Every English proficiency is unsuitable for every purpose as different purposes require different proficiency tests. For instance, TOEFL and IELTS are required for academic purposes, and when you are moving to study or work, you may be required to select a different English proficiency test. Therefore let's explore the various aspects of different types of English proficiency tests in this blog to help you select the test that meets your requirements.
English proficiency is considered the gateway to working, studying, or immigration to any English-speaking country. This assessment examines the ability of the candidate to understand, speak, and write in the English language. Two of the most widely known English proficiency tests are the “Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)” and the “International English Language Testing System (IELTS).” The candidates need to understand the different aspects of these tests and select the most appropriate test that suits their requirements to gain success in life.
Apart from the universities, professional bodies, employers, and associations make use of English proficiency tests to select the most suitable people. The tests ensure that the candidate selected can communicate with the organization or the institution, and also with the professors, office colleagues, and classmates.
Let us look at the various English proficiency tests that are very popular.
IELTS
Beginning from IELTS or “The International English Language Testing System”, is an exam made especially to evaluate the English-speaking ability of students willing to come to English-speaking countries such as the USA, UK, and Canada for jobs, or study. As the test is recognized by more than 12000 organizations around the world it is one of the most popular English-speaking tests in the world. IELTS is used for both general and academic purposes.
Also, the IELTS makes use of British, Australian, American, and Canadian accents making it an all-rounded evaluation of the candidate in the English language. The results are provided in the form of brand scores. I is the lowest score whereas 9 is the highest score. The results of the test are valid for 2 years.
TOEFL
“The Test of English as a Foreign Language,” is a very important American English proficiency test and is accepted globally in a large number of universities. The test was originally developed by the “Center for Applied Linguistics in Washington, DC”, and showcases how English is used in daily academic environments. The TOEFL examines the basic skills of the candidate such as reading, listening, writing, and speaking. There are three ways to sit for the TOEFL exam IBT method (Internet-based-method), home edition, and paper edition.
Every section of the TOEFL test has a brand score range of 0-30. Therefore the maximum score a candidate can achieve is 120. The scores of TEFL are valid for two years.
PTE
After IELTS and TOEFL another widely accepted test is PTE academic which is accepted 3500 by colleges, and universities worldwide. The PTE exam is a well-renowned English proficiency test made for evaluating writing, speaking, reading listening English language skills.
The candidates are required to appear PTE academic test in a friendly environment. However, the candidates can also take the test for immigration and work purposes. However, the test is famous for academic purposes when applying to universities globally.
The candidates are required to complete the test in two hours and the results will be provided in two days. “The Pearson Test of English” or the PTE also has an advantage in that it has 475 test centers around the world. Therefore the candidates can get the test slot at any time.
TOEIC
TOEIC or the “The Test of English for International Communication” evaluates the English communication ability of the candidate. The test is made for communicating with your colleagues at the workplace. The total score of TOEIC is equal to the CI level of CEFR and is 990. The score is valid for two years.
The band score is decided by adding the listening and reading scores. However, speaking or writing sections follow a different scoring pattern. Any international organizations, multinational corporations. Businesses and government agencies around the world recognize the TOEIC score as it helps in showcasing the ability of the candidate to communicate in a cross-culture environment, and clients and coworkers coming from different countries.
CELPIP
The CELPIP or the “Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program” is also one of the world's leading English proficiency tests. It evaluates the diverse English-speaking skills required in everyday life. However, this test is conducted for professional and immigration purposes. There are two types of CELPIP, one is the CELPIP general test conducted for three hours, and the other is the CELPIP General LS test conducted for 1 hour. The three-hour test covered all four language skills, whereas the one-hour test only included the listening and speaking parts.
When talking about the content of the test, CELPIP focuses majorly on the North-American English. Also the CELPIP is is completely computer-based exam, therefore the speaking section of the exam will be conducted on a computer by recording the answers to the questions provided.
Cambridge English (KET, PET, CAE, FCE, and CPE)
The English proficiency exam is developed by the English department of Cambridge University. These tests are recognized by a wide range of employers, universities, and various government authorities and ministries as valid proof of English language proficiency. One of the most unique features of this test is that the scores of these tests did not have a validity criteria, that makes them valid throughout life.
Let's dive into these exams briefly:
Key English test (KET): These exams test the ability of the candidate to communicate in the English language in simple scenarios at the basic or elementary level.
Preliminary English Test (PET): The tests are conducted at the intermediate level and test the practical language ability for everyday work.
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): CAE is a high-level qualification containing an in-depth base for skill assessment of the candidate. It highlights the ability of the candidate to be part of a university or employment and be proficient in the English language.
First Certificate in English (FCE): The rest helps in proving the skills and competency of the candidate in English and their ability to study in a foreign English-speaking country independently.
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): It is the most important and highest level of qualification granted by Cambridge English. It proves that the candidate can easily communicate with fluency and elegance like a native English speaker.
IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are some of the best English language proficiency tests, and a large number of universities across the globe accept these exams. Therefore, let's look at the details of the exam that suits you the best.
Format: The PTE Academic and TOEFL are conducted online on computers, however, the IELTS exam can be given on paper or computer providing better flexibility to the candidates.
Accents: IELTS and PTE academics include a large number of accents making the candidate aware of different English speaking styles. On the other hand, TOEFL makes use of American accents.
Purpose: PTE academy and TOEFL are done for academic admission, on the other hand, IELTS serves general and academic purposes. IELTS covers a border range of goals.
Scoring: The IELTS scores are provided on a 9-band scale, PTE is scored between 10-90 and the TOEFL is scored on a scale of 0-120.
The CEFR or the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages” is a six-point scale for showcasing language proficiency that ranges from A1 (beginner) to C2. The scores help the learners, teachers, educational institutes, and employers to compare the different language qualifications easily.
Although the proficiency tests may not be compared directly, the international standard “Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)”, provides a benchmark for understanding the different English proficiency tests. The following comparison table will provide a comparison between the major English proficiency tests with CEFR levels.
| Test/Level | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 |
| IELTS | - | - | 4.0-5.0 | 5.5-6.5 | 7.0-8.0 | 8.5, 9.0 |
| TOEFL | - | - | 42-71 | 71-94 | 95-120 | 115-120 |
| PTE | 43-58 | 59-68 | 69-78 | 79-84 | 85-90 | - |
| TOEIC | 120-234 | 235-549 | 550-784 | 785-944 | 945-990 | - |
| KET (Key) | 100-119 | 120-139 | 140-150 | - | - | - |
| PET (Preliminary) | - | 120-139 | 140-159 | 160-170 | - | - |
| FCE (First) | - | - | 140-159 | 160-179 | 180-190 | - |
| CAE (Advanced) | - | - | - | 160-179 | 180-199 | 200-210 |
| CPE (Proficiency) | - | - | - | - | 180-199 | 200-230 |
| CELPIP | - | 4 | 5 | 6,7 | 8,9 | 10-12 |
As you are already aware regarding the different types of English proficiency tests let's consider some important tips for selecting the proper test.
Identify the purpose: Before appearing for the test, first decide for which purpose you are giving the test, i.e. for academic professional, or immigration purposes, as identifying this will help you in selecting the test that aligns with your goals.
Check Institution Requirements: Verify the English proficiency needs of the university or organization to which you are applying. Most institutions may require some particular tests over others.
Test Format: Select the test format that suits you the most. In case you are more comfortable with online tests then TOEFL is more suitable. However you are willing to experience a mix of different accents and like a paper-based format then IELTS, or PTE can be preferable.
Examine the Accent Preferences: Consider your familiarity with various types of English accents. If you are looking for exposure to different types of English accents, in that case, IELST, TOEFL, and PTE are a better choice.
Scoring system: It is important to understand the scoring system of different tests and select that you suit the best. Some of the scoring systems may be more aligned with your strengths when compared to others.
The English proficiency test is crucial for admission to any foreign university. In English proficiency tests, tests such as the IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are considered the most robust assessments consisting of distinct features. There are also different types of tests such as the TOEIC, Cambridge English, and CELPIP.
Selecting and exams discussed in this blog will require a detailed comparison of preferences, goals, and other specific requirements related to the university or institution. To succeed in the English proficiency tests, following a strategic approach and consistence practice is very necessary. Also, we will advise that before selecting the exam it is important to conduct detailed research regarding the exams, and evaluate which exam aligns with your needs and most importantly you are confident that you can perform better. This increases the chances of getting success in the IELTS exam.