Introduction
In April 2025, Michigan Language Assessment published an official concordance study comparing scores from the Michigan English Test (MET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic. This landmark study involved 1,000 participants from over 25 countries, establishing a robust statistical relationship between the two tests. The total score correlation was calculated at r = 0.872, indicating a strong alignment between MET and IELTS performance.
This guide presents the official concordance table, explains how to interpret your MET score, and provides estimated comparisons to other popular English proficiency tests such as PTE Academic. Whether you are a test taker looking to understand your results or an institution evaluating MET scores for admissions, this page offers the most up-to-date conversion data available.
Table of Contents
- Official MET to IELTS Concordance Table
- Understanding Your MET Score
- MET to PTE Academic (Estimated)
- How to Use This Conversion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Official MET to IELTS Concordance Table
The table below presents the official concordance between MET total scores (on the 0–80 scale) and IELTS Academic band scores, along with the corresponding CEFR levels. This data is based on the concordance study published by Michigan Language Assessment in April 2025.
| MET Score Range | IELTS Band | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|
| 38 – 43 | 4.5 | A2 / B1 |
| 44 – 48 | 5.0 | B1 |
| 49 – 52 | 5.5 | B1 |
| 53 – 57 | 6.0 | B2 |
| 58 – 61 | 6.5 | B2 |
| 62 – 66 | 7.0 | B2 / C1 |
| 67 – 70 | 7.5 | C1 |
| 71 – 75 | 8.0 | C1 |
| 76 – 80 | 8.5 | C1 |
Based on the official concordance study published April 2025 by Michigan Language Assessment, involving 1,000 participants from 25+ countries. Total score correlation: r = 0.872.
Understanding Your MET Score
The Michigan English Test uses a scoring scale of 0 to 80 for each skill section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The total MET score is the sum of all four sections, with a maximum of 320. Each section is scored individually, and your performance maps to a CEFR level:
| MET Score (per section) | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 26 | Below A2 | Basic user with limited functional ability |
| 27 – 39 | A2 | Elementary user; can handle simple everyday communication |
| 40 – 52 | B1 | Intermediate user; can deal with familiar topics and situations |
| 53 – 63 | B2 | Upper-intermediate; can communicate effectively in most contexts |
| 64 – 80 | C1 | Advanced user; can use English fluently and flexibly |
Unlike IELTS, the MET is a multilevel test — there is no pass or fail. Your score simply reflects your current English proficiency level. This makes MET particularly useful for institutions that need to place students at the appropriate level, or for individuals tracking their language learning progress over time.
MET to PTE Academic (Estimated)
While Michigan Language Assessment has not yet published an official MET-to-PTE concordance study, the following table provides estimated PTE Academic score equivalents based on shared CEFR mapping. Use this as a general guide only.
| CEFR Level | PTE Academic (Approximate) | MET Score |
|---|---|---|
| A2 | 30 – 36 | 27 – 39 |
| B1 | 37 – 50 | 40 – 52 |
| B2 | 51 – 67 | 53 – 63 |
| C1 | 68 – 84 | 64 – 80 |
How to Use This Conversion
For Test Takers
If you have taken both the MET and IELTS (or are planning to), use the concordance table to understand how your scores compare. For example, a MET score of 62–66 corresponds to an IELTS band of 7.0 — a score commonly required by universities and immigration authorities. Keep in mind that while the concordance is statistically strong (r = 0.872), individual results may vary based on test conditions, preparation, and the specific skills assessed by each exam.
For Institutions
Universities, employers, and immigration bodies can use this concordance to set MET score requirements that align with existing IELTS thresholds. If your institution currently requires an IELTS band of 6.5, the equivalent MET score range would be 58–61. Always refer to the most current concordance data and consider the specific context of your admissions or hiring criteria when setting score requirements.
Important Considerations
- The concordance study used the MET total score (sum of all 4 sections). Individual section scores may not map directly to IELTS bands.
- IELTS scores are reported in half-band increments (e.g., 6.5, 7.0), while MET scores are reported on a continuous 0–80 scale.
- Both tests assess real-world English proficiency, but the MET places greater emphasis on practical, everyday communication rather than academic language.
- For Australian visa applications, MET scores are accepted directly — you do not need to convert to IELTS unless specifically requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the MET to IELTS concordance?
The concordance is based on a rigorous study by Michigan Language Assessment involving 1,000 participants who took both tests. The correlation coefficient of r = 0.872 indicates a strong relationship. However, concordance tables show statistical tendencies, not exact equivalences. Individual performance can vary between tests due to differences in format, timing, and the specific skills assessed.
Can I use my MET score instead of IELTS for university admission?
Many universities worldwide now accept MET scores for admissions. Check with your specific institution to confirm their MET score requirements. With the publication of the official concordance, more institutions are expected to recognize MET as an alternative to IELTS. For Australian universities, MET has been approved since August 2025.
What is a good MET score?
A "good" MET score depends entirely on your goals. For most undergraduate programs, a MET score of 53–63 (B2, equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5) is sufficient. For graduate programs or professional registration, you may need 64–80 (C1, equivalent to IELTS 7.0–8.5). For Australian skilled migration, the required MET scores vary by visa subclass and the proficiency level you are claiming.