English Proficiency Tests

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English Proficiency Test

English proficiency whether it is to pursue higher education or for job procurement serves as a crucial tool for career advancement and progression. Popular options for English Proficiency Tests include the International English Language Testing Systems [IELTS], Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL] and PTE along with several other exams that test Business English proficiency and Communicative English for non-native speakers. Let us explore the test options available for outbound students as well as working professionals!

English Proficiency Test Conducting Body
IELTS Jointly by Cambridge Assessment English and
British Council
TOEFL Educational Testing Service [ETS]
PTE Exams Pearson PLC
Duolingo Duolingo English Test
TOEIC Educational Testing Service [ETS]
Cambridge Exams
[PET, FCE, CAE, CPE]
Cambridge Assessment English

IELTS: General & Academic

One of the most preferred English Proficiency tests across the globe, the IELTS test is majorly categorised into the IELTS General and IELTS Academic. While both tests evaluate one’s grasp over the English language, the former is more suited for candidates going abroad for work and the latter for prospective students. You can read about its syllabus here. More details in the following table.

IELTS Particulars
Types  IELTS General
IELTS Academic
Sections Four Sections:
Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

[Listening and Speaking sections are the same in both types]
Time 2 hrs 45 minutes
Bands 1-9
Format Computer and Paper based

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TOEFL

Offered by ETS, the TOEFL exam is a commonly recommended English Proficiency Test for students applying in universities in the USA and Canada as well as France and Germany while it boasts of universal acceptance. While the TOEFL Syllabus is similar to that of IELTS, there is a major distinction in the Speaking section which is taken through a microphone. It is important to note that the TOEFL underwent major revisions in 2019. Click Here for a Free Consultation Session to know more about the relevant changes and how you can achieve an above-average score.

TOEFL Particulars
Sections Four Sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
Time 3 hrs 30 minutes
Scoring 0-120
Format Computer-Based

PTE 

Along with IELTS and TOEFL, the PTE exams are also considered amongst the popular worldwide exams. As an English proficiency test, it makes use of AI to evaluate answers in order to achieve impartial results. Further, it is offered at 250 test centres in more than 50 countries and you can send your scores to countless institutions. Read here about PTE Exam Pattern and the differences between IELTS VS PTE.

PTE Particulars
Types PTE Academic; 
PTE General; 
PTE Business English Tests
Sections Four Sections: 
Speaking and Writing, Reading, Writing
Time Approx 3 hours
Scoring 10-90 points
Format Computer-Based

Duolingo English Test

Duolingo is an online English Test launched by the Duolingo Application to help students administer home-based exams for studying, working, and providing proof of English proficiency. It assesses candidates on four criteria which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Since then some of the universities have started accepting Duolingo English proficiency exam scores but not all of them. Duolingo accepted universities across the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Europe, New Zealand.

Types Duolingo English Test
Sections Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking
Time 45 minutes
Scoring 10 – 160
Format Computer-based

TOEIC

The Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC is a globally accepted exam for non-native speakers to prove English communicative proficiency in business/corporate environments. There are three types of TOEIC tests (mentioned below) aimed at different audiences and for different purposes.

TOEIC Particulars
Types TOEIC Listening and Reading Test
TOEIC Speaking and Writing Test
TOEIC Bridge Test
Format Computer or Paper Based
Scoring 10-990 for each test

Cambridge Exams

With particularly defined levels and categories for academic English testing and business English testing, among others, the Cambridge exams are aimed at diverse audiences. The CAE and CPE are primarily used for university admission purposes. In particular, on the CAE, a score of grade B or higher is comparable to C1 English level which roughly translates to 7-8 band on the IELTS. Further, the CPE is the most advanced English proficiency test of the offered exams and a score of A or B is comparable to a C2 proficiency level. Both tests cost around 150 EUR (roughly 12300 INR) and can be appeared for monthly at testing centres.

Cambridge Exams Particulars
Categories B1 Preliminary [PET]B2 First [FCE]C1 Advanced [CAE]C2 Proficiency [CPE]B1 Business Preliminary [BEC Preliminary]B2 Business Vantage [BEC Vantage]C1 Business Higher [BEC Higher]
Format Computer or Paper Based
Duration Varies
Scoring  Varies

Appearing for an English Proficiency Test is an elementary yet painstaking effort. Needless to say, it requires proper guidance and direction. Leverage Edu can not only help you get an above-average score in English Proficiency Tests but also lend a helping hand throughout the admission process of your chosen program and university! Book an E-meeting with us and take a step forward towards your dream university!

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2 comments
  1. My name is Harpreet Kaur.I am a 12 pass student of 2021.I am interested in study in South Korea.my English score 72.and 12 pracentage 75.

  1. My name is Harpreet Kaur.I am a 12 pass student of 2021.I am interested in study in South Korea.my English score 72.and 12 pracentage 75.

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