How much time will it take to prepare for English?

The following table shows how the match scores in IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL, which are often accepted by colleges, universities, and levels of English (as their well-established in educational practice names and in the names for the common European framework CEF).

In the column "Number of hours" specified a minimum number of training time from zero to reach each level according to CEF standards. For so many hours, as a General rule, a program offered by most language courses. However, it should be remembered that these numbers are approximate, and the rate of mastering a foreign language depends on many factors – previous language training, intensity of training, practice, motivation, student age, and many others.

The ratio of the European scale of levels of English with IELTS

The European scale of levels	The level of language proficiency	Number of academic hours	IELTS scores
S2	Proficient (Fluent)	800+	7,5+
C1	Advanced	660+	6,5 - 7,0
B2	Upper-Intermediate	540+	5,0 - 6,0
B1+	Intermediate	420+	4 - 4,5
B1	Pre-Intermediate	300+	3,0
A2	Elementary	180+	1,0 - 2,0
A1	Basic	60+	-

The ratio of the European scale of levels of English with TOEFL

The European scale of levels	The level of language proficiency	Number of academic hours	TOEFL CBT (Computer-based Test), score
S2	Proficient (Fluent)	800+	280+
C1	Advanced	660+	213 - 277
B2	Upper-Intermediate	540+	173 - 210
B1+	Intermediate	420+	133 - 170
B1	Pre-Intermediate	300+	97 - 130
A2	Elementary	180+	57 - 93
A1	Basic	60+	-

The ratio of the European scale of levels of English from Cambridge ESOL

The European scale of levels	The level of language proficiency	Number of academic hours	Cambridge ESOL, title
S2	Proficient (Fluent)	800+	CPE
C1	Advanced	660+	CAE
B2	Upper-Intermediate	540+	FCE
B1+	Intermediate	420+	PET
B1	Pre-Intermediate	300+	KET
A2	Elementary	180+	-
A1	Basic	60+	-

How to determine the time required for language training

Suppose
- Your current level of English - Upper-Intermediate (B2 of the CEF);
- Entry requirements of Your chosen University – IELTS score of 7.0, which corresponds to the level of Advanced (C1 CEF).
Therefore, You'll need (roughly): 660-540=120 academic hours of language training (by the standards of the CEF).

We emphasize again that these figures show the approximate amount of time required for classroom instruction. In practice, they should be increased by 50-100% - this time in extra tutoring, homework and language practice, without which it is impossible to imagine learning a foreign language.

What you need to know the student prior to beginning test preparation?

How to improve your English and prepare for tests