How can you prove that you know English: all types of international exams

International English exams are generally recognized exams that test your level of English proficiency. They are designed for people for whom English is not their native language. There are many types of testing. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the features of each test in advance, as well as find out how long the certificate is valid and determine which exam is right for you, advises buki.

International certificates of knowledge of English are needed:

• entering foreign higher educational institutions;
• those who want to officially find a job abroad;
• to obtain family, civil, work and student visas;
• participants in international student exchange programs;
• participants of certified professional programs, forums, scientific conferences

TOEFL

The most common test, recognized in more than 130 countries around the world. This exam focuses on American English. It must be passed by those wishing to receive higher education abroad. The test has an academic level of difficulty. Exam materials are used in a scientific and educational environment. The Reading section provides for 3-4 popular science articles. Listening - 4-6 excerpts of texts and dialogues. Writing - writing an essay on the proposed topic and an essay based on the text read or listened to. Speaking - quick answers to several questions and voluminous reasoning about the topic of the text you have heard or read. The examinee speaks into the microphone, his answers are recorded. These records are then listened to by the commission. And also they can be sent to the necessary universities.

The total number of points is 120, 30 for each section. The test participant needs to complete from 78 to 115 tasks compiled for Intermediate-Advanced levels. Therefore, the preparation for this exam should be thorough.

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IELTS

A popular and in-demand type of testing, which is recognized in more than 120 countries. The exam is focused on British English. It is common in the UK, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Asian countries. There are 3 types of IELTS, which are taken for different purposes.

• Academic - they are taken for admission to foreign universities, as well as for employment.
• General - allows you to use a foreign language for work or obtaining a civil visa.
• Life Skills - handed over to obtain a family visa, internship or relocation. Language proficiency is tested at levels A1-B1. The exam consists of sections Listening and Speaking.

The academic and general levels differ only in the Reading and Writing sections. Academic texts are, of course, more complex and voluminous. Unlike TOEFL, there are no combined tests in IELTS. The Speaking section is an interview with the examiner. And this section can be taken separately from the main part of the exam - a week before or after it. Evaluation scale - from 0 to 9 points. The certificate in English has a limited validity period - 2 years from the date of receipt of the result.

Cambridge tests

The Cambridge test group covers 5 exams of different difficulty levels - from basic to professional. The tests are developed according to the principles of the Common European Recommendations for Language Education. They are preferred in the UK, Austria, France, and are also recognized in more than 85 countries. This certificate has an unlimited validity period. There is a computer version, as well as a paper exam. To complete the tasks, 3-6 hours are allocated, depending on the level of complexity of the test. Reading, Listening and Writing usually take place on the same day. And the interview with the examiner is conducted separately. Speaking is taken in tandem with another candidate. The levels of knowledge are:

• KET - tests basic English skills (A1-A2). In tasks, they check the vocabulary of everyday situations. It is advised to take it to schoolchildren over 15 years old or adults who want to travel.
• PET - confirms language proficiency at an intermediate level (B1). This exam is recommended for candidates over 15 years of age and adults who want to consolidate their language skills in everyday communication.
• FCE - checks the level above average (B2). A successful result guarantees the opportunity to study at preparatory courses for admission to a foreign university, employment, in general, not related to professional communication. The certificate is accepted by Ernst and Young, Marks and Spencers, StudyPortals, Deloitte, HSBC. The test consists of 5 parts: reading, writing, listening, speaking practice and using English.
• CAE is a test for advanced language users (C1). It provides an opportunity to enter almost all universities in the UK and other countries, and also allows you to find a job in international companies such as IBM, British Airways, Nestle, Deloitte, Dell.
• CPE is a test that checks knowledge of English at the native level (C2). Suitable for translators, teachers of higher educational institutions.

There are also professional varieties:

BEC is a necessary test for entrepreneurs and employees of international companies. Business English is confirmed at the Upper-Intermediate, Advanced and Proficiency levels.

TKT – confirms the professional language skills of secondary school and university teachers. In addition to the typical components of testing, questions on teaching methods are added. The difficulty of the tasks is Upper Intermediate and above.

ILEC – checks knowledge of legal English (levels B2-C2).

HFpEF – checks the knowledge of financial terminology in English (levels B2-C2).

There is a separate type of Cambridge exams for children:

CYLE - a test designed to test the knowledge of the English language of children 7-12 years old. Consists of 3 levels corresponding to the age categories Starters, Movers and Flyers. It helps children prepare for serious English exams in the future.

Preparation for the international Cambridge exams takes from six months to 2 years.

WHICH INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH EXAM SHOULD I TAKE

Which English exam to choose is up to you. After all, only you know where you want to study or work. Here is an approximate algorithm of actions that will help you decide on the test.

Make a list of universities/companies where you want to study or work. Note which countries they are in. Find out the necessary information about the conditions of admission / employment. In particular, the list and deadlines for submitting documents, the type of exam and the passing score. Go to the official websites, or better, contact the administration of the university/company directly.

Learn everything about the upcoming exam, and then evaluate your level objectively. If several types of exams are suitable, choose the one that seems most comfortable. Take a trial test on the official exam site. This way you will see your weaknesses. Enlist the help of an experienced teacher who will help determine the preparation time. Use all possible resources. Attend courses, conversation clubs. Periodically take a mock exam online. Compare each result with the previous one and note the progress.