English Proficiency Tests

If you wish to work, study or migrate to an English-speaking country, you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency. Well, the first question you should ask is which English language test should I take? Read on to learn about the different types of English proficiency tests, so you can decide which is the best fit for you.

There are a large number of English proficiency test types. Each test has its own benefits that help you prove your English language proficiency to achieve your goals in studying or working abroad.

• IELTS: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test designed to help you study, work or migrate to a country where English is the native language.

• TOEFL: Students take the TOEFL test to prepare for university, immigration as well as other things.

• Cambridge English Exams: The Cambridge English tests are a collection of English certification examinations for different levels of English proficiency based on the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) whose results do not expire. This includes A2 Key, B1 Preliminary for Schools, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. This includes A2 Key, B1 Preliminary for Schools, B2 First for Schools, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency.

• TOEIC: The TOEIC test is a global benchmark for evaluating English communication skills for the workplace and daily life.

Understating each test format will help you decide which english language test is suitable for you based on your work, study or career goals.

IELTS

The IELTS test comes in two types: Academic and General Training and can be delivered on Paper or on Computer.

You take the same Speaking and Listening tests for Academic and General Training, but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure to take the correct test type based on your goals.

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of any IELTS test are all completed on the same day.

However, it is possible to arrange the Speaking test up to a week before or after the other tests. The test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.

TOEFL

• TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL iBT test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing.

The exam takes slightly less than 2 hours to complete in total, but you should allow 2.5 hours, including 30 minutes for check-in.

• TOEFL iBT Paper Edition

The four areas of the TOEFL iBT Paper Edition test are Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The Reading, Listening and Writing tests are delivered on paper at testing centres. After finishing the paper test, you'll take the Speaking test online at home three days later. A human proctor will monitor your speaking session online.

The Reading, Speaking and Listening tests take roughly 3 hours to complete in a test centre; however, you should allow 3.5 hours, including 30 minutes for check-in.

It takes roughly 16 minutes to finish the Speaking test, which you will take at home, but you should allow 35 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for check-in.

• TOEFL Essentials

The four fundamental language abilities—Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking—are assessed in the TOEFL Essentials test. Short, interesting tasks that are relevant to both academic contexts and daily life are included in the exam style.

The test may be taken from home in about 1.5 hours.

Cambridge English Exams

• A2 Key

This exam tests all four English language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. This test demonstrates your ability to communicate in simple situations in English.

• B1 Preliminary

This test consists of four English language proficiency papers. The test format is the same for paper-based and computer-based tests.

The reading paper includes 2 parts with 32 questions (45 minutes), the writing paper includes 2 parts with 2 questions (45 minutes), the listening part has 4 parts with 25 questions (30 minutes, including 6 minutes transfer time) and the speaking part has 4 parts (10-12 minutes per pair of candidates; 15-17 minutes per group of three).

• B2 First for Schools

This is the most popular of the Cambridge exams. The test includes four sections which are Reading & Use of English (75 minutes), Writing (2 essays, 80 minutes), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking (interview, normally with another candidate, 14 minutes).

• C1 Advanced

This test is for you if you can confidently speak in English for work and study purposes. This test includes four sections which are Reading & Use of English (90 minutes), Writing (2 tasks, 90 minutes), Listening (30 questions, 40 minutes) and Speaking (interview, with another candidate, 15 minutes).

• C2 Proficiency

This test shows that you have mastered English to an exceptional level and consists of four papers to test your English skills. The test format is the same for paper-based and computer-based tests.

The reading paper includes 7 parts with 53 questions (1 hour and 30 minutes), the writing paper includes 2 parts (1 hour and 30 minutes), the listening part has 4 parts with 30 questions (about 40 minutes) and the speaking part has 3 parts (16 minutes per pair of candidates; 24 minutes per group of three).

TOEIC

The TOEIC is an objective test that uses an answer sheet that is optically scanned. Listening (about 45 minutes, 100 questions) and Reading (about 75 minutes, 100 questions) both include 200 questions that need to be answered. Every time a test is provided, the format remains the same, and each response is written on a separate answer sheet. The test is only available in English.

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a worldwide benchmark for describing language proficiency. It has a six-point scale to language proficiency, with C2 being the highest rating for those who have mastered a language and A1 being the lowest.

You must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency if you want to work, study or migrate to an English-speaking country.

For people wishing to migrate to countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK, IELTS is the test of choice. Over 12,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration organisations worldwide, including 3,400 institutions in the USA, recognise IELTS as proof of English language proficiency.

Depending on your goals or purpose for moving abroad, you may choose to sit one of the following IELTS tests:

• IELTS Academic test

• IELTS General Training test

IELTS is the world’s number one English proficiency test when it comes to migration, offering flexible options of where and how you sit your test.

• You can choose to do IELTS on computer or on paper.

• IELTS is available in more than 4,000 test locations. In addition, IDP has more than 380 IELTS on Computer test centres.

• Unlike most other English language tests, IELTS gives you the chance to do a speaking test face-to-face with a real human. You can use your results as proof of real-life communication skills to employers.

• As well as an Academic test, IELTS offers the IELTS General Training test, which tests your English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context, preparing you for life in an English-speaking country.

To apply for immigration to Canada, you must submit the results of a language test from a recognised organisation. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) are the two currently recognised test providers in English. The Pearson Test of English (PTE) will also start to be accepted for immigration by the end of 2023.

In order to become prepared for your test day, here are 7 tips you must know to help you with the preparation process!

At IDP, we offer a wide variety of preparation materials and information to help test takers improve their chances in their upcoming test. Some of these resources are free for all and can be found on IELTS Prepare – our one-stop shop for all official IDP IELTS preparation materials.

Preparing for IELTS but not sure where to start?

Try our free English self-assessment tool, to get an estimation of your current English level. We’ll use your results to help you discover IELTS tips and resources that are suitable for your English language level.

Find out more.

Looking for an English level test online that is widely recognised by education providers around the world? The IELTS Academic test is now available online. Take IELTS Online from the comfort of your home.