Proof of English proficiency test is a major entry requirement when applying for study in foreign universities. This is required to ensure that students are able to communicate with their peers and lecturers, as well as produce quality articles.
The most common English test now is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This test assesses the reading, writing, listening and speaking skills of applicants who desire to study, work or migrate to any of the foreign English speaking countries.
Though IELTS and TOEFL are the most accepted English proficiency tests worldwide, in this article, you will find out about other alternatives to these tests.
Types Of English Proficiency Test
There are about 15 English proficiency tests available for different structures, costs, purposes and passing grades. These proficiency tests aim to measure applicants’ English language proficiency levels.
These test are:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
This is a standardized and widely recognized English language proficiency assessment test for non-native English speakers.
Moreover IELTS is designed to assess the primary English skills including writing, speaking, listening and reading. It assesses one’s effectiveness in using the English language in different settings.
There are two types of IELTS exams; the IELTS Academic Test and the IELTS General Training. Both measure the basic English Language skills but the IELTS Academic Test is intended for individuals who want to pursue higher education or those who wish to study in international universities or colleges where English language is essential.
The IELTS General Training is one the requirements for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. This test features conversational English Language skills usage-based in day-to-day situations, social gatherings and workplace settings.
The length of this test is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. It contains four sections; Reading, writing, listening and speaking. The reading and writing section contains 60 minutes, while the listening section takes 30 minutes and the speaking section is about 11 to 14 minutes.
The band scores for IELTS is between 9-1, where 9 stands for expert level while the other scores till 1 indicates low ability in using the language.
The passing grade of this exam also depends on the purpose. For example, the minimum requirement for undergraduate program in the US is 7.5, while for those in postgraduate level requires a minimum band score of 6.5.
Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL)
This is a standardized and globally accepted English language test for non-native speakers of the language. Just like IELTS, TOEFL also tests the basic skills of the English language; Reading, writing, listening and speaking.
The TOEFL exam uses formal, academic language and high-level vocabulary in its test component rather than casual or conversational English. Which is why this is most preferred by most test-takers, educational institutions and private organizations.
TOEFL has two test types; the TOEFL paper-based test (PBT) and TOEFL Internet-based Test (IBT). IBT has the highest percentage (97%) of TOEFL test takers, and PBT has the lowest rate (3%) of TOEL test takers.
PBT tests three sections; listening, reading and writing. It does not test speaking skills. However, it is replaced by a structure and written expressions test section. IBT is a computer-delivered test type of TOEFL exam and it tests the four sections of English language; Reading, listening, writing and speaking.
The TOEFL exam is approximately 3 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes. The PBT listening section lasts about 30 to 40 minutes, and the written section lasts for about 25 minutes.
The TOEFL IBT reading section lasts 60 to 80 minutes, and the listening section lasts for about 40 minutes. The speaking section lasts up to 1 to 20 minutes and the writing section is about an hour.
The TOEFL IBT passing grade for each section is 0 to 30, which is a total score of 120. For TOEFL PBT, the overall score is 310 to 667 points.
TOEFL does not have a passing or failing score but some universities, colleges, and organizations require a particular TOEFL score. This is why it is necessary to know the required score of your desired institutions.
Duolingo English Test
This is one of the most convenient and inexpensive English Standardized Tests you can take and is accepted in various institutions worldwide. Just like other proficiency tests, Duolingo tests the four basic skills of the English language.
Unlike other tests, one advantage Duolingo has is that you do not need to go to a test center or admissions office. The test is administered and managed by Duolingo, a well-known language learning app with more than 500 million active users.
The Duolingo English test includes an interview section where you can discuss a given topic for a limited time. There are seven tasks for the Duolingo English Test that you need to accomplish, in addition it has a C-test in which you complete the missing words in a sentence given.
Also, it contains a Yes/No vocabulary task both in written and audio format. The other tasks are dictation test type, elicited imitation, or the read-aloud test type. In addition, it has the extended speaking task and the extended writing task. Though it has an oral interview with a writing sample task, these tasks are not graded.
This test takes around 1 hour to complete. The adaptive test section last 25 minutes, and the oral interview with writing sample test only takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
Duolingo English Test uses a scoring scale of 10-160 to assess your English proficiency, which can be converted using Common European Framework of Reference For Languages (CEFR Levels), including C2 to A1.
The Duolingo English Test scores range between 120 to 160, which is equivalent to C1 to C2 CEFR levels. For those scoring between 55 to 10 are comparable to A1 to 2 CEFR levels. This test is also comparable with standardized tests like IELTS. For example, a score between 105-110 is equivalent to 6.5 on the IELTS.
Occupational English Test (OET)
OET is an English language proficiency test mainly for healthcare professionals. Just like other English tests, this test assesses their capabilities in using English language in the healthcare environment.
This English proficiency test covers over 12 healthcare careers; Nursing, Medicine, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Veterinary Science, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Podiatry, Radiography, Optometry, Pharmacy and Dietetics.
The test also assesses the basic English language skills; Listening, Reading, Writing and speaking, emphasizing communication in the healthcare setting.
There are three types or delivery modes of OET and they are; OET paper-based, OET computer-based at a venue, and OET at home. Regardless of whichever you choose depending on your convenience, they all contain the same level of difficulty, set of questions, format and exam fee.
The test takes a maximum of three hours to complete. The listening section lasts 50 minutes, while the writing test takes about 45 minutes. The reading section takes 60 minutes and 20 minutes for the speaking test section.
Lastly, OET uses a grade A to E for a numeric score of 0 to 500. Letter A is the highest OET proficiency level and grade E is the lowest proficiency level.
Cambridge English Proficiency (C2 Proficiency)
The Cambridge English Proficiency is also known as C2 proficiency, and it is one of the highly sought Cambridge English qualifications. Anyone who passes this test is a highly competent English speaker.
Unlike the others, this test is complicated because it measures a high level of competency and it is usually a requirement for demanding programs which include postgraduate and Phd programs.
Like the other test, it assesses four major parts; the reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking. The reading and use of English C2 paper uses a cloze format with seven test parts that has 53 questions in total.
There are two types of C2 proficiency exam; C2 proficiency paper-based test and C2 proficiency computer-based test. Regardless of the type of test you choose, both tests are taken in an official testing center. Also, the written and listening test are scheduled for different days.
C2 proficiency tests contain four sections. The reading and use of English takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The listening section takes 40 minutes. The duration of writing section is approximately an hour and 30 minutes, while the speaking section takes 16 minutes
The grades for C2 Proficiency Test is A to C, with the lowest being C1. The overall test scores range between 180 to 330. Anything below 180 is considered a failing grade.
CAE (C1 Advanced)
This is a well known test commonly called Cambridge English Advanced.
Just like C2, it is one of the world’s leading English language proficiency tests, although slower and more general in nature. It is used by prestigious universities, colleges and government offices and private sectors worldwide.
This test shares the same format with CPE. It has four sections; reading and use of English, writing, listening and speaking. C1 measures your knowledge of reading skills, vocabulary, and grammar.
The writing section contains two parts that assess your writing skills in writing various documents, including essays, articles, proposals, letters, reports, reviews and more. The listening section contains four parts that assess your capabilities, skills in following and understanding audio clips, including lectures, speeches, interviews, and day-to-day conversations.
The listening section takes approximately 40 minutes, while the speaking section takes 15 minutes to complete. The reading and use of English section takes 30 minutes, while the writing section takes an hour and 30 minutes to complete.
There are two types of CAE C1 Advanced Test which includes; CAE C1 paper-based test, and CAE C1 advanced computer-based test. The grades for this test is from A to B2 with scores ranging from 0 to 100 for every test section making the overall scores between 160 to 200.
B2 is the lowest score grade and A the highest grade. Lastly, 180 is the passing score.
Pearson English Language Test (PTE)
The PTE is a computer based English test that assesses in all four English skills; Listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
This test is inclined to assess one’s communication skills using the English language compared to the test-taking abilities of an individual, and it is widely used and accepted for work, study and visa applications in various countries internationally.
PTE exam format is divided into three main sections; Speaking and writing, reading and listening. The speaking and writing has 7 test questions types. The reading test section has 6 test questions types and the listening section has 8 test questions types.
There are three types of the PTE exam which includes; PTE academic, PTE general, and PTE young learner test.
The PTE academic tests basic English skills. The PTE general is a theme based test that measures an individual’s ability to use an English language in a more realistic setup or environment.
Also, teh PTE young learner test is an English proficiency intended for children between age to 12 that use English as a foreign language and as well evaluates the four basic skills; Speaking, listening, reading and writing.
The exam takes a maximum of 3 hours to complete the PTE academic test. The speaking and writing section takes approximately 77 to 93 minutes. The reading section takes about 32 to 41 minutes and the listening section takes 45 to 57 minutes.
The PTE general test is subdivided into five levels. Level 5 takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes to complete, level 4 takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, level 3 section takes 2 hours, level 2 takes 1 hour and 35 minutes, while level 1 takes an hour and 15 minutes.
The PTE young learner test has four levels; Firstwards, springboard, quickmarch, and breakthrough. Firstward takes an hour, springboard level takes an hour, quickmarch level takes an hour and breakthrough is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes..
PTE academics test score is between 90 to 10 points. PTE general is equivalent to CEFR C2 level of proficiency while PTE general score level, A1 is equal to CEFR A1 beginner level.
Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
This is a test derived from Trinity College, London and it is highly accepted and recognized by government offices and institutions to certify an individual English Language proficiency.
Unlike the other tests, ISE splits its test into two modules; one module for reading and writing, while the other module is for speaking and writing.
The reading and writing modules take two hours across all levels. While speaking and writing take 13-25 minutes depending on whatever level you are taking.
The passing grade of this test is 15 for reading, 14 out of 28 for writing, 8 out of 16 for speaking,and 3 out of 8 for listening.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
This is a standardized test that has been established for over 40 years. It assesses one’s ability to communicate, comprehend and use English in a workplace environment.
Though derived from TOEFL, it has a different format and has been established to determine whether or not an individual meets the qualifications and standard of an organization.
The test has three sections; section I focuses on listening, section II focuses on reading, while section III focuses on biographical information.
There are three types of TOEIC test; TOEIC listening and reading test, TOEIC speaking and writing test, and TOEIC bridge Exam.
The TOEIC listening and reading test measures an individual’s abilities to understand written and spoken English. The TOEIC speaking and writing test assess one’s abilities to use English in the workplace and in everyday communication.
Also, the TOEIC bridge test is intended for individuals with lower English language skills, and probably belong in the beginner to lower-intermediate language proficiency level. It helps verify one’s English proficiency.
The TOEIC listening and reading test lasts for about 2 hours and 30 minutes. The TOEIC speaking test lasts for 20 minutes, while the writing test with eight questions last for about an hour.
The grading score for TOEIC reading and listening is between 10 and 990. The highest score is between 905 and 990, which indicates a high level of proficiency. For the lowest level, score ranges from 10-180 indicating no functional language proficiency.
The grade score for TOEIC writing and speaking, the overall score ranges from 0-200. The highest score ranges from 190-200, which indicates excellent English language skills, and the lowest score ranges from 0-30.
A good TOEIC score is around 700. Scoring 800 marks is considered a good grade.
EF Standard English Test (EF SET)
EF SET is a free online English proficiency test that caters to all levels. It was created by EF Education First, a language training company launched in 2014.
It was created to support individuals with their English language learning. If you are looking to take a proficiency test in reading and listening, the EF SET is the perfect test for you.
There are two types of EF SET test; the EF SET Quick English Check and the EF SET English Certificate.
It takes 15 minutes to complete the EF SET Quick English Check and 50 minutes to complete the EF SET English Certificate. Like the rest test, EF SET uses an overall score system that ranges from 0-100. Also, the average scoring of EF SET is equivalent to other standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and C2.
The highest scores for EF SET is between 71 to 100, indicating an excellent proficiency level. Also, the lowest score for EF SET ranges from 0-30, which demonstrates a beginner level proficiency.
International Test of English Proficiency (iTEP)
This is the most-in-demand internet-based English proficiency test available in the market. It is highly recognized by Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute (ACEI). The Accrediting Council also accepts for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET) as one of the international English proficiency for non-native English speakers.
Resources needed to prepare for this exam are widely available online, and courses are also available in various universities in the US.
There are three types of the iTEP tests; iTEP Academic, iTEP Slate, and iTEP Placement. All iTEP tests assess the primary English language skills.
iTEP Academic tests are of two versions; iTEP Academic-Core, and iTEP Academic-Plus. The iTEP Academic-Core version assesses three English language skills; listening,reading, and grammar. The iTEP Academic-Plus version focuses on listening, reading, grammar, writing and speaking skills.
The iTEP SLATE which stands for iTEP Secondary Level Assessment Test of English and is intended for high schools, middle schools and academics. It has two versions; the iTEP SLATE- Plus and the iTEP Core.
The third iTEP test- iTEP Placement Test is suited for Intensive English program (IEP) and Incoming Student Placement Assessment. It also focuses on grammar, listening, writing and reading skills.
The iTEP test generally takes 90 minutes to complete, and like every other English proficiency test also has a benchmark, depending on what you are using for but it is advisable to have an average overall score of 3.8.
Canada English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
CELPIP is Canada’s leading English standardized test for immigration, citi zenship, and professional designation.
Like the other standardized tests, It comprises four major categories; Listening, reading, writing, and speaking, which you need to accomplish in one hour.
There are two types of CELPIP test; CELPIP General Test, and CELPIP General LS Test. These two tests are computer-based tests and they differ in duration and purpose.
The CELPIP General Test is only accessible in Canada. It measures two English language skills; Listening and speaking skills. In contrast, the CELPIP General LS Test is intended for Canadian citizenship applications and other professional designations.
The passing grade varies depending on the purpose for the test. Scores for a work visa is different from that of immigration visa but scoring at least 7 points in every section is the passing score for express entry.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
This is a test commonly used for students planning to study in Canadian universities. It is divided into five main categories; Speaking, Integrated Reading, Integrated Listening, Academic Unit A, and Academic Unit B.
The time taken to complete this test is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the passing grade for this test is a total score of 70.
Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP)
This test was established by CaMLA, a non-profit collaboration between the University of Michigan and the University of Cambridge. It is a test intended to assess non-native English speakers’ skills like listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.
There are three levels of the MTELP test; Level 1 Beginners, Level 2 Intermediate and Level 3 Advanced. It has a paper-based and computer-based version. Also, the duration for these tests is approximately 6 hours.
The MTELP uses a score scale of 0-100 for the three MTELP test levels. A score 0 indicates the test is difficult for an individual taking the test, and scores 2 to 100 shows the test is appropriate or easy for an individual taking the test.
Oral Proficiency Test (OPI)
This test is done via a telephone interview between the candidate and the OPI tester. It focuses on an individual’s ability to use the English language effectively, precisely, and accurately in everyday’s situations.
There are four OPI mandatory phases which includes; the introduction phase, warm-up, interview, and cool-down. Also, the interview phase includes two sections; the level checks and probes.
Another aspect of the test is the “role-playing” section, which is a significant factor in measuring one’s speaking skills, especially in social interactions, transactions, and other daily activities.
The duration of this test is about 20-30 minutes, and the scoring is done by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL). It uses assessment factors to grade the OPI test, and it includes the element in function, accuracy, content, contexts, and the test type used during the interview test.
Final Thoughts
Now, you are aware of the different types of English proficiency tests. It is time to get started with preparations for any of these exams you might need to take.
Planning to study in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and other European countries but do not know how to go about the required test needed such as IELTS and TOEFL? Book a consultation call with our counselor for guidance.
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