A Complete Guide to English Language Proficiency Tests

English, the language of most international commerce and diplomacy, is probably the most widely spoken language in the world. If you are planning to work internationally, and are not a native English speaker, you will almost certainly need to demonstrate proficiency in English communication, either via formal testing or informal assessment.

In countries where English is the official language ( UK, Ireland, Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa) or one of several official languages (eg. Singapore), you will be required to demonstrate English fluency via formal testing to get a job, professional registration and visa. In countries where English is not the official language but is a widely used language of business (eg. United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia), job applicants will not normally have to produce a formal test report but English fluency will be assessed informally at interview. Therefore, it is a good idea to get plenty of practice and some of the inexpensive or free tests which can be taken on line are perfect for that purpose!

There are 15 English tests widely used internationally for the purposes of work, study and immigration but only one, IELTS, Is universally accepted. The others have limited and often restricted geographical and organisational use. Each organisation, company or professional regulatory body has its own regulations about tests which are accepted and the minimum test scores required.

The IELTS is the gold standard and most widely accepted and respected qualification for employment, immigration and educational purposes. We would recommend IELTS as the best option for international job seekers.

What are English Proficiency Tests?

English proficiency tests are standardised, structured, objective examinations which are designed to assess your ability to understand and communicate clearly in spoken and written English to a specific standard required to work, study and live in a country where English is the language of business.

They include tests of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, literacy and verbal fluency and have defined scores required to reach a pass mark or qualifying mark for specific purposes. Tests are usually structured with 4 basic components: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Selecting the right exam depends upon your level of preparedness, proficiency, budget and intended use of the test.

What Are English Language Exams Used For?

There are three primary uses for English language proficiency tests: study, work, and immigration.

Most international employers, large companies, universities, professional regulatory organisations and immigration authorities require evidence of English fluency via formal testing to ensure that you have sufficient English competency to perform the job for which you are being hired or take a course of formal study or training.

Most organisations have minimum accepted scores for the entire test and specific components of the test so check these carefully before committing to a test.

English Language Proficiency Tests — The Fifteen Tests

These are the most commonly used and widely accepted tests of English competency. IELTS, Cambridge English and Pearson Tests are based in the UK, CELPIP and CAEL are Canadian and TOEFL and the rest are American.

Most tests can be taken on line or at a test centre and booking in advance is essential. You should confirm which one is required for your purpose before committing to a particular test.  Some of the tests are not accepted by professional or immigration organisations whilst others are accepted by universities only. The basic tests which can be taken at home on line are useful to assess your English skills as part of your learning process and preparation for the major tests.

#1 IELTS: The International English Language Testing System.

IELTS is the gold standard of English tests, and most widely accepted worldwide. IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. Established in 1989, it is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, and is one of the major English-language tests in the world.

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, European, Irish and New Zealand academic institutions, by over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and by various professional organisations across the world. IELTS is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as a Secure English Language Test for visa applicants both outside and inside the UK. It also meets requirements for immigration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

#2 TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL is a standardized test to measure the English language ability of non-native speakers wishing to enrol in English-speaking universities. The test is accepted by more than 11,000 universities and other institutions in over 190 countries and territories.

#3 OET: The Occupational English Test 

The OET is a sector specific test of English language proficiency exclusively for the healthcare sector available for 12 healthcare professions and recognised in 15 countries. It is accepted principally by various healthcare regulatory bodies and by a smaller number of immigration authorities, employers and higher education institutions.

#4 Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is an inexpensive test accepted by educational institutions but not by immigration or professional organisations. A useful revision aide!

#5 CPE (C2 Proficiency): Cambridge Assessment English

Cambridge English Proficiency is also known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). This qualification shows that you have mastered English and can use it fluently in demanding research, academic and professional situations. This is the highest Cambridge English qualification.

#6 CAE (C1 Advanced): is one of the Cambridge English Qualifications.

It is the in-depth, high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills that employers and universities are looking for.

#7 PTE: Pearson Test of English

The Pearson Test of English is accepted by the Australian, New Zealand, and UK governments and trusted by over 3,000 universities and colleges. Results are typically available within 48 hours

#8 ISE:  Integrated Skills in English exams

The Integrated Skills in English are tests run by Trinity College London and are a contemporary four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) qualification recognised by governments and institutions as providing reliable evidence of English language proficiency.

#9 TOEIC: The TOEIC program

The TOEIC Program assesses English-language communication skills needed in the workplace and everyday life. The TOEIC assessments are the most widely used English-language tests around the world with 14,000+ organizations across more than 160 countries trusting TOEIC scores to inform the decisions that matter.

#10 EF SET: The EF Standard English Test

The EF SET is a standardized test of the English language designed for non-native English speakers. It is free to take on line!

#11 iTEP: The International English proficiency Test (iTEP)

The iTEP provides an online and on-demand language proficiency testing tool for admissions and placement. It can be taken on line at home.

#12 CELPIP: The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program

CELPIP is an English language assessment tool which measures listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The test is administered by Paragon Testing Enterprises., a subsidiary of the University of British Columbia. CELPIP targets only Canadian permanent residency and citizenship.

#13 CAEL: The Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) Test

The CAEL measures the English language proficiency of students planning to study at Canadian universities. You can take it at home online, or at a test centre.

#14 MTELP: The Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP Series)

The MTELP is used by institutions to measure the achievement and progress of English language learners within a language program. The MTELP Series is available at three levels, Level 1 (beginner), Level 2 (intermediate) and Level 3 (advanced). It tests the following key skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, grammatical knowledge and vocabulary range. It is suitable for adults or young adult learners and can be taken on either a computer or on paper.

#15 OPI: The ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview

The OPI or OPI, is a live, 15–30 minute telephone conversation testing  language ability run by Language Testing International.

Tests of English Proficiency for Medical Professionals

The two most widely accepted tests for non native English speaking global medical professionals are IELTS and OET. Our articles about these tests detail their format and scoring systems (see links below) and explain how you can decide which test is best for you (that depends upon your profession and the country where you want to work) and then proceed to prepare for the exams and book the test date.

We advise taking these exams before applying for jobs as you are unlikely to secure an interview with an employer unless you can demonstrate a test score in IELTS or OET acceptable to the professional registration organisation. Tests scores are valid for 2 years so please ensure that you have a valid IELTS / OET report before applying for jobs.