How much is a European B1 equivalent to IELTS? What level is B1 in English?

Many English learners must be familiar with the European B1 and IELTS. However, the question many people often ask is what is the equivalent of IELTS band. In this article, DOL will point out the characteristics of the B1 degree as well as answer the above question!

1. What are the types of B1 certificates?

1.1 What are the types of B1 certificates?

Currently, Vietnam has 2 types of B1 certificates:

• Certificate B1 of the European program is a certificate issued when candidates complete the PET test (Premlinary Schools). This certificate recognizes competence and qualifications at a 3-level level according to the European frame of reference issued by the University of Cambridge.
• Certificate B1 issued by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam . In some universities in the country, the Ministry of Education has recognized the right to organize and issue this certificate. A valid B1 certificate in the country will attract many students from outside the field to study and take the exam. 

English certificate form B1

1.2. What level is the B1 certificate equivalent to?

Certificate B1 is equivalent to the following:

European Framework of Reference	B2 English Ielts
A1	1.0 – 2.5
A2	3.0 – 3.5
B1	4.0 – 4.5
B2	5.0 – 6.0
C1	7.0 – 8.0
C2	8.5 – 9.0

Based on the above table, we see that the English level B1 is equivalent to level 3 in the 6-level foreign language competency framework recognized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education. 

1.3. Skills of the B1 . certificate

After finding out what European B1 level is equivalent to, let's find out what skills are needed by candidates when taking the exam to get B1 certificate.

If you want to complete this test and be recognized for your ability to use photos, you must demonstrate that you can understand familiar topics. Equivalent to this level, you can read and understand all simple articles, know how to write letters, emails with familiar topics in daily life. However, this level cannot help you confidently work in an English-speaking environment.

A person with English level B1 will have the following skills:

• For familiar topics, people at level B1 will understand the main ideas and be able to express themselves clearly in their own words.
• In an English-speaking environment, they will be able to communicate or interact in writing to solve related problems.
• Similar to speaking, people at level B1 can also express their opinions in writing on familiar topics.
• With a written capacity equivalent to B1 level, you can simply express your personal opinion and can use appropriate English words to explain your opinion.

1.4 Who needs to take the B1 certification exam?

Those who may need an English certificate are:

• Employees need to take the B1 exam to be eligible for admission to the civil service exam
• Students of non-specialized majors take the B1 exam to be considered for graduation from universities and colleges
• Graduate students take the B1 exam to be exempted from the first English test according to the Circular of the Ministry of Education
• High school students can also take the B1 exam to get a certificate and be exempted from the National High School graduation exam in English.
• Students who wish to study abroad also need a European B1 degree

You can learn more 5 steps to succeed in the B1 exam here:

2. European B1 English equivalent to IELTS, TOEIC how much?

2.1 How much is a European B1 equivalent to IELTS?

So how much is the European B1 equivalent to IELTS ? This is something that many people are very interested in because IELTS is a fairly popular certificate in the Vietnamese market today. Here is the conversion table you can refer to:

European Framework of Reference	B2 English Ielts
A1	1.0 – 2.5
A2	3.0 – 3.5
B1	4.0 – 4.5
B2	5.0 – 6.0
C1	7.0 – 8.0
C2	8.5 – 9.0

Based on the table above, we see that the European B1 degree will be equivalent to IELTS 4.0 to 4.5. With this score, you can meet some recruitment requirements in companies. At the same time, it can be used to apply for exemption from some exams.

2.2 How much is a European B1 equivalent to TOIEC?

In addition to the question of how much is the European B1 equivalent to IELTS , some candidates still wonder about the conversion of B1 and Toeic scores. Take a look at the table below: 

European Framework of Reference	TOEIC Score
A1
A2	150 - 250
B1	255 - 450
B2	455 – 750
C1	755 – 850
C2	855 – 99

Thus, we can see that the English level B1 will be equivalent to the TOEIC score from 255 to 450. 

2.3 Other certificates equivalent to B1

Besides IELTS, TOEIC, the European B1 certificate can also be converted to other certificates according to the decision of the Ministry of Education as follows:

• Certificate C1 is equivalent to IELTS 6.5, CAE Cambridge certificate, TOEFL iBT 91.
• Certificate B2 is equivalent to FCE Cambridge certificate, TOEIC 600, IELTS 5.0-6.0, TOEFL iBT 61-71
• English certificate A2 equivalent to Toeic 150-300, IELTS 3.0, old English B of the Ministry of Education and Training or KET certificate.

DOL has provided you with information about the equivalent converted score between the B1 and other international qualifications such as IELTS and TOEIC. However, you should note that the above converted scores are only approximate because each type of test will have its own way of assessing candidates' ability and their format is also different. Therefore, it is not possible to convert absolute scores between such tests.

Currently, most people often choose to study and study for IELTS. Why is that? Originally, IELTS is an international test, recognized by many countries and organizations around the world for its authenticity and quality.

Therefore, many people, from international students to those who want to immigrate in European or American countries, aspire to have a "passport ticket" called IELTS to come to the land of their dreams. Specifically, if you get an IELTS, you will get the following benefits:

• Looking for scholarships to study abroad
• Exemption from the English test in the high school graduation exam
• Exemption from English courses at the University
• Direct admission to major universities
• Ensure English output standards to graduate from the University
• Increase job opportunities
• Work and develop your career abroad
• Settle in a foreign country
• Improve comprehensive English ability
• Show your hard work to learn

Therefore, if you are still wondering which certificate to take, you can consider studying and taking IELTS! Currently, DOL is offering courses from low level to high level for students preparing for IELTS exam.

With a team of highly qualified and dedicated teachers, DOL has helped many students achieve their desired scores. Learn more about DOL's courses here! 

3. Frequently asked questions

What is a B1 certificate?

Certificate B1 is a certificate that shows that learners have mastered the basics of English and now have practical language skills for everyday use.

How much is a B1 certificate equivalent to IELTS?

Certificate B1 equivalent to IELTS 4.0 - 5.0

What is IELTS Life Skills and what is it for?

IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening skills and is available at CEFR Levels A1, A2 and B1. It is designed to meet UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirements for certain visas and other immigration purposes.

When should I take IELTS Life Skills level B1?

IELTS Life Skills B1 is for those who are applying for a UK Visa and Immigration for an indefinite leave to stay or naturalize.

This article has been able to help you answer the question to what extent is the IELTS equivalent B1 question. Hopefully with the above information you can choose for yourself the appropriate exam to serve your personal purposes!