results guides. Your student's official result always comes from Cambridge.
Cambridge English Scale scores for every exam
Every Cambridge English exam reports on the same scale and certifies three CEFR levels: the one it targets, the one above with Grade A, and the one below. In B2 First, 160 is a pass and 180 is Grade A.
| Exam | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C | Level below | No certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A2 Key | 140-150 (B1) | 133-139 (A2) | 120-132 (A2) | 100-119 (A1) | 82-99 |
| B1 Preliminary | 160-170 (B2) | 153-159 (B1) | 140-152 (B1) | 120-139 (A2) | 102-119 |
| B2 First | 180-190 (C1) | 173-179 (B2) | 160-172 (B2) | 140-159 (B1) | 122-139 |
| C1 Advanced | 200-210 (C2) | 193-199 (C1) | 180-192 (C1) | 160-179 (B2) | 142-159 |
| C2 Proficiency | 220-230 (C2) | 213-219 (C2) | 200-212 (C2) | 180-199 (C1) | 162-179 |
A2 Key, B1 Preliminary and B2 First for Schools use the same scores as the standard exams. Scores in the last column appear on the Statement of Results, but with no grade, CEFR level or certificate. Lower scores aren't reported at all.
How the overall score is worked out
Cambridge adds up the scale score for each skill, divides by how many skills there are and rounds to the nearest whole number. Every skill counts the same.
| Skill | Cambridge English Scale score |
|---|---|
| Reading | 173 |
| Use of English | 168 |
| Writing | 168 |
| Listening | 178 |
| Speaking | 177 |
| Overall score | 173 |
The 5 scores add up to 864. Divided by 5, that's 172.8, which rounds to 173: Grade B, B2. There's no minimum per paper: the grade and CEFR level come from the overall score, so a strong skill can make up for a weaker one.
What each result means
Each exam targets one CEFR level but also certifies the level above and the level below. Here's what each result means, with B2 First as the example.
- Grade A (180-190): a certificate at C1, the level above. Cambridge still recommends taking C1 Advanced to fully show that level.
- Grade B or C (160-179): a pass, with a certificate at B2, the exam's own level.
- Level B1 (140-159): no grade, but a certificate at B1, the level below.
- 122-139: the score appears on the Statement of Results, with no grade, CEFR level or certificate.
Practice tests: from marks to scale scores
The calculator starts from scale scores. To turn the marks from an official practice test into scale scores, use the conversion guide Cambridge publishes for teachers.
Cambridge's practice test conversion guide gives the marks each paper needs for each level, and it only works with official Cambridge practice tests. Cambridge says to use it as a guide, not a prediction: look carefully at any score within about 3 points of a boundary (157-163 for B2).
How to use the scores with your students
Use the overall score to pick the right exam and the skill scores to plan your lessons: the lowest one tells you where to focus.
Not sure which exam fits? Start with our free English placement test. If a student gets Grade A, they're ready for the next exam: Cambridge recommends taking it to fully show the higher level. Then use the CEFR hours calculator to plan how long that next step will take.
Plan the lessons before exam day
Schedule the lessons, keep notes on every mock exam and let students see their lessons and attendance in their portal. Try SmartCookie for 14 days, no card needed.