Cambridge IGCSE – English Language CEFR Level - Mapping Qualifications to CEFR

Oct 23, 2026

Cambridge International Education provides a CEFR-alignment statement for Cambridge IGCSE English Language qualifications. It explains that Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500/0900) and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510/0993, 0511/0991) were aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The letter maps specific syllabus and grading outcomes (A*–G and 9–1, including Speaking & Listening endorsements and performance) to CEFR-equivalent levels such as B2, C1, and B1. It also notes recognition by universities and employers worldwide and directs inquiries to info@cambridgeinternational.org.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

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Cambridge IGCSE English Language CEFR Level

Alignment rationale and qualifications covered

CEFR equivalence by syllabus and grade outcomes

General recognition and further information

Cambridge International Education Shaftesbury Road Cambridge CB2 8EA United Kingdom [www.cambridgeinternational.org](www.cambridgeinternational.org) +44 1223 553554 [info@cambridgeinternational.org](info@cambridgeinternational.org) Dear Sir/Madam, Cambridge IGCSE – English Language CEFR Level Cambridge Assessment International Education offer two IGCSE qualifications in English Language: • Cambridge IGCSE First Language English – designed for students whose first language is English • Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language – designed for those who speak a language other than English at home To support students requiring proof of their competence in English, we undertook to have both these qualifications aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): | Cambridge IGCSE First Language syllabus 0500 or 0900 (Speaking and Listening Endorsement) | Grade E or 3 overall, with grade 2 or Merit in Speaking & Listening can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B2 on the CEFR.
Grade B or 6 overall, with grade 1 or Distinction in Speaking & Listening can be considered to be at a level equivalent to C1 on the CEFR. | | --- | --- | | Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language syllabus 0510 or 0993 (Speaking Endorsement)
Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language syllabus 0511 or 0991 (Count-in Speaking) | Grade C or 4 overall, with grade 2 or Distinction in Speaking can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B2 on the CEFR.
Grade E or 3 overall, with grade 3 or Merit in Speaking can be considered to be at a level equivalent to B1 on the CEFR. | General Information on Cambridge IGCSE: Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements. UK ENIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, have completed an independent and objective benchmarking analysis of Cambridge IGCSE to the UK education system. UK ENIC found the Cambridge IGCSE for both grading systems, A* -G and 9-1, comparable to GCSE standards. More information about Cambridge IGCSE can be found at: [https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/)[ ](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/)If you have any questions about Cambridge IGCSE in English Language, please send these directly to [info@cambridgeinternational.org](info@cambridgeinternational.org) Yours sincerely, Cambridge International Education

FAQs

Which Cambridge IGCSE English Language qualifications are aligned to CEFR in this letter?

The letter covers Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500 or 0900) and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (0510 or 0993, and 0511 or 0991).

What CEFR level is associated with Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500/0900) for selected grades?

Grade E or 3 overall with grade 2/Merit in Speaking & Listening is considered equivalent to B2, while grade B or 6 overall with grade 1/Distinction in Speaking & Listening is considered equivalent to C1.

What CEFR level mapping is provided for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (Speaking endorsement)?

For the covered syllabuses, grade C or 4 overall with grade 2/Distinction in Speaking is considered equivalent to B2, and grade E or 3 overall with grade 3/Merit in Speaking is considered equivalent to B1.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Olivia Brown