If you’re planning to work or study abroad, choosing the right English proficiency test can play an important part in your success. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand your options and find the test that matches your goals and destination.
English exams for abroad: introduction
English language proficiency exams test your ability to communicate in English and ensure you meet the language requirements of international educational institutions, organisations and immigration authorities.
The test you choose will depend on the requirements of your destination as well as your personal preferences.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most trusted English test to study or work abroad. It is accepted by more governments, universities and organisations than any other English test, giving you more choice of where you can live, work or study.
Here are some other English proficiency tests you may encounter when you’re looking at the options available:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
DET (Duolingo English Test)
Why are English exams important for studying or working abroad?
If you’re working in an international environment, you’ll need a good understanding of English to communicate with colleagues and clients. For students, academic English skills are vital for participating in classes and completing assignments.
A high English test score can help you succeed with visa and job applications by demonstrating your strong communication skills.
Types of English exams & comparing popular exams
IELTS
With millions of tests taken globally every year, IELTS is the most popular English test for education and global migration. It’s recognised by over 12,000 organisations worldwide. Plus, it’s available at over 4,000 IELTS test locations in 140 countries, making it easily accessible.
The IELTS test comes in two types: Academic and General Training, depending on your goals. There’s also IELTS UKVI, an English test for UK visas. You can take IELTS on paper or on computer. If you’re doing the Academic test, you can also choose to take IELTS Online from the comfort of your own home.
You’ll complete the Listening, Reading and Writing sections of the IELTS test on the same day. However, it is possible to arrange the Speaking test up to a week before or after the other tests. Unlike many other English tests, you’ll take your IELTS Speaking test in a private room, one-on-one with a real person who understands different accents.
The IELTS test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.
TOEFL
A second option for international study is TOEFL iBT. This test lasts for just under 2 hours, but as it’s entirely computer-based, you won’t be interacting with a real person for your Speaking test, which involves talking into a microphone in a room full of other test takers.
TOEFL also offers the shorter TOEFL Essentials, lasting about 1.5 hours, but it is not as widely accepted as the TOEFL iBT.
PTE
Another English test to study abroad is PTE Academic. Pearson recently introduced the PTE Core test for work and migration to Canada.
Both tests last 2 hours and are computer-delivered and AI-marked, including the speaking component which also requires talking into a microphone in a room with other test takers nearby.
DET
The Duolingo English Test is a new AI-powered English test to study abroad. You can do it online in 1 hour but is not as widely accepted as other English proficiency tests.
Which English exam is best for your goal?
Choosing the right English proficiency exam depends on your specific needs, the requirements of the destination you’re targeting as well as your personal preferences. Here are a few questions you should consider when making your choice:
Country Requirements: Which tests are accepted for visa and immigration purposes in your preferred country?
Institution Requirements: Which tests are accepted by your preferred institutions or employers?
Test Format and Availability: Can you take the test on paper or on computer? How long is the test? Are there test dates and centres available in your location?
Scoring: How is the test scored? What are the score requirements of your preferred institution or employer?
Comparing Exam Formats, Scoring, and Acceptance by Country:
Test | Format | Scoring | Acceptance* |
|---|---|---|---|
IELTS | Academic and General Training tests. Four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. Can be taken on computer or paper in a test centre, or online. | Human examiners mark your Speaking and Writing. Band scores range from 1 to 9. | Widely accepted by over 12,000 organisations in 140 countries for work and study. Accepted by immigration authorities in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. |
TOEFL iBT | Four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing. Computer-delivered in a test centre or online. | Combination of AI and human markers. Scores from 0 to 120. | Accepted by universities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Canada. Not accepted by the UK or Canada for migration. |
PTE | PTE Academic and PTE Core. Three parts: Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. Computer-delivered in a test centre or online. | AI-scoring from 10 to 90.
| PTE Academic: Accepted by over 3,500 education providers for study abroad. Accepted by Australia, New Zealand and the UK for work and migration visas. PTE Core: Accepted for work and migration visas in Canada. |
DET | Adaptive English test covering Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Online test. | AI-marked. Scores range from 10 to 160. | Accepted by some education providers. |
*English tests that are taken online (not in a test centre) are not usually suitable for immigration purposes. Before you book an online English test, check with your preferred organisation directly to make sure they accept it.
Preparation tips
After you’ve chosen your test, make sure you prepare well to succeed.
Understand the exam format: Learn about the exam structure, including the types of questions and different sections.
Use official study materials: Use practice tests and resources recommended by your exam provider. If you’re preparing for IELTS, you can access all the materials you need in one place in our preparation hub. From articles, videos and podcasts to masterclasses, online courses and practice tests, there's content on the IELTS Prepare Hub for every learning style.
Conclusion
Once you know which English exams are accepted by the country you're going to, your test choice should be based on the way you like to work, plus the format and environment you’re comfortable with.
We hope this article helps make your decision easier. All the best with your test preparation!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to provide migration advice and all immigration requirements should be checked on the immigration authority website for each destination or with your migration consultant or lawyer.