Investing in the right English language proficiency test is vital for achieving your academic and career goals. With a multitude of options available, the choice can be overwhelming. In this article, we look in more detail at factors such as format, length and scoring to help you narrow down the best option for your strengths and requirements.
Table of Contents
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Occupational English Test (OET)
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
How to choose the right type of English test for your needs
English proficiency tests play a crucial role for international students aiming to pursue their education in countries where English is the primary language. The tests detailed below assess your language ability; in other words your capacity to understand, speak, read, and write in English.
They hold significant importance as they serve as a measure of your English language skills, ensuring that you can actively participate in classes, comprehend course materials, and effectively communicate with professors and fellow students. Essentially, these tests act as a bridge, connecting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds to academic opportunities in countries such as the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL is an acronym for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is the most prominent American English proficiency test and was originally developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, DC.
The TOEFL iBT (internet based test) measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand North American English as it is spoken, written and heard in college and university settings.
It is required for non-native English speakers who want to study at English-speaking colleges and universities.
The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Duration
Around 2 hours.
Structure
The TOEFL iBT test comprises four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing.
- The Reading section includes two reading passages, each approximately 700 words long, with 10 questions per passage.
- The Listening section consists of 3 lectures, 3-5 minutes each, some with classroom discussion; 6 questions per lecture, and 2 conversations, 3 minutes each; 5 questions per conversation.
- The TOEFL Speaking section consists of four questions/tasks resemble real-life situations you might encounter both in and outside of a classroom.
- The Writing section consists of two tasks: an integrated task and an independent task. The Integrated writing task (20 minutes) involves reading a short passage and listening to a short lecture, then writing in response to what you read and listened to. The Writing for an Academic Discussion task (10 minutes) requires you to state and support an opinion in an online classroom discussion.
Scoring
Each section of the TOEFL has a score range of 0–30. These are added together for a total score of 0–120.
Scores are valid for 2 years.
Minimum score
There is no standard pass score for TOEFL. Each institution sets the score that students must achieve to gain admission. Generally, the harder it is to get accepted to a university, the higher the TOEFL scores they expect. Some universities ask for 100 or more, while others take scores in the 60s or 70s.
Cost
Around $200 on average but the price is dependent on location.
Registration process
Currently, the TOEFL iBT test can be taken in three different ways: at a test centre, at home and on paper. The TOEFL iBT Home Edition is the same test you would take at a test centre, taken from the comfort of your home. Similarly, the Paper Edition is the same four-skills TOEFL iBT test, but it has to be completed in two sessions. While the speaking is done at home on a computer, the other three sections are paper-based and held at a test centre.
Candidates must register online.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardised English language proficiency test for non-native English language speakers. The British Council jointly manages it, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.
IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world, and it’s recognised by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities, and other government agencies.
Duration
IELTS has four parts:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (11–14 minutes)
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test is held on the date you choose during your registration.
Structure
The IELTS test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each of these sections generates an individual score, which is subsequently used to award an overall score. .
There are two versions of the IELTS exam, General Training, and Academic. The academic test, IELTS academic, judges your English level concerning education and whether you are ready to study at a specific university, for example.
The IELTS General Training exam covers a broader range of topics. It is designed to test your English level for everyday situations, including work.
Both tests are designed to assess your ability to communicate in English in all four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is administered face-to-face, with one to two trained testers.
Scoring
You are given a score of 1-9 for each test section (1 being low). Your scores for the different sections of the test work out as an average for an overall score.
IELTS scores are valid for a period of two years from the date of your test.
Minimum score
There is no standard pass score for IELTS. Each institution sets the score that students must achieve to gain admission.
Cost
Approximately $250 on average, but the price is dependent on location.
Registration process
Because a team of examiners completes the IELTS exams, you have to check availability, then register, book and pay for the test.
Cambridge C1 and C2 Exams
C1 and C2 are the highest level exams offered by Cambridge Assessment English. They are designed to test your ability to use English to study or work in an academic or professional environment.
The main difference between the two tests is the level of English that they allow you to achieve. C1 Advanced is targeted at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), while C2 is targeted at the C2 CEFR level. C2 Proficiency is therefore the more difficult of the two exams
C1 Advanced (CAE)
The C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is tailored for learners who need to operate in complex academic and professional settings. This test assesses candidates' ability to follow university-level courses, participate in professional discussions, and excel in demanding work environments.
C2 Proficiency (CPE)
C2 Proficiency, previously known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), represents the pinnacle of English language achievement within the Cambridge English suite. Designed for learners who have reached an exceptional level of English, this test evaluates the ability to communicate with the fluency and sophistication of a highly competent English speaker. Accepted by educational institutions and employers globally, the C2 Proficiency is the ultimate demonstration of English language mastery.
Duration
C1
- Reading and Use of English – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Listening – about 40 minutes
- Speaking – 15 minutes per pair of candidates (you complete this part of the test with another candidate)
C2
- Reading and Use of English – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Writing – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Listening – about 40 minutes
- Speaking – 16 minutes per pair of candidates (you complete this part of the test with another candidate)
Structure
The C1 exam consists of four papers: Reading and Use of English, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The C2 exam is the same as the C1 exam but with a higher level of difficulty.
These tests have four different papers:
Reading and Use of English: The first section of the C1 Advanced tests reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary. This part has multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and matching questions divided into subsections.
Writing: This section tests your ability to write clear, well-structured texts. There are two parts to this paper.
Speaking: This paper tests your ability to communicate effectively in English. Students take this part of the test in pairs.
Listening: This paper tests your ability to understand spoken English. You'll listen to radio, television, or other types of native English speech and answer questions about what you heard. Each recording is played two times. There is a total of 30 questions in this part divided into 4 sections.
Scoring
Scores on the CAE Exam range from 160 to 210.
Minimum score
A score of 180 or above is considered a “pass” and students with that score will receive the Cambridge C1 Advanced certificate, which corresponds to a level C1 in English on the CEFR. Students scoring 200 or above on the C1 Advanced will receive a Cambridge English certificate for level C2.
Cost
Around $265 on average, but the price varies by location.
Registration process
There are over 2,800 centres in 130 countries around the world. Find your local center, then book a time that suits you.
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is a computer adaptive test, which means that the question sequence and difficulty changes for each test taker and test session. It is done completely online.
Duration
Around one hour. However, the length of the test will vary. There is no set number of questions; the test ends once the grading engine is confident in your score.
Structure
The test is broken down into three segments:
- Introduction and onboarding (5 minutes): you ensure that your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are functioning properly, submit your government-issued photo ID, and review the test rules and requirements.
- Adaptive test (45 minutes): measures your English skills through a series of different question types. Test questions are administered randomly. Question difficulty changes based on performance.
- Writing sample and speaking sample (10 minutes): you are given a prompt and asked to respond at length. The Speaking Sample allows for a 1–3 minute response, and the Writing Sample allows for a 3–5 minute response.
Scoring
Each section of the test is graded out of 160, an average score from the 4 sections is taken to give an overall score.
Minimum score
The minimum score to complete the Duolingo English Test is 10. Still, each institution or company will set its acceptable score, so check with them before taking the test.
Cost
$49
Registration process
You have to register for the exam online.
Occupational English Test (OET)
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a language proficiency exam designed specifically for healthcare professionals.
It evaluates candidates' proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking through scenarios that simulate real-life healthcare environments. The OET test is recognised by regulatory healthcare bodies, councils, and universities in various English-speaking countries, including the USA, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The test offers versions tailored to twelve healthcare professions, including dentistry, dietetics, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiography, veterinary science and speech pathology.
Duration
2 and a half hours for the written tests and 20 minutes for speaking.
Structure
The OET exam is conducted in three modes of test delivery:
- OET on paper at a test venue
- OET on Computer at a test venue
- OET@Home.
The OET exam syllabus covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The exam pattern includes tasks that simulate real-life healthcare scenarios, allowing candidates to demonstrate effective communication skills in their field.
- Listening: consists of three parts, each with healthcare-related audio recordings (approximately 45 minutes). Candidates can expect multiple-choice questions, gap-fill exercises, and short-answer questions.
- Reading: comprises three parts, with texts based on professional healthcare scenarios (approximately 60 minutes). Candidates can expect multiple-choice questions, matching headings, and completing summaries.
- Writing: involves completing two healthcare-related writing tasks ((approximately 45 minutes). Candidates can expect a letter writing and essay writing task, both based on authentic healthcare scenarios.
- Speaking: the speaking test is a face-to-face interaction with an interlocutor, simulating a healthcare consultation (approximately 20 minutes). Candidates can expect introduction and role-play tasks, discussing healthcare-related topics.
Scoring
The four sub-tests that make up the OET Test are reported on a scale from 0 to 500 in ten-point increments (e.g. 350, 360, 370 etc). The numerical score will be mapped to a separate letter grade for each sub-test ranging from A (highest) to E (lowest). There is no overall grade for the OET Test.
Minimum score
Many employers that recognize the OET ask for a score of at least 350 in each area of the test, however it is recommended that you check with the relevant body on their requirements before taking the test.
Cost
Prices vary in different countries around the world. In the US, the OET currently costs $455.
Registration process
You can book the OET test online.
Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
The CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) test is an English language proficiency test for non-native speakers of English who want to study at a Canadian university or college.
Duration
Around 3.5 hours
Structure
The CAEL test has two versions: CAEL- General and CAEL – Academic. The CAEL – General test measures functional English language proficiency in an academic or general context. The CAEL – Academic test measures functional English language proficiency in an academic context.
Both tests have four sections. Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing.
Scoring
Test takers are given a score from 10-90 on each section of the test. An average across each section is calculated to give an overall score.
Minimum score
CAEL doesn’t have an official passing score, it is dependent on the university or institution you are applying to. However, most universities require an overall score of at least 60.
Cost
$280 plus taxes in Canada. Prices vary if you book internationally.
Registration process
Book online and take the test at a local center or from your own home.
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
The PTE (Pearson English Test) is a computer-based English proficiency language test. It has two options: PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI.
PTE Academic is accepted by over 3,500 universities and colleges globally for study, by Australia and New Zealand for work and migration visas, and for professional registration. PTE Academic is also recognized by the U.S state Boards of Nursing for work visas.
PTE Academic UKVI is an approved, four-skill Secure English Language Test (SELT). It is the same test as PTE Academic, but includes a Unique Reference Number (URN) for a UK visa application. You should opt for the PTE Academic UKVI if you're applying for a course that is:
- Below degree level (for example a foundation, pathways or professional English course) and/or
- Somewhere that is not a Higher Education Institution
Duration
PTE Academic takes about 2 hours to complete.
Structure
The PTE Academic has three sections:
- Part 1: Speaking & Writing - takes between 54–67 minutes to complete. It is the longest section of the test. You will be tested on your speaking and writing skills, using English you might hear in an academic environment.
- Part 2: Reading - takes around 30 minutes to complete. It contains five different question types. Because PTE Academic is an integrated skills test, one item type ('Reading and Writing: Fill in the blanks') also assesses writing skills.
- Part 3: Listening - takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. it contains eight different question types. The questions are based on audio or video clips, which begin to play automatically. You hear each audio or video clip once and are allowed to take notes.
Scoring
The PTE Academic Score Report consists of an overall score and four communicative skills scores (listening, reading, speaking, writing)
The PTE Academic UKVI test is taken for UK visas and immigration purposes. The Score Report is identical in content but contains a SELT URN number which allows the UK Government to verify your score.
The overall score is based on your performance across the entire test. You will complete between 52 and 64 tasks in any given test and a range of 20 different task types.
The overall score ranges between 10–90 points with different bands relating to an equivalent CEFR level. For example a score of 10-29 = A1 and 85-90 = C2.
Minimum score
Typically, you will need to achieve the following minimum scores:
- Foundation courses: minimum score of between 36–50
- Undergraduate degrees: minimum score of between 51–60
- Postgraduate degrees: minimum score of between 57–67
Cost
This may vary depending on the country where you take the test. Currently, it is £200 in the UK and $245 USD in the US.
Registration process
Pearson has a network of 400+ test centers in 117 countries – and options for online testing too.
Find a test center online and book an available time.
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, more commonly known as CELPIP, is Canada’s leading general English proficiency test. It is recognized by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
It assesses English abilities in a variety of everyday situations and is mostly used for immigration and professional purposes.
CELPIP has a clear focus on North American English. For instance, unlike IELTS Listening, which features speakers from various English-speaking countries, the listening section in CELPIP makes use of only North American accent. Also, the CELPIP test is fully computer delivered, so the speaking test is done on a computer, with your answers to questions recorded.
Duration
There are two types of tests available: CELPIP – General Test (3 hours), and CELPIP – General LS Test (1 hour).
Structure
The CELPIP test has two versions: CELPIP-General and CELPIP General LS (Listening and Speaking). The longer test evaluates the test taker’s English speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills and is used for permanent residence applications and professional designations.
The shorter version includes only speaking and listening and is used for citizenship applications and professional designation.
The difference between the two is that the General has four sections (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), whilst the LS only tests speaking and listening. Different organizations require different tests.
Scoring
Each section of the CELPIP is graded on points. M is the lowest (minimal proficiency), and 12 is the highest. In the Listening and Reading section, the more answers you get right, the higher you will finish on the point scale.
For Speaking and Writing, you must impress an examiner, who decides where you are on the scale after a series of tasks. You get a final score from M to 12 on each test section, and there is no average score.
Minimum score
The minimum passing score in the CELPIP is 3.
Cost
280 Canadian Dollars (approximately 213 USD). Prices vary in other countries.
Registration process
You can register for the CELPIP test online and take it at one of the hundreds of test centers both across Canada and in other countries around the world.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is a widely accepted English exam by ETS® (Educational Testing Service). The test assesses your communication skills for the workplace, however, it can also be used to apply for visas and for immigration purposes.
Duration
Listening & Reading – Approximately 2.5 hours (45 minutes for Section I: Listening, 75 minutes for Section II: Reading, about 30 minutes to answer biographical questions)
Speaking & Writing – Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (20 minutes for the Speaking test, 60 minutes for the Writing test)
Structure
There are two different types of TOEIC tests, the Listening & Reading Test and the Speaking & Writing Test.
The TOEIC Listening and Reading test is a multiple-choice assessment. There are two timed sections of 100 questions each.
The Speaking & Writing test is out of 200, and for both tests, results are split into levels. You can take the Speaking and Writing tests together or separately. the Speaking test consists of 11 questions, the Writing test has 8.
Scoring
- The Listening and Reading sections are scored from 5 to 495 points each. The total of the Listening and Reading sections is scored from 10 to 990 points.
- Speaking and Writing sections are scored separately on a scale of 10 to 200 points.
Each result is correlated with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from level A1 to C1 (beginner to advanced).
Like many of the other tests, TOEIC scores are also valid for two years.
Minimum score
There is no pass score for either TOEIC test. Still, different institutions will require different minimum score levels for either test. Check with them before applying to know what score you need.
Cost
Fees are set by test centres, but you can expect to pay around $140 USD for each component (Listening and Reading / Speaking and Writing).
Registration process
Register online here, then book at a test center near you.
Other tests
While the exams detailed above are the most commonly taken tests to ascertain English proficiency levels, there are also others to consider, including:
International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP)
The iTEP is recognized by colleges and universities worldwide as an accurate measure of English proficiency. Many schools accept the iTEP for admission or placement purposes.
The iTEP has many different options designed for various academic or career opportunities. For example, you can take the iTEP Academic or the iTEP Business Plus.
OPI
The OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) is focused solely on your English speaking level. Unlike most other types of English tests, the OPI only assesses your speaking ability and only has an interview section.
ISE
The ISE (Integrated Skills in English) exam can be taken at four levels: ISE I, ISE II, ISE III, and ISE IV. The ISE I is the lower level and is equivalent to B1 on the CEFR. The ISE II is the higher level and is equivalent to B2 on the CEFR. The ISE III is the highest level and is equivalent to C1 on the CEFR. The ISE IV is the highest level and is equivalent to C2 on the CEFR.
The ISE is recognized by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as an English language test for visa purposes.
Michigan English Test (MET)
The MTELP (Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency) is designed primarily for academic purposes and is not one of the most widely used English proficiency tests. If you are planning to take the MTELP, please check with the institution you plan to apply to if they accept it.
How to choose the right type of English test for your needs?
As we have seen above, there are several test types when it comes to English proficiency. Ultimately, choosing the right English test depends on what your goals are. If you need an English test score for a specific purpose, often the test you'll take is not up to you; the university or government you are applying to will tell you which test it accepts and you'll take that one.
But, if you want to take an English test for some other reason, for example, to finish off an English course with some type of proof of your English level, you have more flexibility.
In that case, you should consider the following criteria before making a decision:
- Format
- Content
- Scoring
- Availability
- Cost
- Length of validity
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here, we look at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to types of English tests.
Q1. How many types of English tests are there?
There are lots of different types for English proficiency tests, here are the main ones available for international students:
- IELTS
- TOEFL iBT
- Cambridge English qualifications
- Pearson Test of English PTE
- Duolingo English Test
- Occupational English Test
- CELPIP
- TOEIC
- CPE
- CAEL
Q2. What is the most common English test?
The most popular English proficiency tests are IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP and the Cambridge English qualifications, including CAE and CPE. That said, IELTS and TOEFL are generally considered to be in a different league from the rest, because they are recognised and accepted by a very large number of organisations, both in English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries.
Q3. Which is the easiest English proficiency test?
In short, there is no one test which is universally considered to be the easiest. The difficulty of each exam depends on the individual test taker's strengths and weaknesses in the various language skills tested.
You should research the requirements of any prospective universities or employers, choose the exam that best fits those requirements, and consider your strengths and weaknesses in the various language skills tested by the exams.
Q4. Is PTE harder than TOEFL?
PTE is sometimes considered easier than TOEFL by some test-takers due to its fully computer-based format, automated scoring system, flexibility in answering, and generous time allocation for each section.
Getting ready to pass your English proficiency exam
While there are many types of English proficiency tests, they all serve the same purpose: measuring your English level. You can succeed on any of these tests with the right approach and some expert help.
If you are planning to attempt an English proficiency test, it will be useful for you to:
- Practise regularly
- Use official practice materials from the test makers
- Take practice tests under exam conditions
- Review your mistakes to improve
- Join English-speaking clubs or find language exchange partners to practise speaking
Arguably the most effective approach when it comes to preparing for an English proficiency exam, though, is to take a dedicated preparation course.
They are widely offered by a range of schools and organisations, including Kings. Currently, we offer exam preparation programs across the UK and the USA for:
- IELTS (Bournemouth, Brighton, London, Oxford)
- TOEFL (Boston, Los Angeles, New York)
- Cambridge English (London, Oxford, Los Angeles)
If you would like more information about exam preparation courses with Kings in the UK or USA, you can send us a message using the Live Chat or Enquiry Form.
Alternatively, you can send us an email enquiries@kingseducation.com
