English Language Tests: Which One Should You Take?

When it comes to choosing which English language test to take, things can quickly become confusing, with a number of different tests available and an array of acronyms to describe them.

So what exactly are the most commonly accepted English tests, what’s the difference between them all, and which one should you take if you’re looking to prove your English proficiency for work or study?

Let’s take a quick look at English language tests and how to select the right one for your needs…

A quick overview

If you’re looking to work, study, or live in an English speaking country such as Australia, an indication of your ability to speak and comprehend English is often required.

And generally, this proficiency is determined through a recognised English language test. These tests are designed to assess your English listening, speaking, writing and reading skills, with the results ranked into levels of proficiency.

The type of test you take along with the level of proficiency you need to attain will depend on what you’re seeking to do in that English speaking country.

In Australia, for example, most visas require demonstrated English language proficiency, with some requiring a specific minimum level of English ability.

The tests that are recognised in Australia for visa and immigration purposes, including student visas, are:

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System
• PTE- Pearson Test of English
• CAE- Cambridge English (also known as C1 Advanced)
• TOEFL iBT - Test of English as a Foreign Language
• OET- Occupational English Test (specifically for health professionals)

Although tests may be offered online or at home, only tests that are completed at a secure test centre are accepted by the Australian Government.

IELTS - International English Language Testing System

IELTS is one of the most recognised English language tests in the world, with two different test types available: General Training and Academic tests.

Both tests share the same speaking and listening sections, but when it comes to reading and writing, the language is designed to assess areas that are more relevant to each specific use.

IELTS General Training is most often used for immigration purposes and assesses everyday English language skills that you will need in social situations and in workplace environments.

It is used for:

• Immigration
• Work experience
• Training
• School/ college

IELTS General Training test at a glance

Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Four papers: Listening (30 mins), Reading (60 mins), Writing (60 mins) and Speaking (11-14 mins).

IELTS Academic applies to academic contexts and assesses your ability to study in English. It features language and terminology used in an academic setting, and is used for:

• University
• Higher education
• Professional registration

IELTS Academic Test at a glance

Time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Four papers: Listening (30 mins), Reading (60 mins), Writing (60 mins) and Speaking (11-14 mins).

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)

If you need to improve on one area or skill, IELTS also now offers the option to retake a specific test section (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking), rather than re-sitting the entire exam.

IELTS OSR is accepted in many countries, including Australia.

Looking to take an IELTS exam? Find the right English exam preparation course here.

PTE - Pearson Test of English

Recognised by governments, universities and professional bodies worldwide, the Pearson Test of English is a computer-based English test that assesses English speaking, writing, reading and listening skills.

Only the academic (PTE-A) version of this test is accepted for visa purposes in Australia, with the exam taking around two hours to complete.

PTE Test at a glance

Time: 2hrs 7mins

Three sections: Speaking & Writing (54-67 mins), Reading (30 mins) Listening (30 mins)

Looking to take the Pearson Test of English? Find the right English exam preparation course here.

CAE - Cambridge English (C1)

Also known as the C1 Advanced, the Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English language testing system, with the term ‘C1’ indicating the level of proficiency attained.

While the exam can be taken digitally or on paper, only paper based tests are currently accepted in Australia for visa purposes.

The test comprises four components and takes about four hours to complete.

The C1 Advanced proficiency indicates you can:

• follow an academic course at university level
• communicate effectively at a managerial and professional level
• participate with confidence in workplace meetings or academic tutorials and seminars
• express yourself with a high level of fluency

C1 Exam at a glance

Time: Four hours

Four components: Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 mins), Writing (1 hour 30 mins), Listening (40 mins), Speaking (15-23 mins)

Looking to take the C1? Find the right English exam preparation course here.

TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

TOEFL iBT is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and institutions in over 160 countries. Comprising the four components of reading, writing, listening and speaking, the test has an academic focus.

Content is drawn from “all areas of academic life” and the language used in the test closely reflects how English is used in everyday academic settings.

TOEFL iBT test at a glance

Time: 2.5 hours

Four components: Reading (35 mins), Listening (36 mins), Speaking (16 mins), Writing (29 mins).

Looking to take the TOEFL? Find the right English exam preparation course here.

OET - Occupational English Test

The Occupational English Test is specifically designed for health professionals, and is accepted by healthcare regulators, educational institutions, and visa and immigration services in English-speaking countries worldwide.

The test is tailored to 12 healthcare professions, including nursing, medicine and allied healthcare, and includes four components.

The Listening and Reading sections are common to all candidates while the Writing and Speaking components are profession-based, with language and terminology that reflects real workplace scenarios specific to one of the 12 professions.

The test can be completed using a computer or on paper.

OET test at a glance

Time: 2hrs 45mins

Four components: Listening (common to all test takers - 40 mins), Reading (common to all test takes - 60 mins), Writing (profession specific - 45 minutes),  Speaking (profession specific - 20 mins)

Preparing for your English test

Each of the different English language tests has practice and preparation materials available, and these are worth looking at prior to deciding which test might be right for you.

Meanwhile, there are a range of ELICOS courses that are specifically designed to prepare you for each of the English language proficiency tests.

You can search the options available here.