It is normal to have many questions after learning that you must take an English proficiency test and begin to investigate your choices. Is there a less difficult exam option? What kinds of exams can be taken virtually? And which ones work quickly? You’ll need to consider the salient elements of each test before making a decision. Consider things like familiarity, trustworthiness, exam structure, evaluation criteria, and mode of delivery. Forget everything you heard about TOEFL being the best English exam to take if you want to study in the United States; that’s not the case anymore. Over 3,400 schools and programs in the United States recognize IELTS as evidence of English proficiency, including several prestigious universities. You can take one of the most widely used, well-known English proficiency tests if you desire to relocate overseas for work, study, or training. These exams evaluate your spoken English skills in a realistic, everyday setting.
Most common tests for English proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP, and the Cambridge English Qualifications KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE are some of the most well-known exams for evaluating one’s command of the English language. However, many institutions in both English- and non-English-speaking nations recognize and accept IELTS and TOEFL, putting them in a category all their own.
In addition to being commonplace in academia, English proficiency test is also common in the business world. Businesses, organizations, and groups use test scores to make informed hiring decisions. Therefore, doing well on an English proficiency test online can significantly improve your employment prospects.
Key features of the tests
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IELTS
IELTS is created to evaluate the language proficiency of candidates for education or employment where English is the primary language of communication. It is the most widely used English proficiency test online for higher education and international migration and is recognized by more than 11,000 institutions worldwide.
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TOEFL
It is the most well-known American exam, and universities and organizations worldwide accept it. The Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, DC, devised the test in its initial form. The test’s wording closely resembles how English is used in regular academic contexts, and its integrated objectives are educational. This test evaluates the four fundamental language abilities of listening, reading, writing, and speaking, just like IELTS.
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TOEIC
The Test of English for International Communication evaluates your workplace communication abilities. It is possible to acquire a total test score of 990 (equal to the C1 level of the CEFR), which is obtained by combining the listening and reading scores. The oral and written portions of the exam have separate scoring patterns. The TOEIC has a two-year validity period, just like the other tests.
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CELPIP
The most popular general English language proficiency test in Canada is called the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP). It evaluates your English proficiency in various contexts from daily life and is mainly used for professional and immigration purposes.
1. The KET, PET, FCE, CAE, and CPE tests for Cambridge English
The Cambridge English department of Cambridge University created these exams. Numerous companies, colleges, and government agencies worldwide accept them as evidence of English proficiency. One of their distinctive features is that these tests’ findings have no expiration date and are, therefore, permanent qualifications.
How the tests compare
The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international standard that specifies language proficiency, can be used as a baseline to create some level of comprehension even though the outcomes of these exams are not directly comparable.
How do you choose the proper test for you?
As you might expect, the best test for you will solely depend on why you want to take an English proficiency test online. In light of this, we’ve listed several hypothetical situations below.
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Scenario 1
You want to attend a university in the United States or Canada to pursue your studies.
IELTS is the world’s most common English language test for higher education and international migration. Given that it was created in America, the TOEFL is widely accepted by American educational institutions. Regarding Canada, IELTS is a similarly popular option. It is actually the English test of choice for colleges and institutions in Canada.
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Scenario 2
You want to work and pursue your education in Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
IELTS is a recognized name that might open doors for you in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. You have an advantage over others if you are fluent in English and can prove it with one of the most reliable English exams.
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Scenario 3
You want to work for a multinational firm.
The most widely used English proficiency tests for employment are the TOEIC, IELTS, and TOEFL. Companies know that some elements of exams like the IELTS can aid in selecting the best candidates. IELTS is used by a wide range of organizations to identify candidates with the necessary language abilities in industries like finance, government, construction, energy, aviation, and tourism.
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Scenario 4
You’d like to pursue a career in global business
A major bonus if you want to pursue a career in international business is demonstrating adequate English language abilities. You may prove your language skills to prospective employers by taking a test like the IELTS, which measures English language ability in both academic and real-world settings.
How To Prepare for the IELTS test
English proficiency test online, IELTS webinars, mobile applications, the IELTS Study Pack, and video lessons are all available to you for free when you schedule your IELTS exam with the British Council. It would be best if you took advantage of it to the fullest. Lastly, remember the adage that the more time you spend honing your IELTS skills, the more ready you’ll be for the test.
Conclusion
We hope this information has given you the tools you need to decide which English proficiency test is ideal for you. Even though each of the difficulties we’ve highlighted has distinct qualities that make them desirable, IELTS has a few more benefits. The C2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages can be measured, making it not just the most widely used exam of English language proficiency in the world (CEFR). IELTS is a fair and objective test because of its international orientation and the utilization of texts and tasks from publications across the English-speaking globe. Regardless of the test you take, even if you believe your English proficiency to be above average, ensure you give yourself adequate practice.
