For most hiring managers, the CEFR B2 level signals upper-intermediate English—enough to handle office discussions, emails, and day-to-day team tasks. On an IELTS, this translates to 5.5–6.5; for TOEFL, that’s 72–94. If a job calls for meetings in English, B2 is very often the baseline requirement.
Employers using English as an everyday tool look for candidates who can jump right into calls, emails, and presentations. If you want to be sure you’re set for those roles, find my CEFR level to see where you stand right now.
CEFR B2 to IELTS & TOEFL: Scores Table for Job Applications
Hiring decisions often rest on numbers. For English, the B2 level on the CEFR scale is the line drawn by many recruiters. But numbers only matter if everyone understands the same scale. Here’s how B2 compares across the big test systems and what these scores mean in practice for employers in English-speaking and international job markets.
| CEFR Level | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | International English Test (IET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B2 | 5.5 – 6.5 | 72 – 94 | 55 – 74 |
In practical terms, recruiters trust B2 scores for mid-level positions in fields like technology, logistics, hospitality, and business services. If you compare it to driving, B2 is the point where you’re safe to hit the highway—not racing Formula 1, but far from a rookie.
- For customer-facing jobs (tourism, support), B2 is usually non-negotiable.
- Project management, sales, IT support—these often list B2 as a formal requirement.
- Some technical sectors may accept B1, but team leads expect B2 for teamwork and presentations.
Minimum English Test Scores for CVs and Employer Screening
Human resource teams want clear benchmarks. That’s why they look for a specific range: IELTS 5.5–6.5, TOEFL 72–94, or a CEFR B2 equivalency. These become the first screening filter on digital CVs or online job application systems.
An analogy: Think of English test scores like having the exact wrench size in a workshop. Too small—wrench slips. Too big—doesn’t fit. Employers look for just the right score to avoid communication headaches down the line.
Verification usually happens in two ways: requesting test certificates directly or using digital verification portals linked to test providers. Job ads often specify, “CEFR B2 or equivalent required. Submit test score (within 2 years) for verification.” On CVs, you’ll see lines like:
- “English: Upper-intermediate (CEFR B2). IELTS 6.0 (June 2023)”
- “TOEFL iBT: 88/120 (meets B2 level for visa and employment purposes)”
- “CEFR B2 certified, verified through International English Test”
Some professionals debate whether to use online tests or official certificates. There’s a practical guide here: Online English Level Tests vs Official Certificates: Which Should You Choose?—a key read if you’re building a competitive professional profile.
CEFR B2 Recognition in Work Visa and Migration Documentation
For visas, the rules get stricter. Most English-speaking countries demand proof—no exceptions, no guesswork. B2 is the typical bar for skilled work visas in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Both governments and larger employers use official score verification tools, so forging or guessing only leads to delays—or rejections.
Here’s where to go if you need to prove a B2 equivalence or request certification:
- Test provider’s candidate portal—most offer downloadable, verifiable certificates.
- HR departments or visa specialists—many can verify authenticity against a global test provider database.
- Local language schools or university testing centers—often authorized to issue or verify CEFR-based transcripts.
When it comes down to paperwork, showing B2 on a certificate is like flashing your gym card to access the weight room: no arguments, you’re in.
Need official proof fast? Book your English test online today, and order a digital certificate ready for HR or visa applications in less than 72 hours. Keep a PDF copy handy—it often serves as backup if your original document gets delayed in processing.
FAQ
Is CEFR B2 enough for office jobs?
Yes, most office roles that require communication with clients or international teams list B2 as the minimum. It’s suitable for meetings, emails, and day-to-day collaboration.
How recent does my English test score need to be?
Most HR teams or visa authorities accept test results from the past 2 years. Always check the employer’s guidelines to avoid issues.
Can I state CEFR B2 on my CV without a test?
If you’ve passed a recognized test, include the score. Self-assessment is sometimes accepted but official scores carry more weight and credibility, especially for screening or visas.
Is an online English level test accepted by employers?
Some companies accept online test results, but for work visas or international jobs, official certificates from recognized providers are safest. Always verify employer requirements in advance.
What’s the fastest way to get a B2 certificate?
Take a certified online English test that offers digital results. Certificates can often be downloaded within 24–72 hours after completion.