English language tests are increasingly important in people's academic and professional lives.
In this section, we outline the main English tests available worldwide, their key differences, and where to find more information about each.
Placement Test vs. Proficiency Test
A Placement Test (or Aptitude Test, in a free translation) is an assessment conducted to determine a student's language abilities. This type of assessment allows institutions to place students in classes appropriate for their level, and also helps in preparing lessons and materials. Many schools create their own tests, but it is also possible to acquire standardized Placement Tests, for example:
- The University of Michigan English Language Institute (ELI)
- The Basic English Skills Test (BEST)
- The Institutional TOEFL
The Proficiency Test (or Proficiency Test, in a free translation) is a standardized test that opens many doors for academic and professional advancement. Universities where English is the language of instruction require all prospective students from non-English-speaking countries to demonstrate proficiency through an exam prior to admission. Some companies also require proficiency tests for employees to be eligible for promotion. Below, we describe the most common English Proficiency Tests worldwide, how they work, and where you can find more detailed information about each.
English Proficiency Tests
- TOEFL: This is the most widely accepted test for students seeking admission to universities in the United States and is available in two formats: TOEFL iBT® and TOEFL ITP®. Both formats are administered at testing centers, but the TOEFL ITP® is exclusively administered at universities and is a paper-based test, whereas the TOEFL iBT® is a digital test. Regardless, both tests assess the four language skills: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. During the TOEFL iBT® exam, students answer some questions using a microphone; the Writing section has been expanded and requires not only an essay but also written responses to specific written and audio materials. The ability of students to combine their skills (for example, reading and listening to academic material and responding into a microphone) is highly emphasized. For more information, please visit the website: http://www.ets.org/toefl
- IELTS: The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is the preferred proficiency test in many English-speaking countries and is also gaining popularity in the United States. There are two versions: an academic qualification version for admission to colleges or universities, and a general English version for employment purposes. The IELTS is digital and includes sections for Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking. The Speaking section is conducted through a live interview with an examiner. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.ielts.org/
- MET: The Michigan English Test, or MET, is designed for students interested in university admission and consists of only three mandatory parts: Composition, Listening, and Grammar. The Speaking test is optional. The exam duration ranges from 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, depending on whether the Speaking test is taken. For more information, please visit the website: https://michiganassessment.org/michigan-tests/met/
- TOEIC: This test focuses more on workplace skills than academic English. There are two tests: a paper-based test for Listening and Reading skills, and a digital test for Speaking and Writing skills. The topics and subjects of the exam are geared towards individuals involved in international business who require English in a professional setting. The TOEIC is most popular in Pacific Rim countries (such as South Korea and Japan), as well as in Latin American countries. For more information, please visit the website: http://ets.org/toeic
Cambridge: Some Cambridge exams lead to a certificate indicating a certain level of proficiency, including the Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), the Cambridge Advanced English (CAE), and the Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE). The aforementioned tests are particularly recognized in Europe. For more information, please visit the website: http://cambridgeenglish.org/exams/
