If you want to move abroad, get a job at a foreign organisation, or compete in international sporting events, you’ll need to prove that you can speak English fluently. There are a few free tests available to test your skills, but there are also several paid tests. The three most common tests are the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
In this blog post I compare these three tests so you know which one would be best for your situation.
IELTS – The General and Academic Tests
The International English Language Testing System is the most popular and commonly taken way to prove that you can speak English as a second language. IELTS is administered around the world, so it’s a great option if you live in a country (like China) where English isn’t commonly spoken. IELTS is also one of the most common ways to get into a foreign university (in countries like Australia and New Zealand), as well as get a job at some multinational companies.
To earn an IELTS certificate, you must take two tests:
General test: This test measures general English skills, such as your ability to use different parts of speech and communicate in various situations. It’s also used as a way to test your accent and how native-like your English is.
The Academic test: This test focuses more on your language skills for work, study or university. It’s used by universities, governments and employers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
This is the primary benefit of taking the Academic IELTS test:
If you want to go to a foreign university, get a job with a foreign company or move abroad permanently (and be around native English speakers), then you’ll need an IELTS score of 7 or better (depending on which country you want to go). Typically this means that you must pass both the General and Academic IELTS tests.
TOEFL – The Internet Based Test (iBT)
The TOEFL is the number 2 test in the world. It’s used by many U.S. universities and by other organisations to test your English skills. Like IELTS, it’s also commonly taken in countries where English isn’t spoken on a regular basis. TOEFL tests are administered in over 160 countries around the world (unlike IELTS which is only administered in 100+ countries).
To earn a TOEFL certificate, you must take the Internet Based Test (iBT). This is the only free version of the TOEFL available.
This is the primary benefit of taking the iBT:
If you want to go to a U.S. university, get a job with a U.S.-based company or move to another country permanently, then you’ll need an iBT score of 80 or better (depending on your country).
If you’re planning on going to an American university, getting a job with a U.S.-based company or moving abroad permanently (and being around native English speakers), then you should aim for an iBT score of 80 or better.
PTE – The Academic Test
The Pearson Test of English is a similar test to IELTS and TOEFL, but focuses more on academic skills. It’s not as common as IELTS or TOEFL, but it’s used by many universities in Australia and New Zealand and a few governments around the world.
PTE is also good for students who don’t want to take the TOEFL iBT or english proficiency test can be taken by those who want to work on their english skill.
The primary benefit of taking PTE:
It’s available in many areas where neither IELTS or TOEFL tests are given.
If you want to go to a U.S. university, get a job with a U.S.-based company or move to another country permanently (and be around native English speakers), then you’ll need a PTE score of 65 or better (depending on your country).
If you’re studying or working abroad, then you should aim for a PTE score of 80 or better.
Free Versus Paid Tests
IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are all paid tests (the PTE Academic test is free). However, if you want to take the General IELTS test, then you can find a few free options with minimal or no English skills required:
IELTS Lite : This is the easiest version of IELTS. It’s great for students who don’t have a lot of English skills because it’s administered in their native language. It’s available in over 65 countries.
iTEP : This test is similar to IELTS, but much easier (it has lower scores). It’s also offered entirely in a student’s native language. It’s available in over 75 countries. You can also test at home using iTEP, which is cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): This is the free version of the Pearson Test of English. It’s available in many countries around the world with minimal or no English skills required.
These tests are helpful, if you want to take an online English proficiency test, but you don’t want to pay for it or invest a lot of time studying for it (which is difficult to do if you’re working full-time).
Testing Options
If you want to test for an English proficiency certificate, then the chart above will help you choose which test to take. This chart is helpful because it helps you know which tests are related and which tests are similar.
If you’re living in a country where English isn’t common, then IELTS might be the best choice for you because it’s the most widely-accepted. If you’re going to school or working abroad, then IELTS is great because it demonstrates that you can speak English as a second language (you don’t need it if you plan on moving permanently or staying in your country). If this is your situation, then IELTS would be the best option.
TOEFL is good if you plan on going to a school where English is required (many schools around the world require students to take TOEFL tests). It’s also good if you want to go abroad or study at a U.S.-based university and also want an American IELTS score (these universities will typically accept an American TOEFL score instead of an international IELTS).
PTE Academic is another option that can give you an English skills certificate. It’s a good option if you want to study or work in many countries and don’t live in a country where the Pearson Test of English is offered (most countries have their own version of the test).
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