The Complete Guide To Picking The Right English Proficiency Exams And Certifications

If you are someone who doesn't hold citizenship from a native English-speaking country but wants to work or study in a country where English is the official and working language. You need to prove your English language proficiency. This is generally done by formal testing. In countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, you are required to demonstrate your English fluency via formal testing to get a visa, job, and professional registration. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a fair knowledge of the types of tests that are acceptable around the world.

What Are English Proficiency Exams?

English proficiency tests are structured, standardised objective examinations that are designed to assess your ability to communicate clearly and understand written and spoken English. Most native English-speaking countries set a specific standard required to study, work, and live, and qualifying for these exams certifies your language fluency.

Some of the most common English proficiency tests include:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• TOEIC
• CELPIP
• Cambridge English Qualifications

These consist of tests on grammar, vocabulary, spelling, literacy, and verbal fluency. The scores needed to pass or qualify for a given purpose are specified. Four fundamental components are typically included in test structures: speaking, writing, listening, and reading.

The exam you choose will depend on your level of preparation, proficiency, financial situation, and intended use.
 

What Are English Language Proficiency Tests For?

English language proficiency exams are used for three main purposes that are study, immigration, and work. Most international employers of universities, large companies, immigration authorities, and professional regulatory authorities require English fluency via formal testing.

This is to ensure that you have sufficient English competency to perform the job you are hired for or study the course you decided to take up. Many organizations also have minimum accepted scores for the test and some specific components that make you eligible to qualify. So, make sure to do your research before booking any particular test.

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15 Most Widely Accepted English Proficiency Tests

Here are some of the most common tests that you can choose from to validate your English language proficiency:

1. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    

   The most widely regarded English test in the world and is considered the gold standard. IELTS was founded in 1989 and is currently co-managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

   The majority of academic institutions in Australia, the United States, over 3,000 academic institutions in Europe, Ireland, Canada, and New Zealand, as well as numerous professional organizations worldwide, accept the IELTS exam.

   UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has approved IELTS as a Secure English Language Test for applicants seeking visas from both inside and outside the country. Additionally, it satisfies the requirements for immigration to Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
    

2. Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL)
   
   TOEFL is a standardized exam used to gauge non-native speakers' proficiency in the English language who want to enroll in English-speaking universities. More than 11,000 universities and other institutions across more than 190 countries and territories accept the test.
    
3. The Occupational English Test (OET)
   
   OET is a sector-specific English language proficiency exam that is only available to the healthcare industry, recognized in 15 countries, and suitable for 12 healthcare professions. The majority of employers, immigration authorities, and higher education institutions accept it, along with a smaller number of other regulatory bodies in the healthcare industry.
    
4. Duolingo English Test
   
   This is a cheap exam approved by academic institutions but rejected by professional or immigration organizations. It acts as an effective tool for revision.
    
5. Cambridge Assessment English (CPE C2 Proficiency)
   
   The Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) is another name for proficiency. This certification attests to your command of the English language and your ability to communicate effectively in challenging academic, professional, and research contexts. The highest qualification in Cambridge English is this one.
    
6. Cambridge English Qualifications (CAE C1 Advanced)
   
   CAE is among the credentials for Cambridge English. The comprehensive, advanced qualification is what demonstrates that you possess the language proficiency that colleges and employers value.
    
7. Pearson Test Of English (PTE)
   
   PTE is recognized by the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, More than 3,000 colleges and universities trust us. Usually within 48 hours, the results are declared.
    
8. TOEIC
   
   The TOEIC program evaluates communication skills in English that are necessary in both daily life and the workplace. The TOEIC assessments are the most popular English language exams in the world, with scores from the exams trusted by 14,000+ organizations in more than 160 countries to help them make important decisions.
    
9. CELPIP
   
   The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program is a tool for assessing English language proficiency that evaluates speaking, reading, writing, and listening. A division of the University of British Columbia, Paragon Testing Enterprises, administers the exam. Only citizenship and permanent residence in Canada are the focus of CELPIP.
    
10. The Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL)
    
    Students who intend to attend Canadian universities can gauge their level of English language proficiency with the CAEL Test. It can be taken at a testing facility or online at home.

Pick The Right Test And Enter Your Dream Career

While English may sound like a simple language to learn, these exams are far from being easy. Therefore, before deciding to sit for any test, make sure you practice until you are sure about cracking it. Apart from these, you can also pursue an Internationally Accredited TEFL/TESOL Course if you are planning to teach English abroad. Just like proficiency exams, TEFL paves the gateway to teaching English while allowing you to live your dream of moving and settling abroad.

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