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5 English proficiency tests you must know to study abroad

 You're definitely looking for English-taught degrees if you plan to study abroad. And, regardless of where you choose to study, you'll find plenty. You'll also see that you'll need a minimal English language score to demonstrate that you can follow lectures, engage in seminars, and finish your assignments.


Even if you have exceptional English skills, this is a requirement. Native English speakers are the only exception, however, each academic institution determines under what circumstances students are exempt from providing an English language certificate.

You can also enrol in an online English language preparation course. There are many options available, all of which make studying more convenient.

Most international colleges accept one, two, or three of the English language tests listed below:

Here are the top five tests to consider if you want to study abroad.


1.  IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international standardised test of English language competency. No minimum score is required to pass the test; it measures the candidate’s level of English from A1-C2.


There are two types of IELTS tests:



IELTS Academic - for persons who apply for higher education or professional registration in English speaking countries

IELTS General Training - for persons attending secondary education, job experience, or training programmes in English speaking nations

Both tests have the same format, but different levels of difficulty. We’ll focus on IELTS Academic, as that’s the test required for students applying to a university overseas. It consists of four parts:



Listening: 30 minutes

Academic Reading: 60 minutes

Academic Writing: 60 minutes

Speaking: 11-14 minutes with an examiner

It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish IELTS Academic.



Book an IELTS exam.



IETLS tests used to be accessible in two formats: paper and computer-based, but you could only take them at authorised test centres.



But from early 2022 onwards, students will have the possibility to take IELTS Online — the same version and format of IELTS Academic, but available from the comfort of your home, utilizing a computer linked to the internet, a webcam, and a wired headset.



2.  TOEFL®
TOEFL® (Test of English as a Foreign Language) was established to address the challenge of certifying English language proficiency for non-native speakers who wanted to study at US colleges.

However, the TOEFL iBT® test is typically accepted around the world as proof of language proficiency for other purposes as well, including work and immigration.

TOEFL iBT® consists of four parts:

Reading: 54-72 minutes
Listening: 41-57 minutes
Speaking: 17 minutes, answers are registered via a microphone
Writing: 50 minutes
It takes 3 hours to finish TOEFL® iBT.

Book a TOEFL iBT® test.

This is a computer-based test. TOEFL® also offers a redesigned paper-delivered test, however, it is only offered in regions without an internet connection.

The newest component of the TOEFL® family is the TOEFL® iBT Home Edition test. It allows students to pass the same TOEFL® iBT test but from the convenience of their homes. Just like the IELTS test, TOEFL® certificates expire after two years.




3.  PTE Academic
PTE Academic is an English language test developed by Pearson. When compared to the other tests, it distinguishes out through the computer (AI-based) evaluation system and the speed with which results are delivered to test takers (typically, in less than 5 business days) (usually, in less than 5 business days).

The test contains 3 parts:

Speaking and Writing: 54-67 minutes
Reading: 29-30 minutes
Listening: 30-43 minutes
It takes 2 hours to finish PTE Academic.



4.  C1 Advanced
C1 Advanced (previously known as Cambridge English Advanced – CAE) is the advanced general English test administered by the Cambridge English Language Assessment facility in England. The examination has four parts:

Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 30 minutes
Writing: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Listening: 40 minutes
Speaking: 15 minutes




5.  B2 First 
B2 First (previously known as Cambridge English First – FCE) is designed by Cambridge English (part of the University of Cambridge) and is the most in-depth and concentrated exam accessible at Level B2 of the CEFR.

B2 First qualification can be used to apply for foundation, route, and higher education programmes delivered in English around the world. The exam is made up of four sections:

Reading and Use of English: 1 hour 15 minutes
Writing: 1 hour 20 minutes
Listening: 40 minutes
Speaking: 14 minutes



Minimum required scores for English language tests
The minimal English language scores vary a lot depending on the nature of the academic institution, its prestige, course complexity, and so on. To offer you a general idea:

Minimum IELTS Academic scores range from 5.0 – 7.0
Minimum TOEFL® iBT scores range between 65 – 90
Minimum PTE Academic scores range from 50 – 65 \sC1 Advanced scores: A, B, or C
B2 First scores: A, B, or C











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