Types of English Proficiency Tests

In this blog, you will learn about different types of English proficiency tests.

English proficiency is an important tool for career success and progression, whether it is for higher education or job seeking. The International English Language Testing Systems [IELTS], Test of English as a Foreign Language [TOEFL], and PTE, as well as several more examinations that assess Business English proficiency and Communicative English for non-native speakers, are popular options for English Proficiency Tests. Let's look at the several test choices for outbound students and working professionals!

English Proficiency Test

Conducting Body

IELTS

Jointly by Cambridge Assessment English and

British Council

TOEFL

Educational Testing Service [ETS]

PTE Exams

Pearson PLC

IELTS Academic vs General

The IELTS test is classified into two parts: general and academic. It is one of the most popular English proficiency assessments in the world. While both tests assess one's command of the English language, the former is better suitable for job applicants moving abroad, while the latter is better suited for prospective students. you can read about the IELTS exam syllabus. more details in the following table.

IELTS

Particulars

Types 

IELTS General

IELTS Academic

Sections

Four Sections:

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening


[Listening and Speaking sections are the same in both types]

Time

2 hrs 45 minutes

Bands

1-9

Format

Computer and Paper based

TOEFL

The TOEFL exam, offered by ETS, is a widely recommended English Proficiency Test for students applying to institutions in the United States, Canada, France, and Germany, and it has global approval. While the TOEFL syllabus is comparable to that of IELTS, the Speaking portion, which is conducted through a microphone, differs significantly. It's important to note that the TOEFL was substantially revised in 2019. 

TOEFL

Particulars

Sections

Four Sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

Time

3 hrs 30 minutes

Scoring

0-120

Format

Computer-Based

PTE

The PTE tests, along with IELTS and TOEFL, are among the most popular worldwide assessments. It uses artificial intelligence to assess responses in order to produce fair results as an English proficiency test. It is also available at 250 test centres in more than 50 countries, and you can send your results to a variety of institutions. Learn about the PTE Exam Pattern and the distinctions between the PTE vs IELTS.

PTE

Particulars

Types

PTE Academic; 

PTE General; 

PTE Business English Tests

Sections

Four Sections: 

Speaking and Writing, Reading, Writing

Time

Approx 3 hours

Scoring

10-90 points

Format

Computer-Based