ScoreFluentMET scores and CEFR: what does 64 mean?
MET reports every section and the overall on a 0–80 scale and attaches a CEFR level. 64 is the floor of C1, the top level MET measures. The same cuts apply to every section, and the overall is a plain average.
Four published cut scores, one scale.
| MET score | CEFR level | Michigan’s label |
|---|---|---|
| 64–80 | C1 | Advanced and higher |
| 53–63 | B2 | High intermediate |
| 40–52 | B1 | Intermediate |
| 27–39 | A2 | High beginner |
| 0–26 | Below A2 | — |
MET spans A2 to C1, so it cannot show C2. These cut scores are published by Michigan Language Assessment and apply to the overall score and to each of the four sections alike. There is no pass or fail: the report shows the level, and the receiving organisation sets the requirement.
How the overall is worked out.
The overall score is the average of the four section scores, so every skill carries equal weight. Because the cuts apply to the overall too, a strong section can lift a weaker one over a line.
An illustration, not a real result: sections of 70, 66, 62 and 58 add to 256, which averages to 64, a C1 overall, even though two of the four sections are individually B2. That is why institutions that care about each skill publish section minimums as well as an overall one.
Turning a requirement into a MET score.
A CEFR requirement
If your institution asks for B2 or C1, read it straight off the table: 53 or higher for B2, 64 or higher for C1. Check whether it applies to the overall, to each section, or both.
An IELTS requirement
Michigan’s concordance maps IELTS bands to overall MET ranges, for example IELTS 6.0 to MET 53–57 and IELTS 7.0 to 62–66. It is a statistical link, not an exchange rate, so confirm acceptance with the institution.
An Australian visa level
MET results can be used for visas requiring the Functional, Vocational, Competent and Proficient levels of English, for tests taken at a test centre on or after 7 August 2025. Home Affairs sets the minimum scores for each level, so read its current page.
Nursing and health registration
US boards of nursing and agencies such as TruMerit set their own minimum MET scores. Ask the board or agency for its current requirement rather than relying on a general figure.
Straight from the test maker.
ScoreFluent is an independent practice platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Michigan Language Assessment. The cut scores and rules here come from Michigan’s published documents:
- MET Test Taker Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) — the scale, the average and the CEFR table.
- MET preparation (official sample tests and guides) — curriculum guide and CEFR alignment details.
- Home Affairs: English language requirements
Exam details change — the test maker revises its documents during the year. If a decision hangs on a detail here, check it against the official pages above first; they outrank this page.
Keep going: the full format guide, how scoring works, MET vs IELTS, the practice-test guide, English tests for Australian visas.
MET scores and CEFR, answered.
What MET score is C1?
A score of 64 to 80 is C1, which Michigan labels advanced and higher. The cut applies to the overall score and to each section.
What MET score is B2?
A score of 53 to 63 is B2, labelled high intermediate. B1 is 40–52, A2 is 27–39, and 0–26 is below A2.
What is the maximum MET score?
Every section and the overall are reported on a scale of 0 to 80. Since MET covers CEFR A2 to C1, it does not report C2.
How is the MET overall score calculated?
It is the average of the four section scores. Each section is reported 0–80, so each skill carries equal weight in the overall.
Is there a pass mark on MET?
No. MET has no pass or fail. Your report shows the CEFR level for the overall score and each section, and the organisation receiving the report decides what it requires.
Are the CEFR cuts the same for every section?
Yes. The same four cut scores, 27, 40, 53 and 64, apply to Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and to the overall.
What MET score do I need for my university or visa?
That is set by the receiving organisation, not by Michigan. Ask for the required overall and section scores before you book, then work backwards to what you need to practise. ScoreFluent’s MET practice estimates are not official scores.
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