English proficiency tests are becoming increasingly important in people's academic and professional lives.
In this section, we outline the main English proficiency tests available worldwide, their key differences, and where to find more information about each one.
Placement Test vs. Proficiency Test
APlacement Testis an assessment conducted to determine a student’s language skills. It is the type of assessment that allows the institution to place the student in a class appropriate to their level, in addition to helping with the preparation of lessons and materials as a whole. Many schools develop their own tests, but it is also possible to purchase standardizedplacement tests, for example:
- The University of Michigan English Language Institute (ELI)
- The Basic English Skills Test (BEST)
- The Institutional TOEFL
TheProficiency Testis a type of standardized test that opens many doors to academic and professional advancement. Universities that offer instruction in English require all prospective students from countries where English is not the official language to demonstrate proficiency through an exam prior to admission. Some companies require proficiency tests for their employees to be eligible for a promotion. Below, we describe the most commonEnglishproficiency testsin the world, how they work, and where you can find even more detailed information about each one.
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 administered only at universities and is a paper-based test, while the TOEFL iBT® is a computer-based test. Regardless, both tests assess the four language skills:Reading,Listening,Speaking, andWriting. 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. Great emphasis is placed on students’ ability to combine their skills (for example, reading and listening to academic material and responding through the microphone). For more information, visit the website:http://www.ets.org/toefl
- IELTS: TheInternational English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is the preferred proficiency test in many English-speaking countries and is also gaining ground in the United States. There are two versions: one for academic purposes, which allows admission to colleges or universities, and one for general English for work. The IELTS is administered digitally and includes sections for Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking. The Speaking section is conducted as a live interview with an examiner. For more information, visit the website:https://www.ielts.org/
- MET: TheMichigan English Test(MET) is a test for students interested in enrolling in a university and consists of only three required sections:Composition,Listening, andGrammar. The Speaking section is optional. The test takes between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on whether the Speaking section is taken. For more information, visit the website:https://michiganassessment.org/michigan-tests/met/
- TOEIC: This test focuses more on workplace skills than on academic English. There are two tests: a paper-based test that assesses listening and reading skills, and a computer-based test that assesses speaking and writing skills. The topics and content of the test are geared toward those involved in international business who need English in the workplace. The TOEIC is most popular in countries along the Pacific Rim (such as South Korea and Japan), but it is also widely used in Latin American countries. For more information, visit the website:http://ets.org/toeic
Cambridge: Some Cambridge exams lead to a certificate indicating a certain level of proficiency, including theCambridge First Certificate in English(FCE), theCambridge Advanced English (CAE), and theCambridge Proficiency in English(CPE). These exams are particularly well-recognized in Europe. For more information, visit the website:http://cambridgeenglish.org/exams/
