How to Choose an English Proficiency Exam
There are so many different types of English proficiency exams and certifications offered that it can be hard to know which one to take! Some are more popular in the US, while others are much better known in Europe. There are even some certifications that will last for a lifetime!
Acronyms like TOEFL, IELTS, CFE or CAE are not helpful if you don't know what they mean or what tests they represent.
Our guide will help you decide which test is best for you, and show you the difference between each of the acronyms.
TOEFL – the Test of English as a Foreign Language, (pronounced /toʊfəl/)
It evaluates a student’s ability to use and understand English in an academic setting.
At many English-speaking colleges and universities in the United States, the TOEFL is an admission requirement.
Others that might also require a passing TOEFL grade include: government agencies, scholarship programs or businesses.
What is the exam structure?
The whole test is about three hours long and can be taken on a computer or on paper. However, the iBT or internet-based test is much more popular now.
What does it test?
In the TOEFL exam, there are 4 sections – reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Speaking – TOEFL iBT begins with 2 questions to report and comment on and integrated questions that require reading and listening as well.
Listening – Questions are in multiple-choice format.
Reading – There are 3-5 readings and questions are in multiple-choice format
Writing – Prompts can include Present/Support an Opinion, Explain a Preference, Compare and Contrast
How is the test scored?
The iBT version is scored on a 0 – 120 point scale. Each section is scored from 0 – 30 points, and those points are added together to determine the total score.
How long is the score valid?
The TOEFL score is valid for two years. If you take it more than once, universities will usually only consider the most recent score.
IELTS – International English Language Testing System, (pronounced /aɪ.ɛlts/)
There are two versions of the IELTS: Academic and General Training
Academic is for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education, as well as professionals who want to study or work in an English-speaking country.
General training is for those who plan to do non-academic training, gain work experience or fulfill immigration requirements.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, many in the US and various professional organizations around the world. It is also a requirement for immigrating to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
What is the exam structure?
IELTS is administered by an examiner, who you will interact with.
What does it test?
There are 4 sections – reading, writing, listening and speaking. The reading, writing and listening modules are 2:45 long. Speaking is about 15 minutes, but can be taken up to 7 days before or after the rest of the exam.
Speaking - Divided into General Topics, One Prepared Topic and Discussion.
Listening – There are a variety of question types and you need to write exactly what you hear. Spelling is also important.
Reading – 3 passages with questions including multiple choice, writing words, matching and summarizing.
Writing – The prompts can include: Present and Support an Opinion; Discuss Problems/Solutions; Weigh Two Arguments
All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules, but the reading and writing modules are different for Academic and General Training versions.
How is the test scored?
IELTS scoring is from 1 (no knowledge) to 9 (expert user). The accepted level of English depends on the institution.
How long is the score valid?
While there is no official expiration date, institutions are advised not to consider an IELTS report older than two years.
Cambridge FCE – First Certificate in English
The Cambridge FCE proves that one can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level for academic or work purposes.
What is the exam structure?
The FCE is administered by an examiner, and it is available as paper-based and computer-based.
What does it test?
There are 5 sections: Reading (1 hour), Writing (1:20), Use of English (45 mins), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking (14 minutes)
Reading – There are long and short passages with different types of questions, with texts from newspapers, fiction stories, advertisements and other media.
Writing – Two different types of writing are required. Possible formats include letters, reports or short stories.
Use of English – Tasks that show grammar and vocabulary control will be administered.
Listening – Questions are asked about a range of recordings including news programs, presentations and conversations.
Speaking – This requires pair work, and conversations are held with one or two other candidates and graded by the examiners.
How is the test scored?
The score is between 0 – 100 and is based on the total score from all five sections. There are also letter grades, and each corresponds to a number range.
CERF Level C1, or A – 80-100
B – 75-79
C – 60-74
CEFR Level B1 – 45-49
Fail – 0-44
How long is the score valid?
The FCE scores have no expiration.
Cambridge CAE – Certificate in Advanced English
The Cambridge CAE exam is for learners who want to use English in demanding work and study situations.
What is the exam structure?
The CPE is administered by an examiner, and it is available as paper-based and computer-based.
What does it test?
There are 5 sections: Reading (1:15), Writing (1:30), Use of English (1 hour), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking (15 minutes)
Reading – There are long and short passages with different types of questions, with texts from newspapers, journals, fiction and non-fiction books and other media.
Writing – Two different types of writing are required. Possible formats include letters, reports or short stories.
Use of English – Tasks that show grammar, idiom and vocabulary control will be administered.
Listening – Questions are asked about a range of recordings including lectures, speeches and discussions.
Speaking – This requires pair work, and conversations are held with one or two other candidates and graded by the examiners.
How is the test scored?
The score is between 0 – 100 and is based on the total score from all five sections. There are also letter grades, and each corresponds to a number range.
A – 80-100
B – 75-79
C – 60-74
CEFR Level B2 – 45-49
Fail – 0-44
How long is the score valid?
The CAE scores have no expiration.
Cambridge CPE – Certificate of Proficiency in English
The Cambridge CPE exam is for learners who have achieved an extremely high level of skill in the English language.
What is the exam structure?
The CPE is administered by an examiner, and it is available as paper-based and computer-based.
What does it test?
There are 5 sections: Reading (1:30), Writing (2 hours), Use of English (1:30), Listening (40 minutes) and Speaking (19 minutes)
Reading – There are long and short passages with different types of questions, with texts from newspapers, journals, fiction and non-fiction books and other media.
Writing – Several different types of writing are required. Possible formats include letters, proposals or short stories.
Use of English – Tasks that show grammar, idiom and vocabulary control will be administered.
Listening – Questions are asked about a range of recordings including lectures, speeches and interviews.
Speaking – This requires pair work, and conversations are held with one or two other candidates and graded by the examiners.
How is the test scored?
The score is between 0 – 100 and is based on the total score from all five sections. There are also letter grades, and each corresponds to a number range.
A – 80-100
B – 75-79
C – 60-74
CEFR Level C1 – 45-49
Fail – 0-44
How long is the score valid?
The CPE scores have no expiration.
We hope this was clear to you! Are you thinking about taking an English exam? Take a preparation course with Kaplan and prepare yourself for any one of the above English proficiency exams.
