Tests and Certificates
We advise you on various internationally recognised English language tests.
These pages provide you with information on the English language tests.
Please read all the information carefully. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.
- Which test?
- What is CEFR?
- Table for CEFR language level and test scores for TOEFL, IELTS and Cambridge ESOL
- Preparation courses at SLI
Which Test? |
There are several tests available. You should familiarise yourself with them and choose one that suits your purposes. Below is a list (not exhaustive!) of tests available. For further information please click on the respective test link. Additional links to the relevant institutions will be provided where relevant.
- DAAD proof of language skills (Sprachnachweis)
- OOPT - Oxford Online Placement Test
- IELTS
- Cambridge ESOL Examinations, telc language certificates, TOEFL
Cambridge FCE, CAE and CPE, IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by Freiburg University and most universities in the English-speaking world for university entrance. (In the USA, TOEFL is historically the most well-known test, but many US universities, especially the internationally renowned ones, also accept IELTS.)
Before selecting a test you should find out which tests your proposed university, faculty or future employer recognises and what grades or scores they want.
What is CEFR? |
The scale ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2 (near-native speaker of English).
The CEFR language level required varies from one faculty and institute to another. Many bachelor programmes require B2, while most master programmes require B2 or C1.
The table below maps the CEFR levels to the scores on the various internationally accepted tests.
Note: A student with a German Abitur (9 years of English) or “Leistungskurs Englisch“ will have reached B2. By the end of the 10th grade, students from German schools should have reached B1.
Table for CEFR Language Level and Test Scores for TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge ESOL |
CEFR | TOEFL ibt | IELTS | Cambridge |
B2 | 72-94 | 5.5 - 6.5 | First Certificate in English (FCE) |
C1 | 95-109 | 7.0 - 7.5 | Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) |
C2 | 110-120 | 8.0 - 9.0 | Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) |
Preparation courses at SLI |
The SLI offers preparation courses for IELTS which run parallel to the semesters at Freiburg University.
Practice material for these tests and Cambridge CAE and FCE is available in the self-study language lab in KG 1, room 1030.
Should you need further advice, feel free to contact us.