6 most popular English language proficiency tests

If you’re in the midst of applying to university, you’re probably familiar with the “English language proficiency test” requirement — perhaps, even annoyed by the prospect of having to do it. 

If you don’t know what it is though, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a test that evaluates your level of English skill, across different forms of language use. It’s a test you’ll most likely sit for if you’re applying to university, no matter the stage. 

Particularly with English-speaking countries — like the staples, US, UK, Canada, and so forth — universities need to know where your capabilities stand with communication; a basic tool for day-to-day life in higher education. These universities need to know that you’re able to fully participate and comprehend the material you’re dealing with. The lectures, the readings, discussions.

But English language proficiency tests aren’t just for university applications. Some tests are required to apply for migration visas in certain countries, others may be a compulsory component to apply to different companies. Perhaps, you’re taking a test more for personal development and assessment.

So if you’ve got to take an English Language proficiency test, we’ve gathered a list for you to navigate the many different types out there. But it’s important to note: every university, company, and country has different requirements, so be sure you’re looking into that first before wasting away any money.

5 English language proficiency tests to consider taking

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)

The TOEFL iBT is one of the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests in the world. It’s accepted by over 12,000 institutions in more than 160 countries, but those who sit for the test often target universities in US, Canada, and Australia, as well as other English-speaking countries.

A Reddit user says, “It is a test of your ability to use academic English. My grandfather has used English for 89 years. But he would probably get a low TOEFL score because he didn’t go to high school and can’t respond to questions really quickly.”

In the time span of just under two hours, you’re assessed on four areas of language use — reading, language, speaking, and writing. For US$40 if you set a test date within seven days of registration, you can take the test at home, or in an authorised TOEFL centre. 

ETS offers a comprehensive portal for you to access preparation material, feedback on your practice, and a progress tracker. Many universities look for a minimum score range of 80 to 100, out of 120 — but that can vary greatly, so you ought to double-check the requirements for application.

The Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

TOEIC is facilitated by the same company as the TOEFL; both are designed to test the capabilities of non-native English speakers. Here’s the difference: TOEFL is for academics, and TOEIC leans towards the global workforce. 

Many universities across the globe accept TOEIC scores, with engineering schools making it a compulsory test for students. It’s also required by many companies for job applications, and it’s something that you can put on your resume for a boost. 

There’s four types of TOEIC tests available, offered at a price range of US$125 to US$200. 

The 4-Skills Test, which is computer-based, and covers the same four areas as TOEFL. The listening and reading test, from the beginner to advanced-level, offered online or on-paper. The speaking and writing test, that’s computer-based. The Bridge test, which focuses on listening and reading too, but on a slightly lower level, offered computer- or paper-based.

Again, scoring requirements depend on the university or company. Generally speaking, universities are looking at an average minimum score of 750, while companies are looking for an 800 to 850 range out of a possible 990.But again, be sure to double-check.

A young professional in South Korea told The Korea Herald that she thought only a score of 950 (C1 level of proficiency) would be a safe bet for job applicants. She said, “With a TOEIC score below 900, I think you really need something that’s very exceptional under your belt — it could be your GPA or extracurricular activities — to have an edge in the job market right now.”

The Duolingo English Test, a relatively new option launched in 2016, is making language tests a little more accessible. Source: AFP

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo’s no longer just a game app you’re keeping track of with a daily streak. In 2016, the Duolingo English Test was launched as an English language proficiency test made accessible at a lower cost — it’s US$65. They offer fee waivers to low-income students. You don’t need to book an appointment, as you can take it from any location so long as you have a good Internet connection.

It’s breaking barriers; a stepping stone to more than 5,500 universities around the world, though some universities may ask for additional English requirements. Those who are already on board though are top names like Yale, Imperial College London, and New York University.

The Duolingo English Test is computer-based, and possesses a unique quality of being adaptable in terms of difficulty and question sequence to each test taker. It evaluates your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The test is broken down into three sections, all to be completed within an hour: 

• Introduction and Setup (5 minutes)
• Adaptive Test (45 minutes)
• Video Interview (10 minutes)

You’ll get your scores within 48 hours after taking the test. The scores range from between 0 to 160, with four subscores in literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production. If you’re using the test to apply to university, you should be aiming for a score between 110 to 130 (depending on the university, of course) — and Duolingo’s got plenty of resources to prepare you to achieve that, including a free practice run.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The British counterpart to TOEFL, quite literally run by the British Council — IELTS is another English language proficiency test that you’ve probably seen everywhere, in every admissions page. 

It’s accepted by more than 12,500 organisations across 140 countries, though it’s more so taken by students applying to the UK for higher education, but also in the US, Australia, Germany, Ireland, and so forth. Every year, about four million people sit for the two hour and 45-minute long test, undergoing four assessments: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

There’s two types of IELTS exams: one for academic purposes, and the other which is general training for the workplace and everyday use — it’s pretty obvious which one you’d be going for as a student. 

The cost does vary from country to country, and even the location within, with the fee for available tests in the UK ranging from 190 pounds to 220 pounds. You can apply to take the test on-paper, or on the computer at an authorised test centre.

The test is graded on a 9-band system, with 9 being the top score (an expert level of skill), and 0 being the lowest (meaning you didn’t attempt the test). When you’re applying to university, you’d want to aim higher than a 6.5, or a 7 for top universities, at the minimum.

“Do not rely on luck! Rely only on yourself and your English skills!” A Reddit user wrote, advising students to attend a comprehensive English class. “The more English vocabulary you have at your disposal, the more you can express yourself in English in the IELTS test.”

IELTS and TOEFL are the most widely accepted English language proficiency tests, but they’re not the only ones available. Source: AFP

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

The PTE exam is quite new in comparison to the IELTS and TOEFL tests, having been launched in 2009 by Pearson Language Tests. But it’s still recognised by over 3,500 universities in the world, with some top names being Harvard, Oxford, and the University of Toronto.

It’s computer-based, with over 400 test centres across the globe hosting the PTE, and the option to take it online in certain countries, but the prices do range depending on where you are. The PTE Academic costs AUD$460 (US$302.75) in Australia, US$317 in China, and even lower in Canada, at CAD$340 (US$243.99) — so you’ll have to check out the prices for yourself.

There are three types of PTE tests. If you’re a student, then you’ll opt for the PTE academic, which you can also use for work and migration visas, as well as professional applications. There’s the PTE Home, designed specifically to apply for a UK visa, be it for your family, or a full-on British citizenship. Then, the PTE core, which is recognised for permanent residency or citizenship in Canada.

The PTE Academic test spans a two hour session, with three parts:

• Part 1 –  Speaking & Writing (approx. 54-67 minutes)
• Part 2 – Reading (approx. 30-minutes)
• Part 3 – Listening (approx. 30-minutes)

A reddit user says, “I found PTE way easier than IELTS! Studied for only 5 days and got 90 in each category. It’s a lot easier if you follow the strategies and tricks (widely available on YouTube/Google).” 

You’ll get your results within two days, which is far quicker than the IELTS and TOEFL results. The scores are graded based on the Global Scale of English; the thermometer-style scale of 10-90, with 10 being the lowest. If you’re applying to university, you should be aiming for a 51-60 range score as an undergrad student, and a 57-67 for postgraduate programmes.

C1 Advanced & C2 Proficiency

The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) was published in 2001, and has since been used as a six-scale grading system. It goes from A1, the most beginner level grade, to C2, the most proficient in the language.

That’s the system that the Cambridge English Qualifications use — a series of in-depth exams to help you develop rigorous language skills. While there are different levels of exams , you’ll likelly sit for one of these two if you’re applying to university: the C1 Advanced, or the C2 Proficiency. These tests are recognised by thousands of institutions around the world, including a 100% acceptance rate by universities in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

The C2 Proficiency qualification, formerly known as the Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), is the highest level of English that you can attain in the CEFR. The exam can take place either digitally or on-paper, and spans approximately four hours of assessment. It’s typically sat by students applying for further education programmes, like a doctorate degree. You’ll need to receive a score between 200 to 230 to receive a certificate.

The C1 Advanced qualification, formerly titled the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE), is just a level below proficient fluency, but still shows that you’re adept at using the English language in an academic or professional setting. It’s also available to take on-paper or digitally, spanning four hours. For this level, you’ll need to receive a score between 180-199 to receive a certificate.