What is an English proficiency test? What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL? What English Proficiency test should you take if you want to study abroad? Do you really need to take a test?
Today, let’s answer these questions as I give you an in-depth guide to English proficiency tests!
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Vocabulary
- IELTS: International English Language Testing System
- TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
- Cambridge English Tests: Suite of standardized English language proficiency exams developed by Cambridge Assessment English
- TOEIC: Test of English for International Communication
- PTE: Pearson Test of English
- OET: Occupational English Test
- Duolingo English Test: Online English proficiency test offered by Duolingo
- LanguageCert International ESOL: Suite of English language exams offered by LanguageCert
- IELTS Life Skills: Specific version of the IELTS test for visa and immigration purposes
- LanguageCert SELT: LanguageCert Secure English Language Test
Introduction
I’m Taking a Japanese Test!
In July this year, I will be taking a Japanese language proficiency test.
This is not the first time I’m taking this Japanese test. I’ve actually taken it 3 times before. I passed the N4 and N3 tests many years ago and failed the N2 test two years ago.
The Japanese proficiency test is split into different levels of difficult, from N5 as the easiest to N1 for the most proficient test takers.
This year I will be attempting to pass the N2 test!
If you’d like to hear more about my study plan, routines, and goals I’ve recorded an entire Bonus Episode about the topic. It is available for all my Patreon supporters, so go over and subscribe.
I know that many of you out there are also planning to take a proficiency test at some point. Maybe in the next few months or years.
Introduction to English Proficiency Tests
There are various reasons to take a proficiency test.
You might want to test your English level and see how you perform. You might be tracking your study progress or looking for something to give you motivation.
You might need a proficiency test to get into a university or study programme. You might a test for a new job you are applying for or a promotion in your company.
Or maybe you are trying to move to a new country or apply for a visa. I know some UK visas, including spousal visas, make you prove your English ability in the application process.
I also get questions all the time about different types of proficiency test. People ask me for tips, advice, or to make episodes on these tests.
Importantly, I’m not an expert. I don’t teach English anymore (I haven’t really taught at all in the past 2 years) and I have never tutored specifically for proficiency tests.
But I know thousands of my listeners use Thinking in English episodes, transcripts, articles, and our Patreon events as practice for proficiency tests. This make me incredibly happy – I am so proud to be able to help you all achieve your goals.
One of the most common questions I receive from listeners is “which English test should I take?”
This is not an easy question to answer. There are many tests out there, with different characteristics, testing formats, difficulties, and purposes. It really depends on why you are taking a test, your English ability, and your goals.
So today I’d like to give you all an introduction to English proficiency tests.
I’ll start by introducing a few of the most popular proficiency tests, and talking about what they test and where they are accepted.
Then I’ll use example situations to talk about which tests may be most suited for you!
The Different Proficiency Tests
IELTS
Let’s start with the most popular test when it comes to global university admissions and moving to other countries: IELTS.
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It is an international standardised English test (meaning it is the same across the world), was established in 1989, and is managed by organsiations including the British Council and Cambridge English.
IELTS is primarily designed to test the English ability of people who want to study or work in English environments. It is a test to accurately check your English ability at the moment you take the test, and therefore the results are only valid for 2 years.
For example, if you took IELTS back in 2018, and now you want to study abroad this year, you will probably need to take the IELTS test again.
IELTS tests your ability in speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Your performance in each of these skills is scored, and then these scores are combined to give you an overall score of your English ability.
IELTS refers to their scores as bands on a scale. IELTS band 1 is the lowest and 9 is the highest.
It is quite common for universities in places like the UK to ask for certain overall scores and specific skill scores. For example, a university course may ask you for at least an IELTS score of 6, with a 6.5 score in the writing section.
Actually, I should probably mention there is more than one IELTS test. There are two main versions.
IELTS Academic Test
First, there is IELTS Academic test.
The Academic test is specifically designed for people who wish to pursue higher education (study) or professional opportunities (work) in an English-speaking environment.
The test is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and professional organizations in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.
You may want to take the IELTS Academic test if you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an English-speaking country, looking for a job in an English-speaking country, or applying for scholarships or research opportunities.
IELTS General Training Test
The second version is the IELTS General Training test.
Unlike the Academic test, which is mainly for people seeking higher education or professional opportunities, the General Training test is designed for people planning to migrate to an English-speaking country for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. It is also popular with people immigrating to English-speaking countries for purposes other than academic study or work.
For example, secondary education would be equivalent to high school. Or a person getting married and needing an English test for a visa might choose the general training test.
The purpose of this version of IELTS is to assess English proficiency in everyday contexts and situations typically encountered in work, social, and daily life settings. It focuses on general language skills rather than academic-specific language.
To give you a better picture, IELTS Academic may ask you to listen to discussions on topics like science, history, or social studies and then answer questions. IELTS General Training might use audio about making travel arrangements, participating in workplace conversations, or asking for information over the phone.
TOEFL
The next English proficiency test, and the most popular American English proficiency test, is TOEFL.
TOEFL stands for the Test of English as a Foreign Language. It was created by the Centre for Applied Linguistics in the United States, and it is a purely academic proficiency test.
All of the content and questions are designed to test your ability in academic situations, as if you were at university in the United States.
Like IELTS, it tests you in the four different English skills: speaking, reading, listening and writing. You are scored between 0-30 in each skill, and these are combined for a total score out of 120.
TOEFL can be taken in different ways. You can do it at a test centre and complete the full test. You can complete it at home on a computer. Or you can do part of it at home (usually the speaking) and the rest at a test centre. The results are only valid for 2 years.
One of the big differences between IELTS and TOEFL is that IELTS speaking tests are always (I think) face to face with an examiner, while TOEFL is often done through a computer screen.
Unlike IELTS, there is no general version of the TOEFL test. It is completely academic. The TOEFL listening test, for example, involves listening to recordings of academic lectures while IELTS can be more varied.
And while most universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL, TOEFL tends to have a stronger reputation in North America (and education systems that use North American curriculums).
TOEIC
Another popular test is TOEIC.
TOEIC stands for the Test of English for International Communication.
TOEIC is designed to measure the proficiency of non-native English speakers in an international business context. Unlike the TOEFL and IELTS, which are more commonly used for academic purposes, the TOEIC focuses specifically on English language skills relevant to the workplace and professional settings.
It assesses people’s abilities to understand and use English in real-life business situations, including meetings, presentations, telephone conversations, and written correspondence like e-mails.
TOEIC is scored out of 990 (the listening and reading tests at least) and valid for two years.
TOEIC is quite respected in certain countries and industries. TOEIC is one of the most popular tests in Japan (in fact, it was founded in Japan), South Korea, and Taiwan, and is also available in other countries.
Cambridge English Tests
Next among the most respected English proficiency tests are those offered by Cambridge English from the University of Cambridge in the UK.
These are a series of exams designed to assess ability in English skills at different levels of proficiency, and are recognized and accepted by thousands of employers, universities, and governments worldwide.
Unlike IELTS, TOEFL, and TOEIC, Cambridge qualifications do not expire after two years.
The Key English Test (KET) (now called A2 KEY) assesses basic language skills and is often taken by students at the beginning of their English language learning journey.
The Preliminary English Test (PET) (now called B1 Preliminary) is an intermediate-level exam (around B1 level on the CEFR) and is a benchmark for demonstrating competency in everyday written and spoken English.
The First Certificate of English (FCE) (now called B2 First) is an upper-intermediate exam that assesses language skills needed for academic and professional success in English-speaking environments. It is often required for admission to universities and colleges or for employment purposes.
The Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) (now called C1 Advanced) is an advanced level exam that high-level English language skills needed for academic and professional success, particularly in demanding contexts.
And the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) (now called C2 Proficiency) assesses near-native English language skills needed for academic and professional success at the highest levels. It demonstrates you are a highly fluent and sophisticated user of English
Other Proficiency Tests
In addition to the well-known English proficiency tests, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Tests, and TOEIC, there are several other popular English language exams used for assessing language proficiency.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English proficiency test that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
LanguageCert International ESOL offers a range of English language exams, including general English proficiency tests as well as business English exams.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language test specifically designed for healthcare professionals. It assesses language proficiency in a healthcare context.
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that is accepted by various universities and colleges as an alternative to traditional English language exams.
And the TOEIC Bridge is a simplified version of the TOEIC exam designed for beginner and intermediate English learners.
I’m sure there are many other exams out there, for specific countries and industries, that I have never even heard of before!
Which Test Should You Take?
Now we’ve looked at the different proficiency tests, which one should you take?
This depends completely on your goals and aims.
Scenario 1: A Person Applying for a Master’s Degree in the USA.
For a person applying for a master’s degree in the USA, the most suitable English proficiency tests would be those widely accepted by American universities.
TOEFL is widely accepted by universities and college in the US (this is why the exam was created) and is specific to academic contexts. IELTS Academic Test is also widely accepted.
Some Universities may also accept the Cambridge English Advanced tests, but TOEFL and IELTS are the best choices.
In any case, you should check the specific requirements of the universities and programs to determine which tests they accept.
Scenario 2: Person Wanting to Migrate to the UK on a Marriage Visa
For a person wanting to migrate to the UK on a marriage visa, demonstrating English language proficiency may be a requirement and the most suitable English proficiency test would be one that meets the visa requirements set by the UK government.
IELTS General Training is an option, but there is actually a third version of the IELTS test (that I didn’t mention earlier) called the IELTS Life Skills test which is designed for visa and immigration purposes.
Other choices include the Pearson Test of English Academic test or the LanguageCert SELT exams designed for UK visa and immigration purposes.
In this scenario, you should check the specific English language proficiency requirements set by the UK government and choose a test that meets those requirements.
Scenario 3: A Nurse Applying for a Position in an Australian Company
For a nurse applying for a position in an Australian company, the best choices would be the IELTS Academic test or the Occupational English Test (OET).
IELTS Academic tends to be accepted by Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for healthcare professionals, including nurses. And the OET is specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
Scenario 4: A Fan of the Thinking in English Podcast Who Just Wants to Test Their English
For a fan of the Thinking in English podcast who simply wants to test their English proficiency in an affordable manner, there are several options available that are budget-friendly and still provide a good measure of language skills.
There are some free tests out there, including a simple one made by the Thinking in English classes team. I’ll put the link to that simple test in the description of the podcast.
If you want a more thorough and in-depth test, that is still relatively affordable, two good options are the Duolingo English Test and the LanguageCert International ESOL.
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that is both affordable and convenient. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, can be taken anywhere, and provides results quickly.
Plus, the cost of the Duolingo English Test is relatively low compared to other standardized tests,
And LanguageCert also has a few more affordable options.
Do You Really Need an English Test?
Finally… do you really need to take an English proficiency test?
In some situations, people may not actually need to take an English Proficiency Test to achieve their goal of studying, working, and moving overseas. If you have evidence of your English language proficiency through other means, such as holding a degree from an English-speaking institution or having extensive professional experience in an English-speaking environment, you may not need to pass another test.
More generally, if you are learning English for personal interest or personal development purposes, with no clear goal in mind, you probably don’t need to waste money on formal English proficiency tests.
Instead, you could focus on improving your language skills through self-study, language courses, or informal language exchanges without the need for formal tests.
Overall, you should consider your specific circumstances, objectives, and goals when deciding whether to take an English proficiency test or which test to take!
Final Thought
This episode of Thinking in English has aimed to be a guide or introduction to the world of English language proficiency tests.
There are so many tests out there, with different purposes or uses, and it can be really confusing to decide or choose a test. And not everyone needs to take a test!
Today I looked in depth at IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, and the Cambridge Exams, as well as mentioning a few other tests.
And then I gave you a few different scenarios and suggested which tests would be suitable in those situations.
Hopefully this episode has been useful!
What do you think? Have you ever taken an English proficiency test? Which test did you take? Are you planning on taking an English proficiency test? In which situation would you take a test?
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Thank you always for interesting episodes! This one about English proficiency exam was especially informative and meaningful for me. I didn’t know that there are so many different types of tests and most of them are valid only for two years! As an answer to your question in the episode, I took two Cambridge exams here in Japan which are B2 ( grade B pass)in 2011 and C1 (grade C pass ) in 2021. Both exams were really challenging but I feel they were truly helpful for me to improve my overall skills as a learner and as an English tutor myself. I chose the exams because I studied in the UK but unfortunately, Cambridge exams are not very well known here. Eiken exam is probably the best known and one of the strongest qualifications here, which I find less practical compared to other international English exams. Thank you for reading! Thank you again for your hard work!
Hi Naoki, thank you for your message! Yes – it seems like TOEIC and Eiken are the most respected qualifications in Japan. Well done on the Cambridge results – while not the best known test, it is very respected by people who understand English testing!
Hi Tom,
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that I really enjoyed the latest episode—it was super interesting and informative! As an ESL teacher, I found it really helpful and actually used it in one of my classes to help my students with their listening and reading skills, while also giving them an overview on different language tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and Cambridge Tests, which are very popular here in Mexico.
I’d love to support your podcast by becoming a patron, but honestly, the cost is a bit steep for me given the economy here. Still, I’ll keep listening to all the free episodes and spreading the word to my students.
Thanks a bunch for everything you do!
Cheers,
Erika